Kue Lapis Legit (Indonesian Thousand Layer Cake)

🧂 Ingredients

• 500 g Unsalted Butter, softened(Ensure butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming.)
• 30 Egg Yolks(Large egg yolks.)
• 400 g Granulated Sugar(Can use caster sugar for finer texture.)
• 200 g All-Purpose Flour(Sifted.)
• 3 tbsp Spice Mix (Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves)(A blend of equal parts or to taste. For example, 1 tbsp each of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. You can also use a pre-made speculaas or speculoos spice blend.)
• 2 tbsp Sweetened Condensed Milk(Optional, for added richness and color.)
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract(Optional, for fragrance.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the cake pan: Grease and flour an 8-inch (20 cm) square or round cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper, then grease and flour the parchment paper. This ensures easy release.

   ⏱️ 10 minutes
2. 2

   Cream the butter: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed until very pale and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes. This incorporates air, crucial for the cake's texture.

   ⏱️ 7 minutes
3. 3

   Gradually add sugar: With the mixer on medium speed, gradually add the granulated sugar, about a tablespoon at a time. Continue beating until the mixture is light, airy, and forms ribbons when the beater is lifted, about 10-15 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

   ⏱️ 15 minutes
4. 4

   Incorporate egg yolks: Reduce the mixer speed to medium-low. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. The mixture might look slightly curdled; this is normal. Continue beating until smooth and creamy. If using, mix in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.

   ⏱️ 20 minutes
5. 5

   Fold in dry ingredients: Sift the flour and the spice mix together over the butter-egg mixture. Gently fold them in using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can toughen the cake. The batter should be thick and smooth.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
6. 6

   Preheat the oven and broiler: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Set your oven's broiler (grill) to high. Ensure your oven rack is positioned about 6-8 inches below the broiler element.

7. 7

   Layer and broil the cake: Spoon about 3-4 tablespoons of batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly and thinly using an offset spatula to form a layer approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Place the pan under the preheated broiler. Broil for 1-3 minutes, watching *very* carefully, until the layer is golden brown and slightly puffed. The exact time will depend on your broiler's intensity. Immediately remove the pan from the oven.

   ⏱️ 3 minutes per layer
8. 8

   Repeat layering: Add another 3-4 tablespoons of batter on top of the broiled layer, spreading it evenly. Broil again for 1-3 minutes until golden brown. Continue this process, repeating with the remaining batter, until all layers are cooked and the cake is built up. You should aim for at least 18-20 layers.

   ⏱️ 2 hours 30 minutes
9. 9

   Cool the cake: Once the last layer is broiled, remove the cake from the oven. Let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack, remove the parchment paper, and let it cool completely.

   ⏱️ 2 hours
10. 10

    Slice and serve: Once completely cool, use a sharp knife to slice the Kue Lapis Legit into desired portions. The cake is best enjoyed at room temperature.

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓Patience and attention are crucial, especially during the broiling process.
• ✓Each thin layer is individually broiled to achieve the characteristic color and texture.
• ✓This cake is a traditional centerpiece for celebrations like Christmas (Natal) and Eid al-Fitr (Lebaran).
• ✓Ensure your butter is truly softened, not melted, for the best creaming results.
• ✓If your broiler is very strong, you may need to reduce the oven temperature slightly or increase the distance from the element.

🔄 Variations

• Kue Lapis Legit Prune: Add a layer of thinly sliced prunes between some of the cake layers before broiling.
• Kue Lapis Legit Keju (Cheese): Incorporate grated cheese into some layers.
• Kue Lapis Legit Cokelat (Chocolate): Add cocoa powder to some of the batter for chocolate layers.
• Without Spices: Omit the spice mix for a simpler, buttery cake.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving