Chamberlains of London – Mouthwatering Bolu Lapis is a traditional Indonesian layered cake that has captured the hearts of many with its delightful taste and unique appearance. This cake is known for its soft, spongy texture and sweet, rich flavor. The name “Bolu Lapis” refers to the cake’s distinct layered structure, achieved by baking each layer individually, one on top of the other. With its vibrant layers and delicate crumb, Bolu Lapis is perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or as a special treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
While making Bolu Lapis may seem complex, with the right technique, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. This guide will take you through the steps to create this Indonesian delicacy from start to finish. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced one, you’ll enjoy the process of making this mouthwatering dessert.
Before you begin, make sure you have the following ingredients ready. These are the essentials to create a perfectly moist and flavorful Bolu Lapis:
These ingredients may seem simple, but they come together to create the fluffy, soft texture that makes Bolu Lapis so special. The eggs and butter provide richness, while the sugar adds sweetness. The flour helps to structure the cake, and the vanilla extract gives it a subtle, aromatic flavor. You can also add food coloring to make the layers visually striking, but this is completely optional and depends on your preference.
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The preparation of the batter is the first crucial step in making Bolu Lapis. Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a rectangular or square baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to ensure the cake doesn’t stick. A standard 9-inch square pan works well for this recipe.
Next, place the eggs and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on high speed until the mixture becomes thick, fluffy, and pale in color. This process typically takes about 5–8 minutes. The air incorporated during this step is essential for giving the cake its light, airy texture. Once you see the mixture has doubled in volume and forms ribbons when the mixer is lifted, you’re ready for the next step.
Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the mixture, stirring gently to combine. Then, sift the flour into the bowl in small batches. Sifting helps to prevent lumps and ensures that the flour is evenly distributed throughout the batter. Carefully fold the flour into the egg mixture with a spatula. It’s important to do this gently to preserve the airiness of the batter, which contributes to the soft, fluffy texture of the cake.
Once the flour is fully incorporated, pour in the melted butter. Gently fold it into the batter until it’s well mixed. The butter will add richness to the cake, making it moist and flavorful.
Now comes the fun part—baking the layers! To create the signature look of Bolu Lapis, you need to bake each layer individually. If you want to create a multi-colored effect, divide the batter into separate bowls and add different food coloring to each batch. You can choose to make just one color or multiple shades for a vibrant, rainbow-like effect.
Pour a small amount of batter into the prepared baking pan, just enough to cover the bottom in a thin layer. Smooth it out evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes or until the layer turns lightly golden and firm to the touch. Be sure to watch carefully to prevent over-baking.
Once the first layer is done, remove the pan from the oven. Add another thin layer of batter on top of the baked layer. Use a spatula to smooth it out and return the pan to the oven. Bake for another 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown. Repeat this process, adding one layer at a time, until you’ve used up all the batter. The key to perfect Bolu Lapis is to bake each layer thoroughly before adding the next, ensuring each layer holds its shape.
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After all the layers have been baked, take the cake out of the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will help the cake set and make it easier to remove. Once it has cooled slightly, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cake has cooled, carefully peel away the parchment paper and place the cake on a flat surface. At this point, the cake will have multiple beautiful layers stacked on top of each other, showcasing the light, airy texture. You can choose to serve it as a whole cake or slice it into smaller pieces.
Bolu Lapis is typically served at room temperature, but you can refrigerate it for a few hours if you prefer a denser texture. The cake will last for several days when stored in an airtight container, making it a great treat to enjoy over time.
