Spekkoek Thousand Layer Spice Cake
Delight in the intricate beauty and unparalleled flavor of Spekkoek, the Thousand Layer Spice Cake, a traditional Indonesian-Dutch dessert that’s as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. This decadent cake is built layer by delicate layer under the broiler, alternating between a buttery vanilla batter and a warmly spiced batter infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom. The result is a stunning, multi-striped cake that’s rich, moist, and laced with aromatic spices, perfect for special occasions or afternoon tea. While the process requires patience, the reward is a show-stopping dessert with a unique melt-in-your-mouth texture. Slice thin and pair with coffee or tea to elevate any gathering with its exquisite layers and bold flavors.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams Unsalted butter
- 200 grams Powdered sugar
- 10 pieces Egg yolks
- 5 pieces Egg whites
- 100 grams All-purpose flour
- 50 grams Cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons Sweetened condensed milk
- 1.5 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoons Ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoons Ground cloves
- 0.5 teaspoons Ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) and grease an 8-inch square or round cake pan. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
Gradually add the egg yolks to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and sweetened condensed milk and mix until fully incorporated.
In a separate clean bowl, whisk the egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Sift together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch in another bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and egg yolk mixture, folding gently to combine.
Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter in three additions, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
Divide the batter equally into two bowls. In one bowl, mix in the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom to create the spiced layer batter. Leave the other batter plain.
Spoon a thin layer of the plain batter (about 2-3 tablespoons) into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Place the pan under the broiler (top heat) for 2-3 minutes until the layer is lightly golden.
Remove the pan from the oven and spoon a layer of the spiced batter over the first layer, spreading evenly. Broil again for 2-3 minutes until golden. Repeat alternating plain and spiced batters until all the batter is used, creating a layered effect.
Once the final layer is baked, turn off the broiler and bake the entire cake in a preheated 180°C (356°F) oven for an additional 10 minutes to ensure it is fully cooked.
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, then run a knife around the edges to loosen it. Invert the cake onto a serving plate and remove the parchment paper.
Slice the Spekkoek into thin pieces and serve at room temperature. Enjoy this rich, spiced treat with a cup of tea or coffee!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3952 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 264.8 g | 339% | |
| Saturated Fat | 143.4 g | 717% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 2412 mg | 804% | |
| Sodium | 1633 mg | 71% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 358.4 g | 130% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.4 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 219.4 g | ||
| Protein | 60.3 g | 121% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.7 mcg | 23% | |
| Calcium | 473 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 10.5 mg | 58% | |
| Potassium | 816 mg | 17% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
