Soft, spongy, and lightly buttery—this easy hot milk cake is perfect for tea time or as a simple, satisfying treat any day of the week!
Servings & Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 slices (6-inch cake)
Dietary Tags: Vegetarian, Simple Baking
📝 Ingredients
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Eggs
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Sugar
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Vanilla essence
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All-purpose flour
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Baking powder
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Milk
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Butter
🔪 Instructions
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Beat eggs
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In a bowl, beat 2 eggs for 1 minute until foamy.
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Add sugar
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Add ½ cup sugar and beat until light and airy.
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Add vanilla
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Stir in vanilla essence.
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Combine dry ingredients
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Sieve flour and baking powder into the egg mixture. Mix gently until just combined.
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Heat milk & butter
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In a small pan, heat the milk and butter until just boiling.
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Mix batter
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Pour the hot milk mixture into the batter and mix well.
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Prepare the pan
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Grease a 6-inch mould and line with baking paper.
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Fill & cook
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Pour batter into the mould.
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Preheat a heavy pan with a wire stand for 5–7 minutes over low-medium heat.
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Place the mould inside, cover, and cook for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool & serve
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Let cool slightly. Serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with whipped cream.
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💡 Notes & Tips
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Be gentle when mixing: Avoid overmixing for a soft, tender crumb.
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Use a lid while cooking: Traps steam and ensures even cooking.
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Flavor ideas: Add a pinch of lemon zest or cinnamon for variety!
📸 Step-by-Step Guide
(Suggested photo ideas: eggs beaten → sugar added → flour folded in → hot milk added → batter poured into pan → cake cooking → final plated cake)
Pro Tip: Resist the urge to open the lid often—this helps the cake rise evenly.
🥄 Ingredient Insights & Swaps
Why these ingredients?
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Eggs & sugar: Provide structure and sweetness.
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Milk & butter: Create a moist, tender texture.
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Flour & baking powder: Give lift and lightness.
Substitutions:
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Use plant-based milk and margarine for a dairy-free version.
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Replace sugar with a low-calorie sweetener for fewer W-W points.
🎨 Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas
Flavor Add-Ins:
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Lemon or orange zest
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Almond extract in place of vanilla
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Fold in a handful of fresh berries
Serving Suggestions:
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Serve with tea or coffee.
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Top with light whipped cream or fresh fruit.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
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Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
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Make-Ahead Tip: Bake the night before serving for best texture.
🔎 Nutrition & W-W Points (per serving estimate)
Calories: ~180 kcal | Carbs: 24g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g
W-W Points (per slice, based on 8 servings):
➡️ 6 Points (using whole milk and butter)
➡️ 4 Points if using skim milk and light butter/margarine.
W-W Points can vary depending on exact ingredients and brands. For precise tracking, input your ingredients into the W-W app.
Allergens: Wheat, Egg, Milk
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bake this in an oven?
A: Yes—bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Use a larger mould and increase cooking time by 10–15 minutes.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but texture may vary slightly.
📝 The Story Behind the Recipe
This hot milk sponge cake is a nostalgic classic—simple, soft, and not too sweet. Passed down through generations, it’s a versatile base for many variations or perfect on its own with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
🗨️ Let’s Chat!
Did you try this recipe? How did you customize your cake? Comment below or tag me—I’d love to see your creations!