What Is Milk Bar Cake? This One Cake Trend Is Taking Over
What To Know
- The crumble is sprinkled over the filling before baking, creating a sweet and crunchy layer that adds complexity and texture to the cake.
- As the name suggests, Milk Bar cake is the perfect accompaniment to a cold glass of milk.
- Making Milk Bar cake at home is a rewarding endeavor that allows you to enjoy this delectable treat in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Milk Bar cake is a distinctive and delectable dessert creation from the renowned New York City bakery, Milk Bar. It is a multi-layered cake characterized by its crumbly, cookie-like crust and a creamy, vanilla-flavored filling. The cake’s unique texture and flavor profile have made it a beloved treat among dessert enthusiasts worldwide.
The Origin of Milk Bar Cake
The invention of Milk Bar cake is credited to Christina Tosi, the founder and chef of Milk Bar. Tosi sought to create a cake that captured the nostalgic flavors and textures of childhood treats. Inspired by the iconic American snack cake, Tosi developed a recipe that combined elements of cookie dough, cake batter, and cheesecake filling.
The Crust: A Cookie-Like Creation
The crust of Milk Bar cake is a key element that sets it apart from traditional cakes. It is made with a combination of flour, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract. The dough is chilled before being baked, resulting in a crumbly, cookie-like texture that provides a satisfying crunch with every bite.
The Filling: A Creamy Vanilla Delight
The filling of Milk Bar cake is a smooth and creamy vanilla custard. It is made with a base of milk, cream, and sugar, which is thickened with cornstarch and flavored with vanilla extract. The filling is poured over the baked crust and allowed to set, creating a rich and velvety layer.
The Crumble Topping: A Sweet and Crunchy Layer
The crumble topping is an optional but highly recommended addition to Milk Bar cake. It is made with a combination of flour, sugar, butter, and oats. The crumble is sprinkled over the filling before baking, creating a sweet and crunchy layer that adds complexity and texture to the cake.
The Variations: Endless Possibilities
Milk Bar cake is a versatile dessert that can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences. Some popular variations include:
- Salted Caramel Milk Bar Cake: A decadent twist with a layer of salted caramel sauce added to the filling.
- Chocolate Milk Bar Cake: A chocolate lover’s dream with a chocolate cookie crust and chocolate filling.
- Birthday Milk Bar Cake: A festive version topped with colorful sprinkles and candles.
The Perfect Pairing: Milk and Milk Bar Cake
As the name suggests, Milk Bar cake is the perfect accompaniment to a cold glass of milk. The sweetness of the cake complements the refreshing taste of milk, creating a harmonious and satisfying dessert experience.
How to Make Milk Bar Cake
Making Milk Bar cake at home is a rewarding endeavor that allows you to enjoy this delectable treat in the comfort of your own kitchen. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crumble Topping (Optional):
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter and use your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the vanilla extract and mix until just combined.
3. Press the dough into the prepared baking pan and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, and cornstarch. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Pour the filling over the baked crust and allow to cool completely.
6. If desired, prepare the crumble topping. In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, oats, and butter. Use your fingers to work it into a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the filling.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crumble topping is golden brown.
8. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.
What People Want to Know
Q: What makes Milk Bar cake so unique?
A: Milk Bar cake is distinguished by its crumbly cookie-like crust, creamy vanilla filling, and optional crunchy crumble topping.
Q: Can I make Milk Bar cake without the crumble topping?
A: Yes, the crumble topping is optional. The cake will still be delicious without it.
Q: How long does Milk Bar cake last?
A: Milk Bar cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze Milk Bar cake?
A: Yes, Milk Bar cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: What is the best way to serve Milk Bar cake?
A: Serve Milk Bar cake chilled with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate dessert experience.