Description
Discover the magic of a cake that bakes into three distinct layers from a single batter: a rich custard, a creamy flan, and a light cake. This fascinating dessert is surprisingly simple to make and a delight to behold and eat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and vegetable oil. Add this to the batter and mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- In a small saucepan, heat the water and the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. Cook for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Carefully pour the hot sugar syrup evenly over the batter in the baking pan.
- Place the baking pan in a larger pan and fill the larger pan with about an inch of hot water (this creates a water bath).
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the cake layer is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake part comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the layers to set.
- To serve, invert the cake onto a serving platter. The flan layer will be on the bottom, followed by the custard, and then the cake layer on top.
Notes
- Ensure your water bath has enough water to come up about an inch on the sides of your baking pan.
- Chilling the cake thoroughly is crucial for the layers to set properly.
- You can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Sugar: Approximately 40-50g
- Sodium: Approximately 150-200mg
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 5-8g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 10-12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g
- Fiber: Less than 1g
- Protein: Approximately 6-8g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 100-120mg