Magic Coffee Cake

I can provide you with the recipe for a Magic Coffee Cake. The Magic Cake is famous for creating three different layers from a single batter during baking: a dense and moist base, a creamy middle layer, and a fluffy top like a sponge cake. In this version, the addition of coffee gives it an irresistible flavor for coffee lovers.

Ingredients

• 4 eggs at room temperature, with yolks and whites separated
• 150 g of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of water
• 125 g of melted and cooled butter
• 115 g of flour 00
• 1 pinch of salt
• 500 ml of lukewarm milk
• 2 tablespoons of instant coffee (or very strong espresso)
• 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting (optional)
• Icing sugar, for decorating (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 150 °C and grease a square or rectangular pan about 20-24 cm on the side.
2. In a bowl, whip the egg yolks with the sugar and water until you get a light and foamy mixture.
3. Incorporate the melted butter into the yolk mixture and mix well.
4. Add the sifted flour and continue mixing until well combined. Do not worry if the mixture appears thick at this stage.
5. Dissolve the instant coffee in the warm milk, then slowly pour the milk into the bowl, continuing to stir until you have a homogeneous mixture. If you prefer to use espresso, make sure it is strong and at the time of mixing it has already cooled down.
6. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they become firm.
7. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter, taking care not to deflate them. The final mixture will be quite liquid, this is normal.
8. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for about 50-60 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and set to the touch. You will notice that the upper layer will be quite soft at the end of cooking, but it will stabilize once cooled.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan, then place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting.
10. When serving, dust the surface with unsweetened cocoa and icing sugar if desired.

Fun fact

The Magic Cake owes its name to the separation process of the layers during baking. Even though a single batter is poured into the pan, the heat of the oven magically transforms the texture creating three distinct consistencies.

The coffee variation adds an invigorating and fragrant note that is reminiscent of classic Italian spoon desserts, like tiramisu. Serve it perhaps with a good espresso to strengthen the connection with its roots, or with a delicate passito if you prefer a contrast.