If you’re looking to add a touch of Mexican flair to your holiday dessert table this Christmas, look no further than this delightful recipe for Pastel Imposible, also known as Impossible Cake. Combining the rich flavors of chocolate and creamy flan, this decadent dessert is sure to wow your guests and become a new tradition in your holiday baking repertoire.
**Pastel Imposible – Impossible Cake**
**Ingredients:**
For the Cake:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup whole milk
For the Flan:
– 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
– 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
– 4 eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. **Prepare the Cake Batter:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until well combined.
3. **Make the Flan Mixture:** In a blender, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
4. **Layer the Ingredients:** Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Carefully pour the flan mixture on top of the cake batter. Do not mix them together; the flan will sink to the bottom during baking.
5. **Bake the Cake:** Place the cake pan inside a larger baking dish and fill the larger dish with hot water, creating a water bath for the cake. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
6. **Cool and Chill:** Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours or overnight to set.
7. **Serve and Enjoy:** To serve, run a knife around the edges of the cake pan and invert the cake onto a serving plate. The flan layer should now be on top of the chocolate cake layer, creating a beautiful contrast. Slice and serve chilled for the best flavor.
Indulge in the creamy and rich flavors of this Mexican Christmas classic, the Pastel Imposible – Impossible Cake. This dessert is a true showstopper that will impress your guests with its unique layers and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Feel free to dust the top with cocoa powder or garnish with fresh berries for an extra festive touch. Enjoy this delightful treat as the perfect ending to your holiday celebrations!
