Kuih Lapis Batavia
Kuih lapis Batavia or spekkoek (layer cake) is a rich kuih consisting of thin alternating layers made of butter, eggs and sugar, piled on top of each other. Each layer is laid down and then grilled separately, making the creation of a kuih lapis an extremely laborious and time consuming process.
325g unsalted butter
175g fine granulated sugar
120g cake flour
1/8 tsp salt
1 tsp mixed spices(refer to notes below)
2 tbsp brandy
5 egg whites
18 egg yolks
Mixed spices
28g cinnamon powder
15g clove powder
7g star anise powder
15g cardamom powder
Method:
1. Sieve the soft flour and mixed spices together.
2. In a mixer, cream the soft butter, salt and 100grm of sugar until light and fluffy, then slowly beat in1 egg yolk at a time. Gradually add the brandy, flour and spice mixture.
3. In another bowl, whisk the egg whites and the remaining sugar until a soft peak forms, the egg whites should not be too stiff.
4. Add 1/3 of whisked egg whites and mix thoroughly, then fold in the rest of the egg whites into the mixture GENTLY.
5. Pre-heat a top grill .
6. Grease a piece of greaseproof paper and place it at the bottom of the 8 inch square cake pan.
7. Evenly spread 2 scoops (heaped tablespoon) of the cake mixture on the greaseproof paper.
8. Grill until golden brown (5-6 minutes). Rotate the pan while baking and use a skewer to prick any air bubbles that form.
9. Repeat the process until all the cake mixture has been used.
10. Make sure the cake surface is even before adding additional layers. You could use a flat base glass to press down on cake.
11. When the last layer is complete, bake the cake in a pre heated oven at 300 f for 15 minutes. Remove the cake from the pan and allow to cool before serving.
