Ingredients

8 ounces butter , softened
1 cup sugar
10 large eggs , separated
1 pinch salt
1 1/4 cups flour , sifted
2 tablespoons confectioners ' sugar ( icing )
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground aniseed
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon flour
1/2 cup jam , of choice warmed in microwave oven ( optional )
3 ounces chocolate ( optional )
3 tablespoons butter ( optional )
Spekkoek, also known as lapis legit, is a traditional Indonesian layer cake made up of up to eighteen layers. Its name directly translates to 'fat cake', but it's a cake like no other. The cake itself is a mixture of Indonesian and Dutch origins, with the original recipe a spicy cake from Indonesia that was later modified with Dutch spices. The process of creating the cake is time-consuming and exacting, but the end result is worth it. The cake has a soft and moist texture, with a warm and spicy taste that explodes in your mouth.

Instructions

1.1.Begin by separating the egg whites and yolks into two different bowls.
2.2.Cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy.
3.3.Beat the egg yolks and gradually add to the mixture while beating continuously.
4.4.In another bowl, whisk the egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form and set aside.
5.Gradually add flour to the butter and egg mixture until fully combined.
6.Fold the egg whites into the batter in 3 parts until fully combined.
7.Divide the batter into two and sift the cinnamon, ginger, aniseed, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, and one teaspoon of flour into one portion and mix.
8.Take a greased baking tin and pour in one tablespoon of the spiced batter and spread out evenly. Bake in a preheated oven of 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
9.Repeat this process with alternate colours of batter until finished.
10.Optional: Brush the top of the cake with warmed jam and let it cool for 15 minutes. Melt the chocolate and butter together and pour over the top of the cake. Let the cake cool for 30-40 minutes before serving.

PROS

Spekkoek has a unique taste and texture that is sure to impress your guests.
Being a layered cake, it is infallibly a showstopper for any celebration!
Another bonus point in favour of spekkoek is that it can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks without compromising its flavour or texture.

CONS

The spekkoek recipe is relatively labor-intensive and needs precision at every stage, since a small mistake can lead to collapsed layers in the cake.

Although it is served in small slices, spekkoek contains around 200-300 calories per serving.
It is best enjoyed as an occasional treat as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Although not the healthiest of cakes, spekkoek does contain ginger, which is known to help aid in digestion and reduce inflammation.

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