A spectacular multi-layered cake of buttery batter spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, baked one thin layer at a time under a broiler until each layer is golden — requiring extraordinary patience and precision.
Ingredients
400g butter, softened
300g sugar
20 egg yolks
5 egg whites
200g all-purpose flour
50g condensed milk
2 tsp mixed spice (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, star anise)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Butter for greasing
Instructions
1Beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.
2In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites to soft peaks.
3Fold flour, mixed spice, condensed milk, vanilla, and salt into the butter mixture. Gently fold in egg whites.
4Grease and line a square baking tin. Preheat broiler/grill.
5Pour a thin layer of batter (about 3-4 tablespoons) into the tin, spreading evenly. Grill under the broiler for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
6Press the layer down gently with a flat press. Add the next thin layer of batter and repeat.
7Continue layering and grilling until all batter is used (approximately 18-20 layers). Each layer must be golden before adding the next.
8Cool completely in the tin before unmoulding. Slice thinly to reveal the beautiful layers.
Did You Know?
A single kueh lapis can take 3-4 hours to bake because each of its 18-20 layers must be individually grilled — it is one of the most labour-intensive cakes in the world.