Malay Spiced Cake

Ingredients

In this adaptation of the Pain d'épices, we incorporate Malay flavors and ingredients to create a unique twist. The original French recipe typically uses honey as a sweetener, while we substitute it with palm sugar, a staple in Malay cuisine. Additionally, we enhance the spice profile by adding traditional Malay spices such as ginger and nutmeg, which give the cake a distinct Malay flavor. We alse have the original recipe for Pain d’épices, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (200g) palm sugar, grated 1 cup (200g) palm sugar, grated
• 1/2 cup (120ml) coconut milk 1/2 cup (120ml) coconut milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 25g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a loaf pan.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, combine the grated palm sugar, coconut milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. 5.
   Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top.
6. 6.
   Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. 8.
   Once cooled, slice and serve the Malay Spiced Cake.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Palm sugar — If palm sugar is not available, you can substitute it with an equal amount of dark brown sugar for a similar flavor profile.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a handful of chopped toasted coconut to the batter.
• Serve the Malay Spiced Cake warm with a drizzle of coconut cream for a decadent dessert.
• If you prefer a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with cake flour.

Serving advice

Serve the Malay Spiced Cake as a dessert after a traditional Malay meal. It pairs well with a cup of hot Teh Tarik (pulled tea) or a refreshing glass of Pandan-infused iced tea.

Presentation advice

Dust the top of the Malay Spiced Cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also garnish each slice with a small piece of cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.