Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare Cake Batter

   In a large mixing bowl, add 1/4 cup of semi-solid ghee. Ensure the ghee is not too solid or too liquid.

2. 2.Add Wet Ingredients

   Pour in 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon of milk, ensuring it is at room temperature. Then, add 1/2 cup of whisked, medium-sweet yogurt.

3. 3.Add Sugar and Whisk

   Add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar to the bowl. Whisk all the wet ingredients together thoroughly until well combined and smooth.

4. 4.Incorporate Dry Ingredients

   Add 1 cup of full cream milk powder, followed by 3/4 cup of sifted all-purpose flour (maida).

5. 5.Add Leavening Agents and Flavorings

   Add 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 3/4 teaspoon of baking powder. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder and a few strands of saffron for enhanced flavor and color.

6. 6.Mix Batter to Consistency

   Whisk all the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a smooth and lump-free batter is formed. If the batter appears too thick, add an additional 1 tablespoon of room temperature milk and continue whisking until it achieves a runny, ribbon-like consistency.

7. 7.Prepare Baking Pan

   Prepare an 8-inch baking pan by lining it with butter paper to prevent sticking.

8. 8.Pour Batter and Spread

   Pour the prepared cake batter into the lined baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan. Gently tap the pan a few times on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.

9. 9.Bake the Cake

   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the cake for 15-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. For a golden-brown top, turn on the top heating element (broiler) for the last 5 minutes.

10. 10.Prepare Sugar Syrup

    While the cake is baking, prepare the sugar syrup. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of sugar. Add 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder and a few strands of saffron.

11. 11.Boil the Syrup

    Stir the mixture continuously over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves and the syrup comes to a rolling boil. Let it boil for a few seconds.

12. 12.Pour Syrup Over Cake

    Immediately after removing the hot cake from the oven, pour the hot sugar syrup evenly over the entire surface of the cake. The cake will absorb the syrup quickly.

13. 13.Cool and Cut

    Allow the cake to fully absorb all the syrup and cool down completely to room temperature. Once cooled, use a knife to cut the cake into your desired slices (e.g., 9 square pieces).

14. 14.Garnish and Serve

    Decorate the cake with silver leaf (chandi ka warq) for an elegant touch. Sprinkle chopped pistachios over the top for added flavor and texture. Serve the delicious Gulab Jamun cake.