· 1 ½ cups (360ml) heavy cream, cold
· 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· Optional for garnish: Ground cinnamon or maraschino cherries
Instructions
Part 1: Make the Sponge Cake
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Beat Egg Whites: In the clean, dry bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat the 5 egg whites on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add in ½ cup of the sugar and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. Transfer the egg whites to a separate, clean bowl.
- Beat Egg Yolks: In the same mixer bowl (no need to wash it), beat the egg yolks with the remaining ½ cup of sugar on high speed for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is pale yellow and has thickened. Beat in the ⅓ cup of milk and the vanilla extract until just combined.
- Combine Yolks and Dry Ingredients: Gradually and gently fold the flour mixture into the egg yolk mixture with a spatula until just combined.
- Fold in Egg Whites: Gently fold in the whipped egg whites in two or three additions, just until no white streaks remain. Be careful not to deflate the batter—this is key for a light cake.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. While it cools, use a fork or a thin skewer to poke holes all over the top of the cake. This will help the milk mixture soak in.
Part 2: Soak with the Three Milks
- Mix the Milks: In a large bowl or a pitcher, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream (or whole milk) until fully combined.
- Soak the Cake: Slowly and evenly pour the three-milk mixture all over the top of the cooled cake. Start at the edges and work your way in. The cake will absorb the liquid like a sponge. It will look like a lot, but it will all soak in!
Part 3: Top and Chill
