Kūka with Condensed Milk and Cream

This delightful cake is a perfect dessert for any occasion, featuring layers of thin cake soaked in condensed milk and whipped cream. The cake is sweet yet light, making it a crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy creamy textures without overwhelming sweetness. Preparing this cake involves creating a batter similar to pancake batter, poured into thin layers and baked until golden. After baking, the layers are stacked with whipped cream or a creamy filling of your choice. The result is a beautifully layered, creamy delight that transports you to a world of sweetness. Although simple to prepare, the cake feels luxurious and special, perfect for celebrations or a lovely tea-time treat. You can choose to decorate this cake, but its elegance shines through even without any embellishments. For best results, allow the cake to rest, letting the flavors meld, creating a more cohesive taste. If you're adventurous, experiment with different fillings, including custards or flavored creams. Enjoy the unique texture and taste of this cake, finding joy in its simplicity and elegance.

Ingredients

For the Cake Layers:

• 100 g all-purpose flour
• 1 can of condensed milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For the Whipped Cream:

• 300 g heavy cream
• Sugar to taste
• Vanilla sugar

Preparation Time

Total time: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Gather your ingredients and make sure everything is measured out and ready to use.
2. In a bowl, crack the egg and gently whisk.
3. Add the condensed milk to the egg, blending them thoroughly.
4. In another bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Gradually incorporate this mixture into the egg and milk, stirring until smooth.
5. You should aim for a batter consistency similar to sour cream; adjust as needed.
6. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
7. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, readying it for the batter.
8. Pour a small scoop of batter onto the parchment, using a spatula or spoon to spread it evenly into a circle; aim for a diameter of approximately 21 cm.
9. Depending on sheet size, you can bake 2 circles at once. Plan for about 7 rounds total, adjusting for desired thickness.
10. Bake each layer for 5-7 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden brown.
11. Carefully peel off the parchment paper from the baked layers while still warm, making it easier to handle.
12. Allow the layers to fully cool on a wire rack before assembly.
13. Prepare the whipped cream by beating the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla sugar until soft peaks form.
14. To assemble, place one cake layer on your serving platter and spread a generous amount of whipped cream over it.
15. Repeat the process, layering cake and cream, until all layers are used.
16. There are many options for filling, such as sour cream or custard—experiment or stick with whipped cream for its simplicity.
17. For a larger cake, double the batter amount to make one 26-28 cm cake layer at a time.
18. Consider decorating the cake for an added visual touch, but enjoy its natural elegance as is.
19. Allow the assembled cake to rest for a few hours or overnight to enhance flavor merging.
20. Slice, serve, and enjoy the delightful layers and creamy filling.

Tips

• Use room temperature ingredients for better batter consistency.
• Be gentle when handling the layers to avoid breakages.
• Test the cake's doneness by pressing a fingertip on the surface; it should spring back lightly.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 350 per slice
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 35g

Variations

• Substitute sour cream or custard fillings for different flavors.
• Add a dash of cinnamon to the batter for a spiced version.
• Use low-fat cream for a lighter version.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a lovely afternoon treat.
• Serve with a side of fresh berries to complement the sweetness.
• Garnish with toasted nuts or chocolate shavings for added texture.

Best Places

1. Pasticceria Marchesi - Known for exquisite cakes. Location: Via Santa Maria alla Porta 11/A, Milan, Italy.
2. Ladurée - Famed for its pastries and refined settings. Location: 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France.
3. Konditorei-Café Heinemann - Renowned for its delicious Kuchen. Location: Königsallee 1, Düsseldorf, Germany.
4. Demel - Offers a historical cake journey. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
5. Cafe Savoy - Known for its coffee and cakes. Location: Vitezna 5, Prague, Czech Republic.
6. Pecados de María - Catalonian specialities. Location: Carrer de Balmes 123, Barcelona, Spain.
7. Claridge's - Afternoon tea with delightful cakes. Location: Brook St, Mayfair, London, UK.
8. Tartine Bakery - Known for its innovative pastries. Location: Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.
9. Balthazar Bakery - Parisian influence in baking. Location: Spring St, New York, USA.
10. Vete-Katten - Elegant sweets and breads. Location: Kungsgatan 55, Stockholm, Sweden.