Maria Luisa Salvadoran Layer Cake

Delight your taste buds with Maria Luisa, a traditional Salvadoran layer cake that’s rich, tender, and irresistibly sweet. This beloved dessert features two buttery sponge cake layers, delicately infused with vanilla and sandwiched with a generous spread of tangy apricot jam. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds the perfect finishing touch, making this cake as beautiful as it is delicious. With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, this recipe is ideal for celebrations, afternoon tea, or any moment that calls for a taste of Central American comfort. Pair it with coffee or tea for an authentic Salvadoran experience that's sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 42/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 200 grams All-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt
• 170 grams Unsalted butter
• 200 grams Granulated sugar
• 4 Large eggs
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 120 milliliters Whole milk
• 300 grams Apricot jam
• 50 grams Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottoms of two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large bowl, using a hand or stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 5

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.

Step 6

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9

Once the cakes are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of apricot jam on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top, gently pressing to sandwich the jam.

Step 10

Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar using a sieve, or drizzle with a light glaze if preferred.

Step 11

Slice and serve. Enjoy this traditional Salvadoran treat with a cup of coffee or tea!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1208.3 grams (1208.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3863

Total Fat 171.60g	220%
Saturated Fat 93.60g	468%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 1135mg	378%
Sodium 1394mg	61%
Total Carbohydrate 560.50g	204%
Dietary Fiber 5.40g	19%
Total Sugars 402.40g
Protein 49.90g	100%

Vitamin D 215IU	1073%
Calcium 329mg	25%
Iron 13mg	74%
Potassium 731mg	16%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.7%

Protein: 5.0%

Carbs: 56.2%