Caramel Sponge Cake (Span Gula Hangus)

How about making something traditional today? I love this dessert, simply because of the caramel.... Exquisite taste! I've tried making this a couple of times...so am not quite an expert yet. It's got the taste, but a I'll need a few more practices and then maybe, God Willing, I'll be able to get that texture of big 'holes' within the cake (mainly caused by the reaction of the raising agent). Some call this cake "Kek Sarang Semut" (Ant's Nest Cake) because of this unique texture. Though I think, calling it an Ant's Nest doesn't quite make it sound that appetizing.... ;)

CARAMEL SPONGE CAKE 

(Kek Gula Hangus)

150gm cups castor sugar

100ml hot water

70gm butter or margerine (melted)

75ml evaporated milk

1 egg (beaten)

150gm all-purpose flour

1 level tspn bic of soda

a pinch of salt

70gm extra castor sugar

optional 1 tspn sweetened condensed milk (add to syrup)

- Put the 150gm of castor sugar in a heavy pan and heat it up till sugar melts and change colour. Careful not to burn it or the cake may taste bitter. Remove from heat as soon as it becomes golden.

- With oven mits on, carefully pour the hot water into the caramel. Return to heat, stirring till caramel dissolves. Put aside to cool. You'll need about 160-170ml of this syrup. If insufficient, add a little more hot water.

- When syrup is cool, add melted butter, beaten egg and mix well.

- Add sifted flour, soda bicarbonate and salt. Lastly add sugar. With a wooder spoon stir well.

- Pour batter in a prepared 16cm round tin (greased and lined). 

- Bake in preheated oven 170deg cel for 25-30 mins.

*you may even steam this cake for 30 mins in a prepared steamer. Cake must be covered with aluminium foil before steaming. Steamed cake will be slightly pale without the crusty top.

* For a more 'holey' texture, leave batter to stand in the tin for about 20-30mins before baking/steaming, covered. Remove cover to bake.

ENJOY!

_______________________________________________________

Sheen Mars is a SAHM who loves the simple pleasures of home-cooked meals. Get more scrumptious ideas on Sheen's Tea-time and Simple Desserts Treats(Western and Asian) at=>> http://missionpossible-sahm.blogspot.com/search/label/Sheen's%20Tea-time%20and%20Dessert%20Treats

Do leave your comments if you've tried out this cake recipe!