Kue Lapis Legit (Indonesian Layer Cake)

• •20 piece Egg Yolks (from large eggs)
• •200 Granulated Sugar
• •400 g Unsalted Butter (softened)
• •50 ml Sweetened Condensed Milk
• •50 g All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
• •1 tsp Nutmeg Powder
• •1 tsp Cinnamon Powder
• •1 tsp Ground Cloves
• •1 tsp Ground Cardamom
• •1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven's broiler to low-medium heat (around 175°C or 350°F). Line a 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Grease the parchment paper and sides of the pan lightly.

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes). Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.

3. 3

   In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg yolks with granulated sugar until pale yellow and thick, resembling a ribbon stage (about 5-7 minutes).

4. 4

   Gently fold the egg yolk mixture into the creamed butter mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. 5

   Sift the all-purpose flour and all the spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom) over the batter. Gently fold them in until no streaks of dry ingredients remain. Your batter is now ready.

6. 6

   Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly into a thin layer. Ensure the layer is very thin and covers the entire base. Place the pan under the preheated broiler.

7. 7

   Broil the first layer for 3-5 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Watch it carefully to prevent burning.

8. 8

   Once the first layer is golden, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Using a cake press or the back of a spoon, gently press down on the cooked layer to flatten it and remove any air bubbles. This creates a denser, more compact cake.

9. 9

   Spoon another 2-3 tablespoons of batter over the pressed layer, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the broiler and cook for another 3-5 minutes until golden.

10. 10

    Repeat steps 8 and 9, pressing each cooked layer and adding a new thin layer of batter, until all the batter is used. This process will take a significant amount of time (around 1.5 - 2 hours total cooking time), as you'll be building 15-20 thin layers.

11. 11

    Once the final layer is cooked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial for the cake to set properly.

12. 12

    Once completely cooled, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift the cake out of the pan. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. For best results, chill the cake in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before slicing. Slice with a sharp, thin knife into desired portions.

Chef's Tips

• 💡Patience is key! Each layer must be cooked properly before adding the next. Watch your broiler closely as cooking times can vary.
• 💡Using a cake press or a flat, heavy object (like another smaller baking pan) to gently press each layer after cooking helps to create the signature dense, compact texture of Kue Lapis Legit.
• 💡For the most authentic flavor, ensure your spices are fresh and aromatic. You can adjust the spice blend to your preference, adding a touch more star anise or white pepper if desired.
• 💡Chill the cake overnight before slicing for cleaner, more defined layers and a firmer texture.