This is the cake that will make you close your eyes after each bite, it might not look a beautiful as it tastes, but I assure you, everybody and I mean EVERYBODY, will lick their plates.
My kids love flan, and who does not? I’ve never met someone who does not like it up until now, it is one of the greatest achievements in human history. My late father was crazy about flan too, so may be my kids inherited that from him somehow. I was first introduced to this cake 7 years ago in one of the Arabic forums, and we were hooked.
Whenever I make it in any gathering, it is a masterpiece and it is the first to be gone in less than 30 minutes😋. We have never been – as a family- a fan of homemade flan, I’ve always found it too eggy and no matter how hard I tried, I always feel as if I am eating a sweet omelet!!! I’ve even tried- after being convinced of its benefits from a work colleague in Egypt- making it for my eldest when he was 2 years old and it ended up in the trash can, even my husband did not touch it.
I’m used to make this magic cake with store bought flan mix and cake mix – just to save time and effort- and it has always turned out great. Although I am still not a fan of homemade flan but this is not the case with the cake anymore as I like making it from scratch now.
In Arabic this cake is called “Qudrat Qader” which you can translate to something like magic. It is often made with chocolate cake to highlight the contrasting colors and make it look more appealing🍰
, but seriously it does not have to look that fancy, it tastes like a feast already.
I have a kid who does not like chocolate cakes, so I have opted out the cocoa powder and stick to a vanilla cake… it was super delicious.
So, what makes this cake magical? The magic part happen in the oven. You pour the cake batter over the flan and they get separated in the oven, with the flan at the bottom and the cake on top, then you flip it when serving. You really have to try this cake recipe, besides the magic that will happen in the oven, there is also magic that will happen to anyone rolling their tongues around this delicious cake… it makes you happy and optimistic, I do not know why?!!
Ok, enough talking and let’s get serious here… Two things that you might find overwhelming in this recipe:
First: you will need to bake this in a water bath, it really isn’t that hard.. trust me the outcome worth it.
Second: you’ll need to refrigerate it overnight or at least for 4 hours so it does not fall apart when cutting and serving.
Here is a short video showing you how to make this delicious cake…. Enjoy!!
- I’ve used store bought flan mix - you will need one packet- and you’ll need half the amount of milk recommended on the package or else use your favorite flan recipe.
- 1 1/2 cup A.P. flour.
- 3/4 cup sugar.
- 2/3 cup oil.
- 2/3 cup milk.
- 2 eggs.
- a dash of vanilla powder about 1/8th teaspoon - or equivalent in vanilla extract.
- 1 Tablespoon Baking powder.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - optional if you want a chocolate cake.
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In a bundt pan pour the caramel sauce evenly.
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In the blender add the flan mix packet - if using store bought one- with half of the milk indicated on the packet itself and blend very well. Or else make your own favorite flan recipe.
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Now we’ll start making the cake, in your blender add the eggs, vanilla powder, milk, sugar and oil and mix well.
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Sift the flour with the baking powder- and add cocoa powder if using- in a bowl, add the liquid mixture gradually and mix.
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Pour the cake batter slowly and evenly over the flan.
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Place the cake pan in a large roasting pan and fill the roasting pan halfway with hot water..
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Place in a 350F pre heated oven and bake for 60-75 minutes.
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Take the bundt pan out and let it cool completely then refrigerate overnight or at least for 4 hours - the more the better.
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To release the cake, place the pan in a large bowl of hot water, turn it out onto a serving platter.
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Cut and.. Enjoy!!
I made a magic cake similar to this last year but I found it a bit eggy for my taste. It didn’t look anywhere near as good as this. This looks fantastic!
I always get that feeling from homemade flan!!! no matter how hard I tried 🙁 I gave up trying and went for the store bought one.. Thanks Maureen for dropping by I hope you’ll get better soon dear.
What a beautiful cake! I am only familiar with a Mexican flan so this is new to me. Looks delightful!
Flan is a very smart invention in the culinary world 🙂 Everyone loves it.. I hope I can see a recipe of the Mexican one in your blog soon. Thanks Abbe.
Flan is great, isn’t it? I’m with you — I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like it! But never even thought of doing a cake version. This is brilliant! Really nice — thanks so much.
I am quite curious to try this magic flan, i have heard about it before, or something similar. Love the concept separation in the oven of textures!
It is a great cake , a winner for sure. Thank Eve.
I have been wanting to make this since ages and I don’t know why I am not doing it! Looking at your pics, I am really tempted to make them soon… Thank you for dropping by my blog… “_
Procrastination my friend… I do that too. If you just see my to do list :).
Your cake reminds me of a dessert I had while living in Santo Domingo although it had raisins in it. I’ve pinned your cake and can’t wait to try it soon.
Thanks Karen, I would loooove to add raisins what a great idea!!!
Holy moly… 2 of my fave desserts combined together!!!!!! Yummy!
Somebody told me this cake has initially originated in Brazil but I am not sure.. do you have an idea if this is true or not? Thanks dear.
I’ve seen something like this before but never tried it! Oh Amira how I wish to be a part of the parties you take this beauty to!
Hahaha, who knows, maybe one day we will move!! we are always on the move.