Desserts are often the highlight of celebrations, offering a sweet conclusion to our most memorable occasions. When it comes to Indian sweets, gulab jamun often takes centre stage with its melt-in-the-mouth softness and syrupy goodness. But what if we told you that this traditional dessert can be transformed into something even more indulgent and exciting? Enter the Gulab Jamun Cake — a unique fusion of flavours that combines the beloved richness of gulab jamun with the light, airy texture of a sponge cake.
Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply want to treat yourself to a slice of something extraordinary, this cake is bound to impress. This recipe beautifully marries the best of two worlds: the fragrant, syrup-soaked sweetness of gulab jamun and the velvety indulgence of cake. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this delightful Gulab Jamun Cake recipe that will surely steal the show at any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get started, let’s gather the ingredients. This recipe requires a mix of cake basics and traditional Indian flavours, ensuring the perfect balance between East and West.
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cardamom powder (for that classic Indian aroma)
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons of yoghurt (to keep the cake moist)
- A pinch of salt
For the Syrup (Just like for gulab jamun):
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- 2-3 cardamom pods, slightly crushed
- A few strands of saffron (optional but highly recommended)
- 1 teaspoon rose water
For the Garnish:
- Ready-made gulab jamuns (about 8-10, depending on the size)
- Whipped cream or vanilla buttercream
- A few chopped pistachios and rose petals for an extra festive touch
Step-by-Step Recipe to Make Gulab Jamun Cake
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake tin with parchment paper. This will prevent the cake from sticking and give it a clean, professional finish once baked.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cardamom powder, and a pinch of salt. The cardamom not only adds that authentic Indian twist but also pairs beautifully with the syrup-soaked gulab jamun, making every bite feel like a celebration.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial to ensuring your cake turns out airy and soft. If you want a slight caramel note, you can use brown sugar instead of white.
4. Add Wet Ingredients
Once the butter and sugar mixture is well-combined, add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Now, stir in the vanilla extract and yoghurt. The yoghurt will help keep the cake moist and add a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Be careful not to overmix — just stir until everything is combined and smooth. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake.
6. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
While the cake bakes, you can prepare the sugar syrup — the star element that turns this simple cake into a Gulab Jamun Cake.
Making the Gulab Jamun Syrup
1. Heat the Water and Sugar
In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, and the mixture comes to a boil.
2. Add Flavours
Once the syrup starts bubbling, toss in the crushed cardamom pods, saffron, and rose water. These ingredients give the syrup a floral and aromatic quality, reminiscent of traditional Indian sweets. Let the syrup simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Turn off the heat and let it cool while your cake finishes baking.
Assembling the Gulab Jamun Cake
1. Soak the Cake
Once your cake is out of the oven, let it cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. While the cake is still warm, use a skewer or toothpick to poke holes all over the top. This will allow the syrup to soak through and infuse every bite with flavour.
Now, generously pour the syrup over the cake, making sure to cover it evenly. Let the cake sit for about 30 minutes to absorb the syrup fully. This is the magic step that transforms a regular cake into a Gulab Jamun Cake — sweet, moist, and utterly irresistible.
2. Add the Gulab Jamuns
Once the cake has absorbed the syrup and cooled completely, it’s time to decorate! Place the ready-made gulab jamuns on top of the cake, spacing them out evenly. You can either halve them or place them whole, depending on how indulgent you want the final cake to be.
3. Frost and Garnish
For an extra layer of indulgence, frost the cake with whipped cream or vanilla buttercream. The lightness of the cream balances the richness of the cake. To finish, sprinkle some chopped pistachios and rose petals for a pop of colour and a final touch of luxury.
Serving Suggestions
This Gulab Jamun Cake is best served slightly chilled, allowing the syrup to soak in even more. The combination of fluffy cake, syrupy gulab jamun, and creamy frosting makes for a truly decadent dessert experience.
You can serve it as part of a festive spread, perhaps during Diwali or Eid, or enjoy it as a standalone treat with a hot cup of chai. It’s a versatile dessert that feels at home at grand celebrations but can also elevate an ordinary day into something special.
If you’re a fan of Indian sweets but love the lightness of cakes, this recipe will surely become a favourite in your household. It’s a showstopper that not only looks gorgeous but tastes divine too. So, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, give this Gulab Jamun Cake a try — or explore Bakingo cakes for a truly indulgent treat — you won’t be disappointed!
