Dive into the deliciously layered nostalgia of the "Time Capsule" dessert, a decadent treat that blends the warmth of spiced cake, the silkiness of homemade vanilla custard, and the snap of salted caramel shards. This imaginative recipe is a celebration of time itself, combining the comforting flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with the luxurious texture of a creamy custard crafted from scratch. Topped with a crisp caramel layer, artfully salted for balance, each bite offers a delightful interplay of soft, creamy, and crunchy textures. Perfectly portioned in glasses or jars, this visually stunning dessert is ideal for showcasing at dinner parties or indulging in a moment of culinary bliss. With simple yet rewarding steps, the "Time Capsule" invites you to savor the past, present, and future all in one enchanting dessert.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture in three parts, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
While the cake cools, prepare the custard. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, heavy cream, and powdered sugar.
Split the vanilla bean and scrape out the seeds. Add both the seeds and the bean pod to the custard mixture (or use vanilla extract).
Cook the custard over medium heat, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened and it coats the back of a spoon, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool, removing the vanilla bean pod if used.
For the caramel topping, combine the granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook without stirring until the mixture turns a deep amber color, about 6–8 minutes.
Remove the caramel from heat and quickly pour it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, tilting the sheet to spread it thin. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes and let it cool completely until hardened.
Once all components are cool, assemble the dessert. Cut the cake into 1-inch cubes and layer them in serving glasses or jars. Spoon the custard over the cake cubes.
Break the cooled caramel into shards and place them on top of each dessert to serve as the 'future' layer.
Serve immediately and enjoy your 'Time Capsule' dessert—reminiscent of the past, decadent in the present, and crisp with promise for the future.
Serving size | 1078.3 grams (1078.3g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 3360 |
Total Fat 157.00g | 201% |
Saturated Fat 86.50g | 433% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g | |
Cholesterol 1304mg | 435% |
Sodium 1831mg | 80% |
Total Carbohydrate 431.00g | 157% |
Dietary Fiber 6.70g | 24% |
Total Sugars 287.00g | |
Protein 43.90g | 88% |
Vitamin D 191IU | 953% |
Calcium 343mg | 26% |
Iron 12mg | 67% |
Potassium 612mg | 13% |
Source of Calories