Prepare to be amazed! This "Impossible" Cake is a deceptively simple Mexican dessert that delivers a stunning visual impact and incredible flavor, all with minimal effort. Forget complicated layering and hours of baking; this recipe uses readily available ingredients and a clever technique to create three distinct layers—a creamy pudding base, a fluffy whipped topping, and a crunchy cookie crust—in a single pan. It's the perfect showstopper for any occasion, surprising guests with its elegant presentation and delightful taste.
This miraculous dessert is surprisingly easy to assemble and requires no special baking skills. The rich, creamy texture combined with the sweet cookie crunch creates an irresistible flavor combination. Forget everything you think you know about baking complicated desserts; this recipe is a game-changer. Ready to transform your baking game and impress everyone you know? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Blender
- Pan
- Baking mold (small and large)
- Aluminum foil
- Double boiler
- Oven
- Mixer
- Spatula
Ingredients
- Condensed milk: 375g
- Half and half cream: 245g
- Evaporated milk: 356ml
- Sugar: 1/2 cup
- Vanilla extract: 2 tablespoons
- Eggs: 5
- Cream cheese (Philadelphia type): 190g
- Chocolate cake mix: 375g (small box)
- Milk: 1 cup
- Vegetable oil: 1/2 cup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Caramel Flan Base
- In a blender, combine eggs (room temperature), evaporated milk, half and half cream, vanilla extract, condensed milk, and cream cheese. Blend for approximately one minute until fluffy.
- In a pan, melt 1/2 cup of sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it turns into caramel. Lower the heat to prevent burning.
- Carefully pour the caramel into your baking mold.
- Pour the blended mixture over the caramel in the mold.
- Cover the mold tightly with aluminum foil.
- Preheat oven to 200°C (392°F). Place the covered mold in a double boiler (larger mold with hot water). The water should reach the middle of the smaller mold, ensuring it doesn't boil over.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 45 minutes using a bain-marie.
Step 2. Make and Bake the Chocolate Cake Topping
- In a mixer, beat 3 eggs (room temperature) for 4-5 minutes on high speed. Gradually add vegetable oil, then flour and milk alternately, mixing until smooth.
- Once the flan is cooked, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Add the chocolate cake batter on top of the flan, covering about ¾ of the mold, leaving space for rising.
- Re-cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Turn off the oven and let the cake cool completely inside the oven to prevent the flan from sinking.
Step 3. Cool and Invert the Cake
- Once completely cool, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate.
Step 4. Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate until completely chilled before serving.
Read more: No-Bake Carlota de Limon: Easy Mexican Lime Icebox Cake Recipe
Tips
- Use room temperature eggs for best results when making both the flan and chocolate cake batter.
- Monitor the caramel closely to prevent burning.
- Ensure the water in the double boiler doesn't get into the flan mold.
- Letting the cake cool completely in the oven prevents the flan from sinking.
- Use a cake cover or plastic wrap to prevent the cake from drying out in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of cookies for the crust?
Yes! Graham crackers, chocolate cookies, or even Biscoff cookies would work well. Just ensure they're finely crushed.
2. How far in advance can I make the Impossible Cake?
It's best made the day of, but you can prepare the pudding and whipped cream layers separately a few hours ahead and assemble just before serving. The cookies should be crushed beforehand too.
3. What if my whipped cream doesn't get stiff?
Make sure your bowl and beaters are ice-cold. Gradually add the powdered sugar while whipping, and add a pinch of salt to help stabilize the cream. If it's still not stiff, you may need to add a bit more heavy cream.
This Impossible Cake is a delightful surprise, proving that stunning desserts don't require hours of baking or complex techniques. Its ease of preparation and impressive presentation make it perfect for any gathering, from casual weeknight treats to special celebrations. Enjoy the compliments—and the deliciousness!