Magic Custard Cake

### Instructions for Making Magic Custard Cake

#### **Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish**
1. Preheat your oven to **325°F (165°C)**. Line a 9×9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, or lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray.

#### **Step 2: Mix the Ingredients**
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the **melted butter** and **granulated sugar** until well combined.

2. Add the **egg yolks** (reserve the whites for later) and **vanilla extract**, and whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

3. Gradually add the **whole milk** and stir until the milk is fully incorporated. Then, sift in the **flour** and a pinch of **salt**. Whisk everything together until smooth. The batter should be relatively runny, which is exactly what you want for the magic to happen.

#### **Step 3: Beat the Egg Whites**
1. In a separate clean bowl, beat the **egg whites** with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. The egg whites should be fluffy and hold their shape when you lift the beaters.

2. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter, being careful not to deflate the whites too much. The folding process should result in a light, airy batter that has some bubbles from the whipped egg whites.

#### **Step 4: Bake the Cake**
1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. The batter will seem too thin at first, but don’t worry—this is part of the magic!

2. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for **40-45 minutes**, or until the top of the cake is golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. The cake should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. This is a sign that it has formed its magical custard middle.

3. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. The cake will continue to set as it cools.

#### **Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**
1. Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with a light coating of **powdered sugar** for a beautiful, elegant finish.

2. Slice into squares and enjoy the magic of this custard cake. The top will have a cake-like texture, the middle will be a silky custard, and the bottom will be rich and smooth.

### Tips for Perfect Magic Custard Cake

– **Don’t Overmix the Egg Whites**: When you beat the egg whites, stop once they form soft peaks. Overbeating can cause them to become too stiff, making it harder to fold them into the batter gently.
– **Let It Cool Completely**: While the cake may look set and ready to serve after baking, it needs to cool completely to firm up its custard layer. Allow it to sit for at least an hour or so to reach its full “magic” potential.
– **Use Room Temperature Ingredients**: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the ingredients incorporate smoothly and creates the right texture.
– **Flavor Variations**: For a unique twist, add **lemon zest** or a splash of **almond extract** to the batter for a refreshing flavor. You could also try **coconut milk** instead of regular milk for a tropical variation.
– **Serve with Fresh Fruit**: Serve slices of Magic Custard Cake with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an added touch of decadence.

### Why You’ll Love Magic Custard Cake

1. **Impressive Layers**: The three distinct layers—light cake on top, creamy custard in the middle, and a smooth bottom layer—are what make this cake so magical. Every bite is a textural delight!
2. **No Fancy Equipment Needed**: Unlike many fancy desserts that require special tools, this cake can be made with just a bowl, whisk, and a baking dish.
3. **Crowd-Pleaser**: The light, slightly sweet flavor and custardy texture make this cake a hit with both kids and adults, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion.
4. **Perfectly Balanced Flavor**: With its simple ingredients and subtle sweetness, this cake is not overwhelmingly sweet, allowing the natural flavors to shine through.
5. **Bakes Itself**: The magic happens during baking! No need to worry about complicated layers or special techniques—just whisk, bake, and let the cake work its magic.

### Conclusion

**Magic Custard Cake** is one of those desserts that feels like a kitchen magic trick—simple, but with a wow factor that will impress anyone who tries it. With its silky custard middle, airy top, and smooth bottom, this cake delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just as a weekday treat, **Magic Custard Cake** will never disappoint. It’s easy to make, elegant to serve, and most importantly—absolutely delicious!

So, next time you’re craving something sweet, give this delightful dessert a try and let the magic unfold in your kitchen.