Hot Milk Cake: Soft Sponge with Warm Milk and Butter
Hot milk cake is a soft, simple sponge cake with a tender crumb and a delicate buttery flavor. It is made with warm milk and melted butter, which help create a light texture without complicated steps.
This recipe is perfect for serving plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with fruit and cream.
Recipe Details
Servings: 8 to 10 slices
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 30 to 35 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
250 g all-purpose flour
200 g granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
240 ml whole milk
100 g unsalted butter
10 g baking powder, about 2 teaspoons
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
1 tablespoon powdered sugar for serving, optional
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F. Grease a 22 cm round cake pan or an 8-inch square pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar for 4 to 5 minutes, until pale, thick, and airy.
Warm the milk with the butter in a small saucepan until the butter melts. Do not boil. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture in two additions, mixing gently to keep the batter light.
Pour in the hot milk mixture slowly and mix until smooth.
Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then unmold and cool completely before slicing.
Helpful Tips
Use warm milk, not boiling milk, so the batter stays smooth. Beating the eggs and sugar well is important because it gives the cake its soft sponge texture.
For a richer finish, serve the cake with whipped cream, berries, or a light vanilla glaze.
Conclusion
Hot milk cake is a reliable homemade cake with simple ingredients and a beautifully soft crumb. It is easy enough for everyday baking but elegant enough to serve with fruit or cream.