Krämkaka Recipe
Krämkaka is a Swedish cake known for its creamy and moist texture. It’s a delightful dessert, often enjoyed with coffee or tea. The cake is characterized by a rich custard-like filling that creates a unique texture and taste experience. Here’s a detailed recipe for this Swedish treat:
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Custard Filling:
- 2 cups (500ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Filling
- Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, add 2 cups of whole milk. Heat over medium heat until it begins to steam, but don’t let it boil.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch until well combined.
- Add Egg Yolks: Add the egg yolks to the sugar-cornstarch mixture and whisk until smooth.
- Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour a small amount of the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. This will help temper the eggs and prevent them from curdling.
- Combine and Thicken: Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a custard consistency. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until the butter has melted and is fully incorporated.
- Cool the Custard: Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (press the wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. The mixture should be light in color and have increased in volume.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the vanilla extract, milk, and vegetable oil to the egg mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough.
Step 3: Assemble the Krämkaka
- Layer the Batter: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
- Add the Custard: Gently spoon the cooled custard filling over the batter, being careful to leave a small border around the edge. This helps prevent the custard from leaking out during baking.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Carefully pour the remaining cake batter over the custard, spreading it to cover the custard layer completely.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake (not the custard) comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges to loosen it. Invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Serve the Krämkaka
- Dust with Sugar: Once the cake has cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar.
- Slice and Enjoy: Slice the cake into wedges and serve. The cake can be enjoyed on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries on the side.
Tips for a Perfect Krämkaka
- Temper the Eggs Carefully: When making the custard, make sure to temper the eggs slowly to avoid curdling.
- Baking Time: Baking times can vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the cake to ensure it doesn’t overbake.
- Storage: Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Variations
- Flavor Twist: Add a touch of lemon or almond extract to the custard for a different flavor profile.
- Fruit Topping: Top the finished cake with fresh fruit like raspberries or blueberries for added freshness and color.
Krämkaka is a wonderfully creamy cake that melts in your mouth. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s an excellent dessert for both casual and special occasions.