Thousand Layer Cake (Lapis Legit)

Thousand Layer Cake also known as Lapis Legit is a traditional Indonesian cake with the main ingredients being butter, eggs, and flour. The uniqueness of this cake is its layered texture and rich taste. This cake is a blend of Indonesian culture and Dutch influence, creating a sweet dish that has a long history and a special way of making it.

Do you want to serve a special cake? With a typical traditional taste, this choice is the most recommended! You can make Thousand Layer Cake (Lapis Legit) at home. Ingredients are readily available in supermarkets, such as Wijsman butter, milk, eggs, and others. The time to prepare it is 15 minutes, while it takes 4 hours to cook. Serve this during special day celebrations with family or friends.

What is Thousand Layer Cake (Lapis Legit)?

This cake is a traditional Indonesian cake that is famous for having many layers with a soft and slightly dense texture. This cake is inspired by Spekkoek, a typical Dutch layer cake that has a similar texture. However, Indonesian people have developed the recipe by using more local ingredients to produce a richer and more distinctive taste. Because it is complicated to make and uses premium ingredients, Lapis Legit was previously only served on special occasions such as New Year celebrations, weddings, and other big days. Until now, this cake is still a symbol of luxury in the Indonesian culinary world.

There are several important steps in making this cake, such as the process of shaking all the ingredients, pouring the dough thinly, arranging the layers, the baking process and serving.

Tips for Making This Cake

The process of making this cake requires patience and the right technique so that the result is soft, not greasy, and has an even layer. Here are some important tips for making this cake perfect.

Use High-Quality Butter

The butter must be of high quality, such as Wijsman Butter, for a better taste and aroma. Avoid margarine, because it can make the cake texture oilier.

Proper Dough Mixing Technique

Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Make sure to beat the butter with the sugar until it is really soft and pale. After adding flour, stir at low speed or with a spatula so that the dough remains soft.

Proper Baking Process

Bake one layer for about 3-5 minutes. Bake each layer until browned but not too dark before adding the next layer. Use a non-stick baking sheet or parchment paper. This helps the cake not stick and come off the pan more easily. Press each layer to make it even. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to press down on the newly baked layer so that the cake remains compact and there are no air gaps.

Storage and Serving

Before cutting into pieces, let it cool first to make cutting easier. Store in a closed container. This cake can last up to 1 week at room temperature and longer if you store it in the refrigerator.

The Texture of Thousand Layer Cake (Lapis Legit)

This cake has a unique texture and is different from other cakes. Here are some descriptions of the texture.

Soft and Dense, but Not Tough

This cake has a soft and slightly chewy texture. Even though it is dense, this cake is not tough if you make it with the right technique.

Thin and Neat Layers 

Bake each cake layer one at a time, creating thin, even layers. When cutting it, you can see the lines of each layer which gives it a distinctive look.

Not Crumbly 

Unlike ordinary sponge cake which is crumbly, this cake has a solid texture and doesn’t crumble easily when cut. This is because the dough is thick and the process of baking the layers keeps the cake sturdy.

Another Variant of Thousand Layer Cake (Lapis Legit)

This traditional cake can be made into various variations with additional ingredients or changes in the way it is made. Here are some popular variants of this cake that you can try.

Prunes or Raisins 

You can add prunes or raisins between the cake layers to give it a natural sweet-sour taste. Prunes or raisins also add an elegant look to the cake.

Cheese

Add a sprinkling of grated cheese such as cheddar or edam cheese between layers or on top for a more savory taste. The combination of sweet and salty gives a unique balance of taste.

Pandan

Using pandan extract to provide a natural green color and distinctive aroma of pandan leaves. Usually, you can combine it with the original layer for a contrast of green and yellow.

The Specialties of This Cake

This cake is popular and special at various events. Following are some of the main specialties of this cake.

Symbol of Luxury and Tradition

This cake is associated with big celebrations such as New Year, weddings, and other special events, making it an exclusive cake. Because of the complicated way of making it and the expensive ingredients, this cake is often a symbol of luxury in Indonesian culture.

Long Durability

Thanks to the high sugar and butter content, this cake can last longer than other cakes without preservatives. This cake remains soft and delicious even after several days if you store it in a closed container.

Unique Layered Texture

This cake consists of many thin layers that are baked one by one, creating beautiful patterns and a distinctive soft texture. This process requires patience and special techniques to ensure each layer is cooked perfectly without burning.

Are you curious about this cake recipe? Below is the complete recipe!

Ingredients of Thousand Layer Cake (Lapis Legit)

• 340 g Butter Wijsman, cold: Using Wijsman Butter (imported Dutch butter) because the milk fat content is high. Gives a savory, rich taste and soft texture that is typical of cakes. Use cold butter so that the mixture is not too runny and remains stable during the kneading process.
• ⅛ cup Sweetened Condense Milk: Adds softness and creamy texture to the cake, strengthens the sweet taste without making the cake taste too dry, and increases the durability of the cake.
• 30 Egg Yolks: Egg yolk is the main ingredient which gives a dense but still soft texture. Contains natural fats which help add moisture to the cake. The more egg yolks, the more delicious and rich the cake tastes.
• 230 g Powdered Sugar: So that it mixes easily with the dough without leaving coarse grains. Apart from that, it keeps the cake soft.
• ⅔ cup Milk Powder: Gives a stronger milk taste without adding excess moisture. Helps strengthen the cake structure so that it remains sturdy but not tough.
• 2 tbsp Flour optional: Use a very small amount of flour so as not to make the cake too dry or heavy. Serves to stabilize the dough without changing the soft texture.

How to Make Thousand Layer Cake (Lapis Legit)

First, in a medium mixing bowl, whisk butter and condense milk with a stand mixer for 6 minutes. After 6 minutes, scrape the sides of the mixing bowl then whisk again for another 6 minutes. Set aside.

In a big mixing bowl, mixer egg yolk with powdered sugar until turns pale and doubles the size then add in milk powder and flour and mix again until there is no lump.

After that, pour the butter mixture into the egg mixture and fold with a silicone spatula until well combined.

Then, heat the oven to 302℉ or 150℃ top and bottom fire and line a baking pan with baking paper.

For the first layer, spread 70 grams of batter on a baking pan then bake for 5-7 minutes or until golden. Remove from the oven then increase the oven temperature to 338℉ or 170℃ and change it to top heat only.

Lightly poke the cake with a skewer then grease a cake press with a little butter then press the cake. Spread another layer on top and bake again for 5-7 minutes. Do the same thing until the batter runs out.

Once done, remove the cake from the pan and let it cool. Cut the cake into 24 pieces.

Enjoy your cake!

Nutrient Content

The following is an analysis of the nutritional content of this cake.

Carbohydrates: Comes from flour and sugar, which give instant energy to the body.

Protein: With a large amount of egg yolk, this cake contains moderate amounts of protein which is good for the formation of body cells.

Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamin A Comes from butter and eggs and helps healthy eyes and skin. Apart from that, there is calcium, although in small amounts, from milk and eggs.

Serving Recommendations

To enjoy this cake more perfectly, here are some foods and drinks to complement it.

Black Tea or Green Tea 

Black tea such as Earl Gray has a strong taste that blends well with the deliciousness of this cake, while green tea without sugar helps freshen the mouth and reduces the oily taste of the cake.

Pineapple and Kiwi

These two fruits have a sweet and sour taste that is refreshing after eating this cake. You can serve it in the form of slices or fruit salad.

Whole Wheat Biscuits or Saltine Crackers 

The savory and crunchy taste of saltine biscuits or crackers can balance out the soft texture of this cake.

Thousand Layer Cake (Lapis Legit) is a cake that is not only visually tempting with its beautiful layers but also rich in taste and history. Making this cake requires technique and patience, but the results are very satisfying. With its distinctive taste and soft texture, it is not surprising that this cake remains one of the favorite desserts at various celebrations.

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