Description
A delicate and creamy custard cake featuring a light, airy texture achieved by folding stiff egg whites into a smooth batter. This delicious dessert combines the rich flavors of vanilla, butter, and milk, baked to perfection with a golden top and a soft custard layer underneath, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups whole milk, warm
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Finishing
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Beat Egg Whites: Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Stiff peaks mean when you lift the beaters, the peaks stand straight without collapsing. Set aside.
- Mix Egg Yolks, Sugar, and Vanilla: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light in color and creamy in texture.
- Add Butter and Milk: Gradually whisk in the melted butter and warm milk into the egg yolk mixture, blending well until smooth and consistent.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet ingredients. Stir gently to combine without overmixing, keeping the batter smooth.
- Fold in Egg Whites: Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the batter in three parts. Do not fully blend; leave some white streaks. This keeps the batter airy and light, though it will look thin.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard layer is set but still tender.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into squares and dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Be careful when folding egg whites to retain the batter’s light texture.
- Use warm milk to help all ingredients blend smoothly.
- Check the cake by gently shaking it; the center should be set but slightly jiggly.
- Cooling the cake completely ensures the custard sets properly before slicing.
- Dusting with powdered sugar adds a subtle sweetness and attractive finish.
