Title: The Ultimate San Marcos Cake Recipe: A Decadent Mexican Dessert That Will Impress Everyone

1. Add the vanilla extract, milk, and vegetable oil to the egg-sugar mixture and continue whisking until well combined.
2. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently to avoid deflating the batter.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Coffee Soak

1. While the cake is cooling, brew a strong cup of coffee or espresso. Stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar until dissolved. If you want an extra boost of flavor, add the rum or coffee liqueur to the coffee.
2. Let the coffee mixture cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and egg yolks. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat while whisking continuously. Once it begins to heat up, dissolve the cornstarch in a small bowl with a bit of cold milk and slowly add it to the saucepan.
3. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency, around 10-12 minutes.
4. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter. Let the cream mixture cool slightly before using.

Step 4: Assemble the San Marcos Cake

1. Once the cake has cooled completely, use a serrated knife to slice it into two even layers horizontally.
2. Place the bottom layer of the cake back into the cake pan. Using a spoon, drizzle the coffee soak evenly over the cake, making sure it absorbs the coffee mixture but doesn’t become soggy.
3. Spread the cream filling evenly over the soaked cake layer. Be generous with the cream filling to ensure it covers the entire surface.
4. Place the second layer of the cake on top, pressing gently to secure it in place.

Step 5: Make the Whipped Cream Topping

1. In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using an electric mixer. Continue whipping until soft peaks form.
2. Spread the whipped cream topping evenly over the top of the cake. You can use a spatula to make it smooth or swirl it for a decorative effect.
3. If desired, dust the top with cocoa powder or garnish with chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

1. Refrigerate the San Marcos cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. Slice the cake into squares or wedges and serve chilled. You’ll enjoy the combination of spongy cake, creamy filling, and coffee-soaked layers in every bite!

Recipe Variations:

• Flavored Coffee Soak: Experiment with different flavors of coffee, such as vanilla or hazelnut, to add a unique twist to the soak. You can also use flavored syrups like caramel for a sweeter flavor.
• Chocolate Cake Base: For a richer taste, substitute the sponge cake with a chocolate cake base. This will enhance the dessert’s decadence, especially when paired with the coffee soak.
• Lemon Infused: If you want a citrusy kick, add lemon zest to the cream filling or whipped cream topping. This can add a refreshing balance to the otherwise rich dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use instant coffee for the soak? Yes, you can use instant coffee. Just dissolve 2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules in hot water to create a strong coffee flavor for soaking.

2. Can I make the cake ahead of time? Absolutely! The San Marcos cake can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just make sure to keep it covered and refrigerated until serving.

3. What type of milk can I use for the cream filling? You can substitute the evaporated milk with whole milk or half-and-half if you prefer a less rich filling. However, the traditional flavor comes from using evaporated milk.

4. Can I add alcohol to the cake? Yes, adding rum or coffee liqueur to the coffee soak enhances the flavor profile. However, this is optional if you prefer to keep it non-alcoholic.

Notes:

• Cake Texture: Ensure the cake layers are not too thick to allow for the coffee to soak in properly. A light and fluffy sponge works best for this dessert.
• Whipped Cream: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use double cream or a dairy-free alternative such as coconut cream.
• Presentation: To make the San Marcos cake extra special, consider decorating the top with additional chocolate shavings, crushed nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 125mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 35g

Conclusion:

The San Marcos Cake is a dessert that will truly conquer everyone’s heart and taste buds. With its combination of a fluffy sponge cake, a rich coffee soak, a luscious creamy filling, and a light whipped cream topping, this cake offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a special celebration, or simply for a weekend treat, this Mexican classic will not disappoint. It’s not only easy to make, but it also looks impressive when served, making it the ultimate dessert for any occasion!