Super soft Gulab Jamun cake that anyone can bake in 45 mins.

Gulab Jamun Cake is an exquisite fusion of the beloved Indian sweet and a delectably moist cake, minus the fuss of frying. First introduced to my Instagram followers last year, the recipe received an overwhelming response and an avalanche of appreciation. At that time, sharing this marvelous creation on my blog wasn’t possible, but today, I’m delighted to finally bring it to you!

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill cake. It’s a culinary masterpiece, ideal for teatime, resplendent with the aromatic allure of cardamom, hints of saffron, and crowned with a sweet drizzle that ensures every slice is tender and moist. But the innovation doesn’t stop there. To elevate the decadence, I’ve paired this Gulab Jamun Cake with a luxuriously reduced saffron and cardamom milk.

Additionally, there’s another variant of the Gulab Jamun Cake on my blog. That version is embellished with whipped cream frosting and actual gulab jamuns. This version, on the other hand, is a simplified yet equally delightful bundt cake. In line with my obsession with gulab jamuns, there’s also a delightful Gulab Jamun cake recipe waiting for you on my blog.

I invite you to indulge in the divine melding of traditional Indian flavors and classic cake in this unique Gulab Jamun Cake. This easy-to-follow recipe allows you to recreate this fusion dessert at home, guaranteed to captivate your taste buds. Let’s dive into this exciting culinary journey.

Gulab Jamun, without a doubt, holds the crown as one of the most adored desserts across the Indian subcontinent. These delectable treats are essentially deep-fried dumplings composed of condensed milk or milk powder. What sets them apart is their post-frying ritual – a thorough soaking in a uniquely flavored sugar syrup infused with the intoxicating aroma of rose water and the subtle spice of cardamom.

In my personal experience, no one does Gulab Jamun justice quite like my mother. Her homemade gulab jamuns are culinary masterpieces that could tantalize any taste bud. They are luxuriously soft, sensationally sweet, and dissolve in your mouth, leaving behind an unforgettable burst of flavors.

I must confess, my culinary prowess doesn’t quite extend to creating these traditional sweets to the same level of perfection, hence, my pivot to the realm I master – baking. And that’s precisely where this inventive Gulab Jamun Cake comes into play!

Before you continue further, have you tried Christmas Rum cake?

The mesmerizing fusion that is the Gulab Jamun Cake is built upon three pivotal components:

1. The Cake Sponge
   The cake sponge follows my unique egg-free recipe, with the secret ingredient being gulab jamun mix. Incorporating a commercially available gulab jamun mix directly into the batter ensures that the cake embodies the authentic gulab jamun essence. Although my recipe is meticulously tested with the Gits brand mix, I’m confident that alternative brands would yield equally delightful results. Be mindful that the cake sponge deliberately maintains a subtle sweetness as we will later augment it with a sugar syrup drizzle and serve alongside a flavored, reduced milk.

The batter finds its home in a 6-cup capacity bundt pan, my preferred choice for cake baking. Bundt pans inherently imbue the cakes with an aesthetic appeal and intricate design, demanding minimal additional effort.

2. The Sugar Syrup Drizzle
   This saccharine drizzle, infused with the royal flavors of saffron and cardamom, serves a dual purpose. It imbues the cake with sweetness and moisture, emulating the method by which gulab jamun balls are traditionally soaked in sugar syrup.
3. Saffron and Cardamom Milk
   Lastly, we plate our cake slices with a lavish serving of reduced milk, delicately infused with saffron and cardamom. While this step isn’t mandatory, I highly recommend it to enhance the overall sensory experience. The milk undergoes a slow cooking process until reduced, and then it’s flavored with saffron and cardamom, bearing a striking similarity to the aromatic milk in Rasmalai.

Essential Ingredients for the Gulab Jamun Cake

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the indispensable ingredients that lend the Gulab Jamun Cake its unique flavor profile:

For the Cake:

1. All-Purpose Flour: Forms the basic structure of the cake, providing substance and a tender crumb texture.
2. Packaged Gulab Jamun Mix: This is the secret ingredient (I used Gits) that lends an authentic gulab jamun flavor to the cake.
3. Sugar: Balances the flavors and contributes to the sweet taste which is characteristic of any cake.
4. Cardamom Powder: A key spice that imparts a warm, aromatic flavor reminiscent of traditional Indian sweets.
5. Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise and achieve a light, fluffy texture.
6. Saffron: A pinch adds a royal touch, providing a subtle, unique flavor and a hint of golden color.
7. Milk: Adds moisture and aids in binding the ingredients together while contributing to the cake’s overall richness.
8. Vegetable Oil: Any neutral-tasting oil can be used. It keeps the cake moist and helps in creating a tender crumb.

For The Sugar Syrup:

1. Sugar: Sweetens the syrup, making it a perfect drizzle for the cake.
2. Water: The medium to dissolve sugar and create a syrup consistency.
3. Cardamom & Saffron: These aromatic spices infuse the syrup, thereby enhancing the cake’s flavor.

For the Decorations:

1. Slivers of Unsalted Almonds and Pistachios: Add a nice crunch, visual appeal, and a hint of nuttiness to the cake.
2. Edible Silver or Gold Foil: While optional, these can give your cake a festive, elegant touch.

For Saffron and Cardamom Milk:

1. Whole Milk: The base for the flavored milk, it adds creaminess and richness.
2. Sugar: Sweetens the milk, balancing out the flavors of the spices.
3. Saffron Strands: Infuse the milk with a rich color and a distinct, earthy flavor.
4. Cardamom Powder: This spice lends a sweet and spicy aroma to the milk, complementing the saffron perfectly.

The issue of a dense cake could be due to overmixing the batter, which develops the gluten in the flour and can result in a heavier cake texture. It’s crucial to stir the ingredients just until they are combined. Also, ensure that the leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda) are fresh and haven’t expired, as they are responsible for making the cake rise and be fluffy.

The mild sweetness of the cake is intentional. The cake sponge itself is designed to be less sweet because it gets additional sweetness from the sugar syrup drizzle and the serving of flavored, reduced milk. However, if you prefer a sweeter cake, you could slightly increase the sugar content in the cake batter or the sugar syrup.

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It’s crucial to properly prepare your bundt pan before pouring in the batter. Ensure that the pan is thoroughly greased with either butter, oil, or a non-stick baking spray, and then dust it with flour, shaking out the excess. This prep work will create a non-stick surface and will ensure your cake slides out smoothly after baking.

The flavors of saffron and cardamom in the milk can be enhanced by gently crushing the saffron strands before adding them to the milk and letting the milk simmer for a longer time on a low heat. This slow cooking process allows the milk to absorb more flavors from the spices. Remember, saffron takes a bit of time to release its color and flavor, so patience is key here.

This enchanting Gulab Jamun Cake is an exquisite fusion of a classic Indian dessert and the timeless delight of a moist, flavorful cake. Combining the delectable flavors of saffron, cardamom, and Gulab Jamun, this dessert will charm your taste buds and leave you yearning for another slice. It is the perfect culmination of traditional and contemporary culinary elements, embodying the authentic flavor of Gulab Jamun, elegantly presented in the form of a bundt cake.

Simple to prepare yet complex in flavors, this Gulab Jamun Cake recipe is perfect for those looking to experiment with Indian fusion desserts. Each slice is a tantalizing fusion of flavors, with the fragrant spice of cardamom, the unique richness of Gulab Jamun mix, and the luscious drizzle of saffron-cardamom milk. This cake is not just a treat for your palate, but also a beautiful addition to your dessert table. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a regular tea-time treat, this fusion dessert is sure to win hearts!

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