Creamy Milk Cake

Here’s a detailed recipe for Creamy Milk Cake, also known as Malai Cake, which is rich, soft, and creamy. I’ll break it down step by step.

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Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour (maida)

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 4 large eggs

• 1 cup (200g) sugar

• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk

• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream or fresh cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Milk Syrup (Soaking Mixture):

• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk

• ¼ cup (60ml) sweetened condensed milk

• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, adjust sweetness)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Sliced almonds, pistachios, or dried fruits

• A pinch of cardamom powder

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan with butter and lightly dust with flour, or line it with parchment paper.

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Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

2. Set aside.

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Step 3: Whip Eggs and Sugar

1. In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and doubles in volume. This usually takes 5–7 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.

2. Add vanilla extract and mix gently.

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Step 4: Incorporate Milk & Cream

1. Slowly pour in milk and cream, mixing gently until combined.

2. Add the melted butter and fold it in carefully.

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Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula.

2. Be gentle—do not overmix. Overmixing will make the cake dense.

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Step 6: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

2. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

3. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

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Step 7: Prepare Milk Syrup

1. While the cake is cooling, combine milk, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar in a small saucepan.

2. Warm the mixture on low heat until sugar dissolves. Do not boil.

3. Let it cool slightly.

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Step 8: Soak the Cake

1. Prick the cake all over with a fork or skewer.

2. Slowly pour the milk syrup over the warm cake, allowing it to absorb completely.

3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours, preferably overnight, for a rich, creamy texture.

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Step 9: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle chopped almonds, pistachios, or cardamom powder on top.

2. Slice and serve chilled.

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Tips for a Perfect Creamy Milk Cake

• Use full-fat milk and cream for the richest taste.

• Folding gently preserves the cake’s fluffiness.

• Letting the cake soak overnight makes it super creamy and soft.

• You can also add a few drops of rose water or saffron strands for extra flavor.