Mawa Cake

This recipe and I were meant to be! No kidding! Mawa cake is one of dad's favourites. Since I was a little kid, every time we go to Mumbai, dad would take us to Merwan's(the very popular Irani café at the Grant Road) just for this cute little cupcakes.



Original Merwan's Mawa Cakes!

I instantly fell in love with the taste and the texture. Of course, at that age, I knew nothing about texture, but taste, yes I knew a lot! Thanks to mom's great cooking! Since then, I was trying to recreate those cakes in my kitchen. I always had thought that one day, I will make perfect mawa cakes that dad would say, these are just like Merwan's! and finally, that time is here! After so many trial and error, I got this right and I just amazed myself as to how simple this was! And what's more fitting than this: I made these for my mom and dad's anniversary!

This is a bit on crumbly side but the cake itself is so moist and bursting with flavours. I added some citrus zest and almond essence to liven it up. Pure heaven! Although Merwan's are simple cupcakes, I embellished mine with a little whipped cream on the top!(not in the picture! Also, I made another batch with the same ingredients in a spring form pan, not in the picture)

Mawa Cake

Ingredients
1-1/2 cups all purpose flour
1-1/2 cups sugar
1-1/2 sticks butter, softened
1-1/2 cups drained paneer
1 cup milk powder
1 tsp powdered cardamom
3 eggs
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda

How to:
Sieve all the dry ingredients together(except sugar) in a large bowl, keep aside
Cream butter and sugar together till light and fluffy.
Add one egg at a time, incorporate all the eggs very well.
Now add the cheese.
Add the dry ingredients and mix until nicely blended, for about 2 minutes.
Line the muffin pans with liners.
Divide the batter equally in the cups and bake at 375° F. for about 35 minutes.
Makes 18 muffins.