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Salvadorian "Quesadilla" Cake

4.5

(8)

Traditionally served as a coffee cake in El Salvador, "quesadilla" cake isn’t made with tortillas but has a pound-cake-like denseness. The unusual addition of parmesan cheese gives the sweet cake its rich depth.

Cooks' note:

Cake keeps in an airtight container at room temperature 3 days.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    1 1/4 hr (includes cooling)

  • Yield

    Makes 8 to 12 servings

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups sifted cake flour (not self-rising; sift before measuring)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs at room temperature 30 minutes
3 tablespoons sour cream
1/2 ounces finely grated parmesan
1/2 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional), not toasted
Equipment: a 9- by 5-inch loaf pan

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 400°F with rack in middle. Line bottom and sides of pan with parchment paper.

    Step 2

    Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat butter and sugar in another bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until pale, about 1 minute. Beat in eggs, sour cream, and cheese.

    Step 3

    Reduce speed to low and mix in milk. Add flour mixture and mix until just combined.

    Step 4

    Transfer batter to pan and smooth top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds (if using). Bake until a wooden pick or skewer inserted into center of cake comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes.

    Step 5

    Cool to warm in pan, 20 to 30 minutes. Turn cake out onto a rack. Serve cake slightly warm or at room temperature.

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