Give this Mexican-inspired cake a festive twist using ginger and cinnamon. The cake is soaked in a trio of sweetened milks, then topped with whipped cream
Prep:30 mins
Serves 10 – 12
flavourless oil, for the tin4 eggs, separated200g muscovado sugar1 tsp vanilla extract200g plain flour1 tsp baking powder1½ tsp ground ginger1 tsp ground cinnamon, plus a pinch100ml milk410g can evaporated milk200ml sweetened condensed milk, plus 2 tbsp300ml double cream
STEP 1Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Oil a 23cm springform cake tin that’s at least 6cm deep and line the base with baking parchment. Put the egg whites in a large bowl with a pinch of salt, and beat using an electric whisk until foamy, about 3 mins. Slowly add 150g of the sugar, a spoonful at a time, whisking continuously until thick and glossy.STEP 2Mix the egg yolks, remaining sugar and vanilla together in a second bowl for 2 mins, or until pale and foamy. Add the flour, baking powder, spices and milk, then fold together using a spatula.STEP 3Add a large spoonful of the whipped egg whites to the cake batter, beat to loosen, then fold through the remaining egg whites using a large metal spoon (don’t over-mix, or you’ll knock out the air) until smooth. Pour this into the tin, smooth the surface and bake for 40-45 mins until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Combine the evaporated and condensed milks with 50ml of the double cream.STEP 4Leave the cake to cool in the tin for 10-15 mins, then carefully invert onto a serving plate or cake stand and remove the parchment. (Be sure to use a plate or stand with a slight lip to catch the excess milk.) Leave to cool for another 10 mins.STEP 5Poke holes over the cake with a skewer and, while it’s still warm, slowly pour roughly a quarter of the milk mixture over the top. Leave the cake to absorb this before adding more, then repeat until all of the milk mixture is used up – if the cake becomes saturated before you’ve used all the milk, pour what’s left into a jug and serve alongside the cake later for pouring over. This process could take a couple of hours, but as soon as the cake is cool, you should transfer it to the fridge. Once all of the milk has been absorbed, chill for another 2 hrs, or overnight, to chill and improve the texture.STEP 6Whip the remaining cream and the 2 tbsp condensed milk to soft peaks. Spoon over the chilled cake, then dust with a pinch of cinnamon. Will keep chilled for two days.
