Milk cake, a delectable Indian sweet, is a symphony of flavors and textures that has captivated taste buds for generations. Its creamy, rich consistency and subtle sweetness make it a favorite among both young and old. This recipe, meticulously crafted to guide you through every step, will empower you to create your own masterpiece in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 liter full-fat milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup condensed milk
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron strands, soaked in warm milk
- 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
Equipment
- Thick-bottomed saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Thermometer
- Baking dish
- Parchment paper
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Milk
- Heat the milk: Pour the milk into the saucepan and place it over medium heat.
- Stir continuously: Use a wooden spoon to stir the milk constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Monitor the temperature: Keep a close eye on the temperature of the milk. You want it to simmer gently without boiling over.
Step 2: Adding the Sweeteners
- Introduce the sugar: Once the milk has simmered for a few minutes, gradually add the granulated sugar. Stir until it dissolves completely.
- Incorporate the condensed milk: Add the condensed milk to the mixture and stir well. This will enhance the sweetness and creaminess of the milk cake.
Step 3: Thickening the Milk
- Simmer and stir: Continue simmering the milk mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens significantly. This process can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes.
- Test for consistency: To check if the milk is thick enough, take a small amount and drop it onto a plate. If it doesn’t spread immediately and holds its shape, it’s ready.
Step 4: Infusing with Flavors
- Add cardamom and saffron: Stir in the cardamom powder and the saffron-infused milk. These spices will impart a delicate aroma and flavor to the milk cake.
Step 5: Cooking the Milk Cake
- Grease the baking dish: Line a baking dish with parchment paper and grease the paper lightly with ghee.
- Pour the mixture: Pour the thickened milk mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is set.
Step 6: Garnishing and Serving
- Cool and garnish: Let the milk cake cool completely before removing it from the baking dish. Garnish with chopped almonds and pistachios.
- Serve: Cut the milk cake into desired shapes and serve it chilled.
Tips and Variations
- For a richer flavor: Use full-cream milk and add a few tablespoons of heavy cream to the mixture.
- To add a touch of citrus: Zest a lemon or orange and add the zest to the milk mixture before baking.
- For a healthier option: Use low-fat or skim milk and reduce the amount of sugar.
- To make it vegan: Use plant-based milk, vegan condensed milk, and vegan butter.
Conclusion
Creating a perfect milk cake requires patience and attention to detail. By following these steps and experimenting with different flavors and variations, you can elevate your culinary skills and delight your loved ones with a truly unforgettable dessert. So, gather your ingredients, don your apron, and embark on this delightful culinary journey.