Milk Slice

The dessert I propose to you today is a soft, delicious cake that is perfect for all ages, ideal for festive moments or simply to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. This cake has been made with a lot of love for Christmas, but it is just as good at any other time of the year. It is a simple recipe, but with a spectacular result!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

For the layers:
- 4 eggs
- 80 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 2 tablespoons semolina
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 20 ml milk
- 100 ml oil

For the cream:
- 200 g condensed milk (ideally homemade for an authentic taste)
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 100 ml milk
- 6 g gelatin
- 1 tablespoon honey
- vanilla essence

Preparation of the layers

1. Beat the eggs: In a large bowl, start by whisking the 4 egg yolks with the sugar and vanilla sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color. This step is essential for achieving an airy texture.

2. Add the dry ingredients: Sift together the flour, cocoa, semolina, and baking powder. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the egg yolk mixture, gently mixing to avoid losing the incorporated air.

3. Incorporate the liquids: Pour in the oil, milk, and honey, continuing to mix carefully until homogeneous. It is important to use quality oil, which will contribute to the moisture of the cake.

4. Beat the egg whites: In another bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This step will give the cake a fluffy and light texture. Make sure the bowl is completely clean and dry to achieve the best results.

5. Combine: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the egg yolk mixture using a spatula, with slow movements from top to bottom.

6. Bake the layers: Divide the mixture into two baking trays (approximately 30x34 cm) lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 165 degrees Celsius for about 15 minutes or until the surface is firm and a toothpick comes out clean. Let the layers cool in the trays to avoid breaking them.

Preparation of the cream

1. Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the condensed milk with 50 ml of milk, honey, and vanilla essence. This mixture will add a special flavor to the cream.

2. Dissolve the gelatin: In a small container, dissolve the gelatin in the remaining milk over very low heat, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once the gelatin is completely dissolved, pour it into the condensed milk mixture.

3. Incorporate the cream: Whip the liquid cream until it becomes firm, then carefully fold it into the condensed milk mixture. This step will give the cream a rich and airy texture.

4. Cooling: Cover the cream and let it chill in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours to firm up. It is crucial for the cream to be well chilled to remain firm between the layers of cake.

Assembling the cake

1. Fill the layers: Once the cream has set, carefully remove the layers from the tray and place one of them on a platter. Spread the cream evenly over the first layer, then cover with the second layer.

2. Final cooling: Cover the cake with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least one hour before slicing. This step allows the flavors to blend harmoniously.

Serving suggestions

This soft cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of fragrant tea or a strong espresso. It can also be served alongside fresh fruits, such as strawberries or raspberries, for a pleasant contrast of flavors. Another delicious idea is to garnish it with a bit of melted chocolate or chopped nuts, adding a nice texture.

Possible variations

If you want to add a touch of originality to the recipe, you can try the following variations:
- Use dark cocoa for a more intense flavor.
- Replace honey with maple syrup for a different taste.
- Add dried fruits or chopped nuts to the condensed milk cream.

Nutritional benefits

Although it is a dessert, this cake contains nutritious ingredients that make it healthier than many other sweets. The eggs provide quality protein, while honey is a natural sweetener with antioxidants. Gelatin helps maintain joint health, and the cream adds a boost of calcium.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use plant-based milk instead of regular milk?
Yes, you can use almond milk, coconut milk, or any other type of plant-based milk, but it is recommended to choose one without added sugars.

2. How can I make the cream less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the condensed milk or use unsweetened cream.

3. How long can the cake be stored in the refrigerator?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, but it is best in the first 2 days after preparation.

This soft cake recipe will surely become a favorite in your family. With each slice, you will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones and create beautiful memories around the table. So let’s get cooking and enjoy this delicacy!