Indonesian Layered Spice Cake (Lapis Legit)
Originating from the rich cultural tapestry of Indonesian cuisine, this Indonesian Layered Spice Cake, known as Lapis Legit, offers a luxurious treat steeped in tradition. With its intricate layers and a harmonious blend of warm spices, this cake not only serves as a decadent dessert but also as a delightful companion to tea or coffee. Often featured after a traditional rijsttafel, it is a testament to the lingering influence of Dutch colonialism. Each slice reveals a beautiful strata of flavors, and when enriched with jam and chocolate, the cake becomes an even more indulgent experience. Serve in thin slices to fully appreciate its richness.
N/A
Servings
175
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
8 ounces (softened)
Sugar
1 cup
Eggs
10 large (separated into yolks and whites)
Salt
1 pinch
Flour
1 1/4 cups (sifted)
Confectioners' Sugar
2 tablespoons ((for dusting))
Ground Cinnamon
2 teaspoons
Ground Ginger
1 teaspoon
Ground Aniseed
1 teaspoon
Ground Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon
Ground Cardamom
1/2 teaspoon
Ground Cloves
1/4 teaspoon
Flour
1 teaspoon ((for chocolate layer))
Jam
1/2 cup (of choice, warmed in microwave oven (optional))
Chocolate
3 ounces (melted (optional))
Butter
3 tablespoons ((for melting with chocolate, optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat the broiler to a medium heat setting.
2
Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by buttering the bottom and sides, then lining the bottom with wax paper and buttering the wax paper as well.
3
For the optional chocolate layer, melt the chocolate and 3 tablespoons of butter together in a microwave or double boiler, then stir until blended. Set aside to cool slightly.
4
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually incorporate the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5
In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt using clean, dry beaters until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the yolk mixture until just combined. Then, fold in the sifted flour until fully incorporated.
6
Divide the batter in half, placing one half in a separate bowl.
7
In a small bowl, mix together the spices (cinnamon, ginger, aniseed, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves). Add this spice mixture to one bowl of batter, mixing well until fully combined.
8
Pour approximately 1/2 cup of the spiced batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to achieve a layer about the thickness of a crepe. Place the pan under the preheated broiler for 2 minutes, or until the layer is firm and lightly browned.
9
Remove the pan from the broiler and carefully spread 1/2 cup of the plain batter over the spiced layer. Broil again until firm.
10
If using, spread a layer of warmed jam over the plain batter before repeating the process: spoon another layer of spiced batter on top, broil until firm, followed by the plain batter, and if desired, 1/4 cup of melted chocolate before repeating with the spiced batter.
11
Continue layering in this manner until all batters and optional fillings are used, finishing with a layer of plain batter.
12
Once completed, allow the cake to chill in the pan to help firm up the chocolate and jam. Carefully remove the cooled cake from the springform pan.
13
Before serving, allow the cake to come to room temperature, then sprinkle the top with confectioners' sugar. Slice thinly to serve and enjoy.
Nutrition Information
11.5g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lapis Legit?
Lapis Legit is an Indonesian Layered Spice Cake known for its many thin, intricate layers and a harmonious blend of warm spices.
What are the main spices used in this Indonesian Layered Spice Cake?
The cake uses a blend of ground cinnamon, ginger, aniseed, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves.
How should Lapis Legit be served?
It should be served in thin slices to fully appreciate its rich strata of flavors and dense texture.
What is the historical origin of this cake?
The cake originates from the rich cultural tapestry of Indonesian cuisine and reflects the lingering influence of Dutch colonialism.
What type of pan is best for baking Lapis Legit?
A 9-inch springform pan is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prepare the pan for the cake?
Butter the bottom and sides of a springform pan, line the bottom with wax paper, and then butter the wax paper as well.
What temperature should the broiler be set to?
The broiler should be set to a medium heat setting.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 10 large eggs, separated into yolks and whites.
How do I achieve the layered effect?
The effect is achieved by pouring thin layers of batter (about the thickness of a crepe) and broiling each layer individually for 2 minutes.
Can I add chocolate to this cake?
Yes, you can add an optional chocolate layer by melting 3 ounces of chocolate with 3 tablespoons of butter and 1 teaspoon of flour.
What kind of jam can be used in the cake?
You can use 1/2 cup of your choice of jam, which should be warmed before being spread over the layers.
How should I finish the top of the cake?
The top of the cake should be sprinkled with confectioners' sugar before serving.
How many calories are in a serving of Lapis Legit?
There are approximately 175 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this cake?
Each serving contains approximately 11.5g of fat.
How much protein does a slice provide?
Each slice contains approximately 3g of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are approximately 17.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the best way to incorporate egg whites?
Whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the yolk and butter mixture.
How do I divide the batter for the different layers?
The batter is divided in half; one half remains plain while the other half is mixed with the spice blend.
Should the cake be served cold?
The cake should be allowed to come to room temperature before serving to maximize flavor and texture.
Why is the cake chilled in the pan after baking?
Chilling the cake helps firm up the optional chocolate and jam layers before removal from the pan.
Is Lapis Legit served with specific meals?
It is often featured after a traditional rijsttafel or served as a treat with tea or coffee.
How much butter is needed for the main batter?
The main batter requires 8 ounces of softened butter.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include layered cake, lapis legit, Indonesian dessert, Dutch-inspired, spice cake, and celebratory cake.
What is the preparation for the flour?
The 1 1/4 cups of flour should be sifted before being folded into the mixture.
How long does each layer broil?
Each layer typically broils for about 2 minutes, or until firm and lightly browned.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients listed for this version of the cake.
What type of sugar is used in the main batter?
One cup of standard sugar is used to cream with the butter.
How thick should each layer of batter be when poured?
Each layer should be spread evenly to achieve a thickness roughly equivalent to a crepe.
Can I make this cake without the spice mix?
While the spices define 'Lapis Legit', the recipe uses a plain batter for alternating layers, but the spice mix is essential for the traditional flavor profile.
Is this cake considered a dessert or a snack?
It is described as both a decadent dessert and a delightful companion to tea or coffee.