This Luscious Condensed Milk Cake is a delightful and surprisingly simple dessert that delivers an incredibly moist, tender crumb and a rich, sweet flavor profile. Its unique character comes from the star ingredient: condensed milk, which not only contributes a profound sweetness but also imparts a deep caramel-like undertone and an unparalleled moistness that keeps the cake fresh for days. Unlike many traditional cakes that rely heavily on butter or oil for moisture, the condensed milk acts as a primary source of hydration and richness, resulting in a cake that is dense yet incredibly tender, almost custard-like in its texture. The golden-brown top, sometimes slightly caramelized from baking, offers a beautiful contrast to the pale, creamy interior. It’s a versatile cake that can be enjoyed plain, allowing its inherent flavors to shine, or dressed up with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, a light glaze, or fresh berries. This cake is a perfect choice for those seeking a comforting, straightforward baking project that yields impressive results, making it a beloved staple in many households for its ease, deliciousness, and universal appeal.
The magic of this Luscious Condensed Milk Cake lies in the transformative power of condensed milk when integrated into a cake batter. Condensed milk, which is essentially cow’s milk with water removed and sugar added, provides a concentrated source of sweetness and dairy richness that creates a distinct flavor and texture profile in baked goods. In this cake, it contributes to an exceptionally fine, dense, and moist crumb that feels luxurious on the palate, almost bridging the gap between a cake and a custard or flan. The sugars in the condensed milk caramelize slightly during baking, giving the cake its beautiful golden crust and adding another layer of subtle toasted flavor. The use of all-purpose flour combined with a leavening agent like baking powder ensures a soft, tender lift without making the cake overly airy, maintaining that signature density. Eggs provide structure and further richness, while a touch of vanilla extract rounds out the sweetness with a classic aromatic note. The simplicity of the ingredient list belies the depth of flavor and the satisfying texture achieved, making it an approachable recipe for bakers of all skill levels. It’s a comforting dessert that evokes a sense of home-baked goodness, ideal for sharing with family and friends or simply enjoying a slice with a cup of tea or coffee. Its ability to remain moist for several days makes it an excellent candidate for make-ahead desserts or for gifting, solidifying its place as a truly luscious and reliable cake recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional for serving: powdered sugar for dusting, fresh berries, or a simple glaze
Instructions:
- Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, an 8×8 inch square baking pan, or a loaf pan. For extra assurance against sticking, you can also line the bottom with parchment paper after greasing, then grease and flour the parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar on medium speed until light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process typically takes about 3-5 minutes. Proper creaming incorporates air, which is essential for the cake’s texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the 3 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
- Stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Condensed Milk:
- Pour the entire 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk into the mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. The mixture might look slightly curdled at this point, but don’t worry; it will come together once the dry ingredients are added.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture in the large bowl, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be very careful not to overmix the batter, as overmixing can lead to a dense or tough cake. Mix only until no streaks of flour are visible.
- Pour into Pan and Bake:
- Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 50-65 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown on top, springs back when lightly touched in the center, and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary significantly depending on your oven and the type of pan used (a round cake pan might bake faster than a loaf pan).
- Cool the Cake:
- Once baked, remove the cake pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for about 10-15 minutes.
- After partial cooling, carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from becoming soggy on the bottom and allows air to circulate around it.
- Serve:
- Once completely cooled, slice and serve. For an elegant touch, dust with powdered sugar or serve with fresh berries. A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a touch of milk or lemon juice can also be drizzled over the top for extra sweetness and moisture.
Tips for a Perfectly Luscious Condensed Milk Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature. This helps them emulsify properly, creating a smooth, well-combined batter that holds air for a lighter texture.
- Do Not Overmix: This is paramount for a tender cake. Mix the flour in until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the cake tough and dry.
- Pan Size Matters: The baking time will vary based on the size and type of pan you use. A larger, shallower pan will bake faster than a smaller, deeper one. Adjust baking time as needed, always relying on the toothpick test.
- Don’t Open Oven Door Too Early: Resist the urge to open the oven door during the first two-thirds of the baking time, as this can cause the cake to sink.
- Condensed Milk Quality: While most brands are similar, using a good quality sweetened condensed milk will contribute to the overall flavor.
- Variations:
- Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the wet ingredients for a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Coconut: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded sweetened coconut with the dry ingredients for a tropical twist.
- Spices: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can add a warm, subtle complexity.
- Glaze: A simple glaze of powdered sugar mixed with a tablespoon or two of milk or lemon juice creates an extra layer of sweetness and moisture.
- Storage: This cake stays incredibly moist due to the condensed milk. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
Enjoy this truly luscious and comforting Condensed Milk Cake!