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How to Make the Royal King's Cake: A Six-Layered Masterpiece with Fruit Molasses and Rainbow Toppings
Meta Description: Discover how to make the elegant six-layered King's Cake with sponge cake, fruit molasses, cream, clotted cream, condensed milk, and rainbow fruit toppings. A perfect recipe for celebrations and royal occasions.
Keywords: King's Cake recipe, six-layered cake, sponge cake dessert, fruit molasses cake, royal cake, rainbow fruit decoration, clotted cream cake, condensed milk frosting, festive cake ideas
Introduction: A Dessert Fit for Royalty
In the world of gourmet desserts, few creations stand out quite like the majestic King’s Cake, or Tortat Al-Malik. This dessert isn't just a cake—it's an edible crown of elegance, layered with precision, flavor, and flair. Designed for celebrations and special occasions, this six-layer sponge cake is enhanced with rich fruit molasses between layers, crowned with a luxurious mix of cream, clotted cream, and condensed milk, and finished with slices of fresh fruits shaped like a vibrant rainbow. If you’re searching for the ultimate showstopper for your next gathering, look no further.
Ingredients Overview: The Royal Selection
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, here is a complete list of ingredients you’ll need to craft this exquisite cake.
For the Sponge Cake Layers:
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6 large eggs
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup all-purpose flour (sifted)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tsp baking powder
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A pinch of salt
For the Fruit Molasses (choose one or combine):
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Date molasses
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Fig molasses
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Pomegranate molasses
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Apricot molasses
For the Cream Topping:
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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1/2 cup clotted cream (ashta or kaymak)
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1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Decoration:
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Strawberries
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Blueberries
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Kiwi
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Mango
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Grapes (green and red)
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Pomegranate seeds
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Colored chocolate flakes (optional)
Step 1: Preparing the Sponge Cake Base
A light, airy sponge cake is the foundation of this majestic dessert. You'll need to bake six thin layers or bake three and slice them in half horizontally.
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare your pans: Use six 9-inch round cake pans (or work in batches). Grease them and line with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture triples in volume—about 7–10 minutes.
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Gently fold in the sifted flour, baking powder, vanilla, and salt using a spatula. Mix just until combined to preserve the fluffiness.
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Divide the batter evenly into the pans and smooth the tops.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden and springy to the touch.
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Let the layers cool completely before assembling.
Pro Tip: For perfectly thin layers, weigh the batter and divide it equally before baking.
Step 2: Choosing and Preparing the Fruit Molasses
Fruit molasses adds both sweetness and depth of flavor. It acts as the "royal seal" between the sponge layers.
Types of Fruit Molasses:
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Date Molasses: Deep and rich; perfect for autumn or winter.
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Pomegranate Molasses: Tart and aromatic; balances sweet creams.
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Fig Molasses: Earthy and mildly sweet.
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Apricot Molasses: Lighter and floral, great for springtime versions.
Application:
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Once the cake layers are cooled, brush a generous amount of your chosen molasses onto the top of each layer (except the very top one).
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Let it soak for 5–10 minutes for maximum flavor absorption.
Step 3: Crafting the Creamy Crown
The topping is what turns this cake into a royal dessert. The blend of clotted cream, whipped cream, and condensed milk is rich yet balanced.
Cream Mixture Instructions:
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Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
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Fold in the clotted cream gently.
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Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
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Chill the mixture for 15–20 minutes before frosting.
Step 4: Assembling the Layers with Royal Elegance
Now comes the most important part—layering the cake with grace.
Assembly Process:
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Place the first sponge layer on a serving platter.
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Spread a thin layer of cream mixture, then drizzle a small spoonful of molasses.
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Repeat the process for all layers except the top.
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Once all layers are stacked, frost the top and sides generously with the remaining cream.
Optional: Create gentle waves or swirls with a spatula for a decorative effect.
Step 5: The Rainbow of Fruits
The crown jewel of this cake is its colorful, arched fruit arrangement. The fruit slices form a semi-circle or full rainbow atop the creamy surface.
Fruit Arrangement Tips:
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Strawberries: Slice thinly and form the red arch.
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Mango slices: Thin and slightly curved for the orange layer.
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Kiwi: Green brilliance for the center.
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Blueberries: For the blue arch—use whole.
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Grapes: Alternate red and green for a dramatic finish.
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Pomegranate seeds: Sprinkle around the edges for a ruby shimmer.
Arrange the fruits in the shape of a rainbow, starting from one edge and arching across the cake. This visual touch is what makes the cake an Instagram sensation.
Step 6: Chilling and Serving
To let the layers settle and the cream firm up:
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Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 2–4 hours (overnight is ideal).
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Before serving, add an optional drizzle of condensed milk and a few colored chocolate flakes for extra flair.
Serving Suggestions: Fit for a Feast
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Serve cold with a cup of Arabic coffee or herbal tea.
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For a modern touch, pair with iced coffee infused with cardamom.
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Ideal for birthdays, weddings, or Eid celebrations.
Storage Tips
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Freezer: Freeze slices individually with wax paper and store for up to 1 month.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approx.)
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Calories: 420 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 45g
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Fat: 25g
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Protein: 6g
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Sugar: 32g
Variations and Ideas
1. Mini King's Cakes
Make individual mini versions using cupcake pans and layered in glasses.
2. Vegan Option
Use plant-based milk, coconut whipped cream, and vegan sponge.
3. Chocolate Drizzle
Add melted dark chocolate between layers for a richer version.
Conclusion: A Cake Worthy of Royal Applause
Creating the King's Cake at home is more than just baking—it's about constructing a regal experience. With its six delicate layers of sponge, rich molasses filling, creamy topping, and radiant fruit decoration, this cake delivers a sensory feast. Whether you're preparing it for a festive gathering or simply exploring your culinary talents, this dessert will leave your guests enchanted and asking for seconds.