Magic Cake
Magic Cake – one simple thin batter, bake it and voila! You end up with a 3 layer cake, with a delicious custardy layer in the center. It really is magical.
I’m reposting this Magic Cake here on Jo Cooks today because to this day it’s the most popular recipes here and it’s the one recipe that I usually get the most questions on. Plus I’ve also made a video for you guys to see just how easy it is to make, simply scroll down to see it.
Where do I begin? I started out very skeptical when I saw this cake on foodepix.com years ago. The name intrigued me at first. I had to click to see the recipe just to see why this cake is called magic cake, because there really is no such thing. Unfortunately the recipe was in another language, but there’s always google translator, the only problem is you know you always lose something in the translation. But not to worry, it was enough for me to realize why this cake is called magic cake.
WHAT IS MAGIC CAKE
If you look closely enough you can see this cake has 3 layers, with a layer of custard in the middle. The way it looks it almost reminded me of a Napoleon dessert. So at first sight you might think this cake is a lot of work where you make the cake separately and the custard separately and you cut the cake in half and put custard in the middle and so on. Not at all!
This truly is a magic cake and what happens is pure magic. OK maybe not, but close enough. You really only have to make the batter which is very thin, when you read the recipe you’ll see that the ratio of milk to flour is high, so the batter is very thin, similar to a crepe batter.
The best part is that’s the hardest thing you have to do, is make the batter, pour the batter in a 8 inch x 8 inch baking dish, place it in the oven and let the magic happen. After an hour you have a perfect 3 layer cake with the most delicious custard layer.
Many people have asked me why does the cake end up with 3 layers and I’ve thought about this for a long time and especially after making it dozens of times I really think it’s because of the thin batter and the egg whites that are folded in.
HOW DO YOU GET 3 LAYERS IN MAGIC CAKE
My trick to make sure you do get the 3 layers is to make sure you don’t fold in the egg whites completely, you want to make sure you still have some of the white bits in it. This is my only tip, really.
This truly is one of the easiest cakes you’ll ever make and one of the most impressive and not to mention delicious. Now try and stop at eating only one piece, that will require some magic.
NEED MORE MAGIC CAKE RECIPES? TRY THESE
- Chocolate Magic Cake
- Butterscotch Magic Cake
- Lemon Magic Cake
- Pumpkin Magic Cake
- Impossible Coconut Pie
- Magic Flan Cake
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Magic Cake
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 1 hr
Total: 1 hr 15 mins
Serves: 9
Magic Cake – one simple thin batter, bake it and voila! You end up with a 3 layer cake, magic cake.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs at room temperature
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 8 tbsp butter unsalted and melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk lukewarm *
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 F degrees. Grease a 8 inch x 8 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper so that it's easier to get the cake out.
- Separate the eggs and beat the egg yolks with the sugar until light and fluffy. Add butter and vanilla extract and continue beating for another minute or two after which you can add the flour and mix it in until fully incorporated.
- Slowly start adding the milk and beat until everything is well mixed together.
- Add the egg whites to a mixer and mix until stiff peaks form.
- Add the egg whites to the cake batter and gently fold them in. Another variation to folding in the egg whites would be to whisk them in to the cake batter, this is a lot faster and easier. Make sure you don't fold the egg whites in completely, you still want to see some of the white bits floating at the top.
- Pour batter into baking dish and bake for 40 to 70 minutes or until the top is lightly golden. The baking time could vary greatly depending on the oven, so take a peek at around 40 minutes and see how it looks.
- Sprinkle some powdered sugar after cake has cooled.
Video
Recipe Notes
- * To get the milk lukewarm I usually warm it in the microwave for about a minute.
- The baking time can vary greatly for this cake. I've baked this cake in 3 different ovens and I've always needed different times which were from 40 to 70 minutes. The oven I have right now only requires about 45 minutes to get a nice golden color on the cake, whereas other ovens I've used required the full 70 minutes. Test if after 40 minutes to see what it looks like. The cake is done when it only jiggles slightly but feels firm to touch.
- General guidelines for baking at high altitude (not all may apply to this recipe): If baking at altitudes of 5000 feet or higher, keep this in mind:
- Reduce sugar: for each cup, decrease 0 to 2 tablespoons.
- Increase liquid: for each cup, add 2 to 4 tablespoons.
- Increase oven temperature by 25 degrees F.
- Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.
Nutrition Information:
Serving: 1pieceCalories: 255kcal (13%)Carbohydrates: 27g (9%)Protein: 5g (10%)Fat: 13g (20%)Saturated Fat: 8g (50%)Cholesterol: 105mg (35%)Sodium: 52mg (2%)Potassium: 109mg (3%)Sugar: 19g (21%)Vitamin A: 510IU (10%)Calcium: 77mg (8%)Iron: 0.8mg (4%)
Update: There have been a lot of questions on this cake so I’ve compiled a list of questions and answers for people.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MAGIC CAKE
Question: Where is the chocolate magic cake recipe?
Answer: Click here to get the recipe.
Question: If there are 8 oz in a cup, why is 3/4 cup only 4 oz.
Answer: There are 8 fluid oz in a cup, however the weight of flour for 1 cup is 4.41 oz.
Question: The batter is very thin, very liquidy, is this ok?
Answer: Of course, when you have 2 cups of milk and very little flour, it will be a very thin batter, but that’s the beauty of this cake, this thin batter turns into a 3 layer cake.
Question: Can I use soy milk, almond milk, skim milk?
Answer: I’ve only made it with 2% milk, however other readers have and have commented that the cake still turned out fine, however it might not be the same as with regular milk.
Question: Can I use gluten free flour?
Answer: I have only tried it with all-purpose flour, so I can’t guarantee that it will turn out the same. Other readers have and some said the cake turned out fine and for others it didn’t. It’s up to you if you want to try it.
Question: What is all purpose flour? Is it the same as self rising flour.
Answer: All purpose flour is just plain regular white flour. Self rising flour is all purpose flour with baking powder and salt added to it. I would recommend using all purpose flour for this cake.
Question: Can I use stevia or splenda instead of sugar?
Answer: I’ve only made it with regular white sugar, so I’m not sure what would happen if you substituted with stevia or splenda.
Dawn says
I like the flavour , tried this recipe twice and I only get two distinct layers and it’s a dense custard … disappointed , not sure if I’m mixing it wrong.
Jo Cooks Team says
Hi Dawn! We have a section in the post with tips. Make sure to not fold in the egg whites completely- you want to still see white bits.
Tonia Liggett-Plant says
Absolutely lovely tasting cake, the only problem is that it’s very moreish, we’ve just had second helpings, well it would be rude not to.
It was such a easy recipe to follow I did get three layers but lost quite a bit of the batter through my spring release cake tin as it is more runny than normal cake mixture.
I will definitely make it again and I’m not a big cake maker because they don’t usually turn out too good so when I get a good easy to follow recipe I tend to use it again and again.
Jo Cooks Team says
Hi Tonia! We used an 8×8″ baking dish for this recipe. I wouldn’t recommend using springform because of how thin the batter is.
Ellie says
Great recipe and absolutely delicious cake! The first time I messed it up (only 2 layers), but the second time it was perfect. I also decreased the amount of sugar and flour to 1/2 cup and it turned out amazing, with a big custard layer and very thin bottom layer. Everybody at home loved it. Thank you for this perfectly-written recipe and tips! I am looking forward to experiment with the ingredients more.
Joanna Cismaru says
My pleasure, Ellie! So happy you love this recipe!
Lia says
So I luv luv this magic cake and I am by no means a Baker, Bit I luv cooking baking and making people happy with food which brings people together so I have made this 3 time today I’m making it with Datrs let you know how it works out that was my husband’s idea and he is the one that bakes around here, talk soon
Joanna Cismaru says
I’m so happy you’re enjoying this recipe!
Helen says
Can I double the recipe to get a larger cake?
Joanna Cismaru says
Absolutely! Just watch the baking time, it might require a bit more time.
Genie Nakano says
My cake tasted good. But no layers. What happened.
Lia says
Excellent, I didn’t mess this one up ,bakeing isn’t my thing but I lived this is easy to make and yummie to eat a five star for me
Heather Macmurray says
Perfect
Jackie says
My family and I loved this cake. We’ve loved all your recipes with the skillet Shepard being a dinner favorite this winter.
Alex says
Does my butter need to be unsalted?
Joanna Cismaru says
If you use salted butter, you can omit the salt. 🙂
Nancy Wood says
Excellent! To date, I have prepared seven of your wonderful recipes. Thanks so much!
Joanna Cismaru says
My pleasure! So glad you’re enjoying my recipes!
MARY says
made this cake tonight in glass pan. took 50 min. Unlike most folks, I got a nicely golden top and beautiful custard, but I didn’t really get a bottom layer. I did lay down two pieces of parchment on the bottom. not sure if that is why. Jo, any thoughts?
very delicious, I served with powdered sugar and raspberry coulis on the side.
I just discovered your website, everything looks amazing
Joanna Cismaru says
Many things could be the culprit here, perhaps you over mixed it. Hard to really tell without being there with you. I’m glad you’re enjoying my website though. 🙂
MARY says
Thank you Jo.
I will try again, slightly less mixing and one layer of parchment only!
Sally says
Should this cake be refrigerated?
Served at room temp or not?
Nicole Beaulieu says
Since it has a custard layer, I would refrigerate it and serve it cold.
Amy says
Love this recipe! Although it did come out as a 2 layer cake. Lol. It did deflate a little but will definitely make it again!
Lena says
Usually recommended to cook 25 degrees lower in high altitude. Your instructions instead say to increase, was this a typo?
Nicole Beaulieu says
Nope, the instructions are correct! High altitude baking would require an increase. Source: https://www.kingarthurflour.com/learn/high-altitude-baking.html
Marlene Kiss says
Can this be doubled and put in a 9 x 13 pan?
Cristina Sanchez says
Great recipe! I made the cake a day in advance, should it be refrigerated? I’m assuming yes with all of the eggs and the custard that has been created
Nicole Beaulieu says
Yes we refrigerate this cake!
Sara says
It was perfect when I took it out of the oven but then it completely deflated! What could I have done wrong? Take it out too soon?
Nicole Beaulieu says
Yes I’d say so. Bake it until the top is nice and golden brown! Every oven is different, so it could take more time for you to get there than it did for us.
Sean says
Just made this and it was very good! Everyone loved it!
Amie says
I just found my new favorite snack! I love this cake. One of the most simplest recipes I have ever followed. I will definately be making this often. Thank you!
Nicole Beaulieu says
So simple, and so tasty! Happy baking 🙂
Isha says
MY husband and my kids love to eat Cakes. And this is so adorable cake like a real magic. Would you give me the link of your video recipe? Thank You.
Justine Beaulieu says
Hi Isha! The video is in the recipe card below the instructions and notes 🙂 If it doesn’t appear, turn off your ad blocker for this recipe and reload the page.