Delectable Kue Sarang Semut: A Traditional Indonesian Caramel Cake Recipe

Ingredients

200 grams of granulated sugar
600 ml of water
2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
200 grams of condensed milk
6 eggs
250 grams of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon of salt

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a baking pan by greasing it with butter.
In a saucepan, bring the granulated sugar with 200 ml of water to a simmer. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture turns into a syrup.
Remove the syrup from heat and add the unsalted butter. Stir until the butter is completely melted.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed milk and eggs until smooth. Gradually add the syrup into this mixture while stirring consistently to avoid cooking the eggs.
In a different bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix well.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once combined, add in the remaining 400 ml of water and the vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, cut the cake into squares and serve.

Tools for making

Saucepan - Used to heat and simmer the sugar syrup.
Baking pan - The pan in which the cake will be baked.
Whisk - Used to mix the condensed milk and eggs until smooth.
Bowl - Used to mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately.
Wire rack - Used for cooling the cake after baking.
Toothpick - Used to check if the cake is fully baked by inserting it into the center.
Knife - Used to cut the cake into squares.
Measuring cups and spoons - Used to accurately measure the ingredients.
Oven - Used to bake the cake at the specified temperature.

Recipe variations

Instead of using granulated sugar, you can try using brown sugar for a richer flavor.
For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Add a twist to the flavor by incorporating different extracts such as almond, coconut, or orange.
For a chocolate lover's version, add chocolate chips or chunks to the batter before baking.
Create a fruity variation by adding diced fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or bananas to the batter.
To make it nutty, mix chopped nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans into the batter.
For a denser texture, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with cake flour.
Give it a tropical flair by adding shredded coconut to the batter.
Add a layer of cream cheese filling in the middle of the cake for a decadent twist.
For a vegan option, replace the eggs with a suitable egg substitute like mashed bananas or applesauce.

Recipe overview

Welcome to the delightful world of Indonesian baking with this traditional Kue Sarang Semut, also known as Ant Nest Cake. This cake gets its unique name from the characteristic tunnels and holes that develop during baking, resembling an ant's nest. The cake is moist and sweet with a caramel-like flavor, derived from a caramel syrup base. This recipe is fairly simple, requiring basic baking ingredients such as eggs, flour, butter, and sugar. The process involves creating a caramel syrup, combining it with a milk and egg mixture, and blending with dry ingredients. After baking, you will be rewarded with a fascinating patterned cake with a soft, slightly sticky texture. It's a fun and rewarding baking project that can be enjoyed by all levels of home cooks.

Common questions

Can I use margarine instead of unsalted butter? No, it is best to use unsalted butter as it provides a better flavor and texture to the cake.
Can I substitute the condensed milk with another ingredient? No, condensed milk is an essential ingredient in this recipe and cannot be easily substituted.
Can I use a different type of flour? It is recommended to use all-purpose flour for this recipe as it provides the desired texture and structure. Substituting with other flours may result in different outcomes.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar? The amount of sugar in this recipe is necessary for the desired taste and texture. Reducing the sugar may affect the final result.
How long does it take for the cake to bake? The cake should bake for about 40-50 minutes, but the exact baking time may vary depending on your oven. Use a toothpick inserted into the center to check for doneness.
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients together.
Saucepan - A pan to heat the sugar and water mixture to make the syrup.
Whisk - A kitchen utensil used for whisking and combining ingredients.
Baking Pan - A rectangular or square pan to bake the cake.
Wire Rack - A cooling rack used to cool the cake after baking.
Toothpick - A small wooden or bamboo stick to check if the cake is done by inserting it into the center.

Origin stories

Kue sarang semut, or ant's nest cake, is a beloved traditional dessert hailing from the vibrant archipelago of Indonesia. Its peculiar name, which literally translates to 'ant's nest cake', is derived from the unique texture this cake forms while baking, making it resemble an ant's nest. The interior of the cake forms small holes or tunnels, much like the intricate network in an ant's nest, and is a delight to both the eye and palate. This cake is not just famous for its fascinating appearance but also for its caramel flavor, which is a result of the caramelization of sugar during the cooking process. Despite its unique texture and flavor, the recipe for Kue sarang semut is surprisingly simple, with the main ingredients being eggs, sugar, and flour. An embodiment of the Indonesian spirit of resourcefulness and creativity, this cake is a testament to the joy of culinary experimentation in the face of limited resources. Truly, a slice of Kue sarang semut is a slice of Indonesia's rich cultural and culinary heritage.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.