Rose Cake Recipe – Moist Indian Rosewater & Cream Cake

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Rose Cake Recipe – Moist Indian Rosewater & Cream Cake

Hello friends! If you’re anything like me, the scent of roses instantly transports you to a place of calm and happiness. This Rose Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a little piece of that feeling, baked into a wonderfully moist and flavorful treat. I first made this for a family birthday, and it was an instant hit – everyone raved about the delicate rose flavor and the incredibly soft texture. It’s become a bit of a tradition ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Rose Cake is special. It’s not overly sweet, and the rosewater adds a beautiful floral aroma that’s so refreshing. The creamy milk soak makes it unbelievably moist, and the whipped cream topping is the perfect finishing touch. It’s a little bit of effort, but trust me, it’s so worth it. Plus, it’s a stunning cake that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this dreamy Rose Cake:

• ¼ cup (60ml) butter
• ¼ cup (60ml) oil
• ½ cup (120ml) yogurt
• ½ cup (120ml) condensed milk
• 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• A pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp rose water
• ½ cup (120ml) condensed milk
• 125ml thick cream
• 1 cup (240ml) evaporated milk
• ¼ cup (60ml) rose syrup
• 1 cup (240ml) whipping cream
• ¼ cup (30g) icing sugar

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few things can make a big difference:

• Rose Water: This is the star! Use a good quality rose water for the best flavor. Look for pure rose water, not rose flavoring. I find that brands from the Middle East often have a more authentic and potent rose aroma.
• Condensed Milk: This adds sweetness and helps create a wonderfully tender crumb. Don’t substitute with regular milk!
• Thick Cream: Now, this can be tricky depending on where you are. In India, we often use Amul cream, which is readily available. If you can’t find something similar, look for heavy cream with a fat content of at least 35%. You might need to chill it well and whip it for a longer time to get the right consistency. Some people even use a mix of whipping cream and mascarpone for extra richness!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. Get Started: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease an 8-inch baking pan really well. I like to line the bottom with parchment paper too, just to be extra safe.
2. Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the butter, oil, yogurt, and condensed milk until everything is smooth and combined.
3. Dry Ingredients: Sift in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold everything together until just combined. Don’t overmix!
4. Rosewater Magic: Stir in the rose water. The aroma should be lovely already!
5. Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Milk Mixture Time: While the cake is baking, whisk together the condensed milk, thick cream, evaporated milk, and rose syrup in a separate bowl. Chill this mixture – it’s going to be important later!
7. Soak It Up: Once the cake is cooled completely, place it in a deep dish. Poke holes all over the cake with a fork. This helps the milk mixture soak in beautifully.
8. The Soak: Pour most of the chilled milk mixture over the cake, letting it soak in. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight.
9. Whip It Good: Whip the whipping cream with the icing sugar until stiff peaks form.
10. Final Touch: Spread the whipped cream over the cake. Slice and serve chilled, with the remaining milk mixture on the side.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry cake. Keep a close eye on it!
• Chill Everything: Chilling the milk mixture and the cake itself helps everything come together perfectly.
• Gentle Folding: When mixing in the dry ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make the cake tough.

Variations

Want to make this cake your own? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the yogurt with plant-based yogurt, and the cream with coconut cream.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Spice Level: My friend, Priya, loves to add a pinch of cardamom powder to the batter for a subtle warmth. It’s delicious!
• Festival Adaptations: This cake is perfect for celebrations! During weddings or special occasions, you can decorate it with edible rose petals for an extra touch of elegance.

Serving Suggestions

This Rose Cake is wonderful on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your serving:

• With a cup of chai: The floral notes of the cake pair beautifully with a warm cup of masala chai.
• Fresh berries: A few fresh raspberries or strawberries add a pop of color and freshness.
• Pistachios: Sprinkle some chopped pistachios on top for a bit of crunch and nutty flavor.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Rose Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What is the best type of rose water to use for this cake? Look for pure rose water, not rose flavoring. Brands from the Middle East are often a good choice.
• Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the whipped cream topping right before serving.
• Can I use a different type of milk in the milk mixture? While evaporated milk works best, you could try using full-fat milk in a pinch, but the texture won’t be quite as rich.
• How can I tell if the cake is fully baked? Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, it’s done!
• What can I substitute for thick cream? If you can’t find thick cream, use heavy cream with a fat content of at least 35%. You may need to chill it well and whip it for a longer time.

Enjoy baking (and eating!) this beautiful Rose Cake. I hope it brings a little bit of joy to your day!