Handwritten recipe for Hot Milk Cake
by: salvagedrecipes

Hot Milk Cake

Hot Milk Cake
Hot Milk Cake is a classic American dessert known for its moist, tender crumb and delicate vanilla flavor. Made by warming milk and butter before adding it to the batter, this technique ensures a rich, soft texture that remains fresh for days. Traditionally served plain, it’s also a perfect base for strawberries and whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. This comforting, no-fuss cake gained popularity in early 20th-century kitchens for its simplicity and reliable results.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 205 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 eggs (beaten separately)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp lemon extract (or vanilla extract)
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 tbsp butter (approx. walnut-size piece)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Eggs and Sugar

  • Beat egg whites and yolks separately.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the beaten yolks with sugar. Beat together for 5 minutes until thick and pale.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

  • Gradually add dry ingredients to the egg-sugar mixture. Mix well.

Step 4: Add Flavoring

  • Stir in lemon extract.

Step 5: Heat Milk and Butter

  • In a small saucepan, heat milk until very hot. Add butter and stir until melted.

Step 6: Final Mix and Fold

  • Gradually pour hot milk mixture into the batter, stirring constantly. Gently fold in beaten egg whites until fully incorporated.

Step 7: Bake

  • Pour batter into a greased and floured 8-inch round or square cake pan.
  • Bake in a preheated slow oven (approx. 325°F / 165°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Tips

  • Warm the milk just until steaming, not boiling, to avoid curdling
  • Beat the eggs and sugar thoroughly to achieve a light crumb
  • Sift the flour with baking powder for even distribution
  • Add lemon extract sparingly; a little goes a long way
  • Serve warm with whipped cream or berries
  • Dust with powdered sugar for a simple finish
  • Bake in a shallow pan for even cooking
  • This cake pairs well with coffee or tea
  • Can be baked a day ahead and wrapped tightly
  • Avoid overmixing once flour is added

Nutrition

Calories: 205kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 0.8mg
Keyword comfort food, from scratch, hot milk cake, old-fashioned dessert, retro baking, simple cake, vintage cake
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