DessertsSouth African DessertsDurban Indian

Gulab Jamun Cake

Make authentic Gulab Jamun Cake with this foolproof recipe. Packed with rich traditional flavor, step-by-step photos, and cooking tips by Denisiya on EatMee Recipes.

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By DenisiyaPublished on October 30, 2020
Gulab Jamun Cake
⏱️
Prep Time25 mins
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Cook Time120 mins
⌛
Total Time145 mins
🍽️
ServingsMakes 1 Loaf / 6-8 Portions
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This Indian Dessert Recipe Makes 1 Cake

When it comes to all things sweet, the Indian culture definitely has beautiful & decadent desserts, be it baked or fried. We’ve heard of desserts turn into cakes, such as ‘Soji’ into ‘Soji/Semolina Cake‘ & also ‘Burfee’ into a ‘Burfee Cake’ but how often do we hear of the all famous ‘Gulab Jamun‘ in a cake form? The idea struck when I became bored of the same old cakes & now I bring you my own little creation of the Gulab Jamun Cake – it is super yum!

A Gulab Jamun is a sweet dessert which is made from a dough, rolled into balls or log like shapes & then fried until golden. Thereafter it is drenched into a sugary syrup & often coated in desiccated coconut.

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Ingredients

Scale:
Base Yield: Makes 1 Loaf / 6-8 Portions
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Step-by-Step Instructions

35 Steps
  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 180° Celsius or 356° Fahrenheit.

  2. Step 2

    Grease a 18 cm (7 inch) pan with cooking spray & set aside until ready to use.

    Step 2 visual guide
  3. Step 3

    Make sure that the butter or margarine is at room temperature.

    Step 3 visual guide
  4. Step 4

    To a large mixing bowl, add in the butter/margarine.

    Step 4 visual guide
  5. Step 5

    Add the white granulated sugar to the butter.

    Step 5 visual guide
  6. Step 6

    Cream the butter & sugar using a wooden spoon or an electric or hand mixer.

    Step 6 visual guide
  7. Step 7

    Once the mixture is of a creamy texture, add in the eggs.

    Step 7 visual guide
  8. Step 8

    Mix until the eggs are well incorporated.

    Step 8 visual guide
  9. Step 9

    Next, add in the flour & the baking powder.

    Step 9 visual guide
  10. Step 10

    Thereafter, add in the milk powder.

    Step 10 visual guide
  11. Step 11

    Add in the semolina.

    Step 11 visual guide
  12. Step 12

    Next, add in the cardamom (elachi) powder – it’s best to add freshly ground cardamom pods.

    Step 12 visual guide
  13. Step 13

    Add in the nutmeg powder – also best to freshly grate from a whole nutmeg.

    Step 13 visual guide
  14. Step 14

    Thereafter, pour in the condensed milk.

    Step 14 visual guide
  15. Step 15

    Mix well, the batter should be rather thick at this point.

    Step 15 visual guide
  16. Step 16

    Finally, pour in the milk.

    Step 16 visual guide
  17. Step 17

    Mix once again until the batter is smooth.

    Step 17 visual guide
  18. Step 18

    Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.

    Step 18 visual guide
  19. Step 19

    Using the back of a spoon, smoothen the surface.

    Step 19 visual guide
  20. Step 20

    Gently tap the pan on the counter a few times to remove any air bubbles & place the pan into the preheated oven & bake for 40-45 minutes.

    Step 20 visual guide
  21. Step 21

    Whilst the cake is baking, begin making the syrup – start this about 15 minutes before the cake is fully baked.

  22. Step 22

    On medium high heat, pour the water, white granulated sugar & the cardamom (elachi) pods into a medium sized pot.

    Step 22 visual guide
  23. Step 23

    Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves.

    Step 23 visual guide
  24. Step 24

    Once the sugar has dissolved, allow the mixture to boil for 2 minutes without stirring, until it gets a bit thick.

    Step 24 visual guide
  25. Step 25

    Once the syrup has thickened, turn off the heat. Stir in the rosewater & set aside.

    Step 25 visual guide
  26. Step 26

    When the 40-45 minutes is over for the cake baking in the oven, insert a skewer or a knife to check if it comes out clean. If there is runny batter on the skewer or knife, bake for a few minutes longer.

    Step 26 visual guide
  27. Step 27

    The cake should be browned.

    Step 27 visual guide
  28. Step 28

    Whilst the cake is still hot, use a fork to puncture holes into the cake.

    Step 28 visual guide
  29. Step 29

    Next, begin pouring the syrup all over the hot cake.

    Step 29 visual guide
  30. Step 30

    Cover the cake & allow the syrup to soak in for about 10 minutes.

    Step 30 visual guide
  31. Step 31

    After 10 minutes, carefully flip the cake onto a plate.

    Step 31 visual guide
  32. Step 32

    Sprinkle desiccated coconut over the top.

    Step 32 visual guide
  33. Step 33

    Thereafter, slice this delicious Gulab Jamun Cake & serve,

    Step 33 visual guide
  34. Step 34

    The soft, rich texture on the inside is amazingly delicious & I guarantee that you will enjoy every bite.

    Step 34 visual guide
  35. Step 35

    Store in an airtight container for up to a week. In humid weather conditions, it is best stored in the refrigerator.

    Step 35 visual guide
Video Tutorial

Watch How It's Made

Follow along with Denisiya's step-by-step video guide for Gulab Jamun Cake.

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Frequently Asked Questions & Cooking Tips

Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best Gulab Jamun Cake

How should I store Gulab Jamun Cake to maintain freshness?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 to 2 weeks. For milk-based sweetmeats like burfee or soji, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 7 to 10 days.

Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?

Pure butter or ghee provides the authentic rich aroma and texture characteristic of traditional Indian sweetmeats and bakes. Margarine can be used in a pinch, but butter delivers superior flavor.

Denisiya - Founder & Chef at EatMee Recipes
About the Creator

Meet Denisiya

Hi, I'm Denisiya! Food lover, recipe developer, and founder of EatMee Recipes. I specialize in authentic South African Durban Indian cuisine, comforting curries, and modern Instant Pot adaptations. Every recipe on this site is tested in my personal kitchen to ensure you get mouth-watering, foolproof results every time.

Comments & Community

2

Have you tried this recipe or have questions for Denisiya? Join the conversation below.

K
Karishma

Hi. Any substitute for the egg?

D
DenisiyaRecipe Creator

Hi Karishma. You can omit the egg.

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