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.
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
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