This classic French dessert separates into three delicious layers.

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

For me, theres no separating baking from magic.

I love to learn the hows and whys behind my favorite kitchen endeavors.

magic cake on a plate with strawberries

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

The magic all happens in the ovenno special ingredients or equipment required.

The recipe calls for a short list of pantry staples, plus its easy to customize with different flavors.

What Is Magic Cake?

magic cake slices stacked a piece of parchment paper on the counter

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Essential Tips for Achieving Layers

The low oven temperature delays when the cakes structure sets.

Easy Recipe Variations

The mix of textures already makes this cake interesting.

But with a simple vanilla base, its easy to change up the flavors.

magic cake slices on a piece of parchment paper on a table

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Lightly grease the parchment paper.

In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter on low heat just until the butter melts.

Dont let the milk come to a boil or simmer.

baking pan lined with parchment paper for magic cake (gâteau magique) recipe

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

It should be warm but not scalding hot, 105 to 115F.

Add the flour to the egg yolk mixture and beat on low speed until combined.

It may seem like there is too much flour, but the batter will soon be thinned out.

milk and melted butter in a saucepan for gâteau magique recipe

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

The batter will be thin and smooth, like crepe batter.

Dont overmixthere should still be a layer of foam on top of the batter.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

egg whites whipped until stiff peaks for magic cake recipe

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Let the cake chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.

you could skip chilling and serve the cake at room temperature, though it wont slice as neatly.

Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar, then slice it into squares.

bowl of egg yokes and sugar for magic cake (gâteau magique) recipe

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

If desired, serve with fresh fruit and, for extra indulgence, a dollop of whipped cream.

Store leftover magic cake, well-covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Magic cake does not freeze well.

egg yoke and flour mixture mixed together for magic cake (gâteau magique) recipe

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

The freezing and thawing process will affect the texture of the custard layer.

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egg yoke and milk batter in a bowl for magic cake (gâteau magique) recipe

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

egg whites carefully whisked into the egg yoke batter for magic cake (gâteau magique) recipe

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

magic cake batter (egg whites not completely whisked in)

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

magic cake batter added to the baking pan

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

baked magic cake (gâteau magique) recipe cooling on a wire rack

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

magic cake slice on a plate with sliced stawberry pieces, and in the background, more slices on a parchment paper lined wooden board

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm