Description

Ever dreamed of a cake that’s rich, moist, and sweet with minimal ingredients and effort? What if you could bake it in under an hour using a pantry staple like sweetened condensed milk? Say hello to Condensed Milk Cake! This simple yet indulgent dessert delivers a tender, buttery crumb with a caramel-like sweetness, perfect for tea time, family gatherings, or satisfying your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

For the Cake

Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 can, 14 oz): Provides sweetness, moisture, and a rich, caramel-like flavor that defines the cake.
All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Gives structure for a tender, fluffy crumb.
Unsalted Butter (½ cup, melted): Adds richness and a buttery flavor, ensuring a moist texture.
Large Eggs (3, room temperature): Bind the ingredients and add structure for a light, cohesive cake.
Pure Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances the flavor with a warm, sweet note.
Baking Powder (1 tsp): Helps the cake rise for a soft, airy texture.
Salt (¼ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

For the Glaze (Optional)

Powdered Sugar (½ cup): Creates a smooth, sweet glaze for a polished finish.
Milk (1–2 tbsp): Thins the glaze to a drizzleable consistency.
Pure Vanilla Extract (½ tsp): Adds a delicate, aromatic flavor to the glaze.

Substitutions and Variations

Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version or half whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier taste.
Butter: Swap with melted coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option, though flavor may vary slightly.
Eggs: Replace with ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce or 3 flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) for a vegan version, noting a denser texture.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Use coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free, tropical twist.
Vanilla Extract: Substitute with almond extract or lemon zest for a different flavor profile.
Milk (for glaze): Use non-dairy milk (almond, oat, or soy) or lemon juice for a tangy glaze.
Add-Ins: Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the batter for extra texture.

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Instructions

Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour an 8×8-inch square baking pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Tip: Parchment makes lifting the cake out easier for clean slicing, but greasing well works too.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, ½ cup melted unsalted butter, 3 large eggs (room temperature), and 1 tsp pure vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined, about 1–2 minutes.
- Tip: Ensure eggs are at room temperature to blend smoothly, and melt butter in short microwave bursts to avoid overheating.
Add the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt until evenly combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or whisk until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Tip: Sift the flour if it’s lumpy, and stop mixing when no dry streaks remain to prevent a dense texture.
Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even surface.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Tip: Check at 30 minutes, as ovens vary, and avoid overbaking to maintain moisture.
Make the Glaze (Optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup powdered sugar, ½ tsp pure vanilla extract, and 1–2 tbsp milk until smooth. Adjust milk to achieve a drizzleable consistency (thick but pourable).
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake using a spoon or piping bag for a decorative effect.
- Tip: Let the cake cool fully before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting or soaking in.
Slice and Serve:
- If using parchment, lift the cake out of the pan. Slice into 9–12 squares or rectangles using a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts for neat portions.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled, optionally with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a scoop of ice cream.
- Tip: Pair with coffee, tea, or milk for a cozy, indulgent treat.