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Diwali is all about bringing family together, sharing joy, and, of course, indulging in something sweet. Forget just having Gulab Jamun this Diwali and try this Diwali-Special Gulab Jamun Cake. As a baker, it has always been my priority to add new twists to the desserts and bring them forth as part of the cakes. Even if you are not so much in love with Gulab Jamuns, this homemade cake is sure to win your heart at first sight, yes, the first bite as well.
For someone like me, who loves both baking and Indian desserts, I can assure you this cake will not only elevate your Diwali celebrations but also become a conversation starter. The fusion of the beloved Gulab Jamun with the rich texture of a cake makes it a delightful twist on tradition. This recipe is simple enough to try at home and the best part? You can prepare it using homemade Gulab Jamuns for an extra special touch.
Why Gulab Jamun Cake Is The Perfect Treat
Gulab Jamun Cake is an ideal way to modernise a classic dessert without losing its traditional essence. It’s not too difficult to make and is a creative way to impress your guests. The soft, syrupy Gulab Jamuns add a unique flavour to the cake, making it the perfect fusion dessert for your festive gathering. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a treat that combines the best of both worlds. Let’s begin by preparing the Gulab Jamuns, then move on to the cake.
Homemade Gulab Jamun Recipe
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Ingredients For The Gulab Jamun:
- 2 cups milk powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp semolina
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk + 2 tbsp
- 1 tbsp ghee
Ingredients For The Syrup:
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 1½ cups water
- 4 cardamom pods
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Steps To Prepare Gulab Jamuns:
Start by making the syrup. In a large pan, combine sugar, water, cardamom pods, and lemon juice. Bring it to a boil and stir until the sugar dissolves, then set it aside. For the dough, mix milk powder, all-purpose flour, semolina, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Add milk and ghee to form a soft dough. 
Image Credit: Freepik
Shape small balls and fry them in oil until golden brown. Once fried, soak them in the syrup for at least an hour. Now, your Gulab Jamuns are ready to be transformed into a delicious cake!
How To Make Gulab Jamun Cake With Whole Wheat Flour
Now, let’s move on to the cake. We’ll use whole wheat flour instead of refined flour for a slightly healthier version. This adds a wholesome texture to the cake while keeping it moist and flavourful.
Image Credit: Freepik
Ingredients For The Cake:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ⅓ cup corn flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup plain yoghurt (curd)
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup oil
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of salt
- For Decorating the Cake:
- 10 Gulab Jamuns (prepared earlier)
- 1 cup boiled buttercream frosting flavoured with rose water
- 2–3 tablespoons Gulab Jamun syrup (rose-flavoured)
- ¼ cup finely chopped pistachios and almonds
Making the Gulab Jamun cake is a simple yet rewarding process. First, preheat your oven to 180°C and get your cake pans ready by greasing and lining them with parchment paper. In one bowl, mix all your dry ingredients—whole wheat flour, corn flour, baking powder, baking soda, cardamom powder, and salt.
Image Credit: Freepik
In another bowl, whisk together yoghurt, milk, oil, vanilla extract, and sugar until the sugar dissolves completely. Now, the fun part! Slowly combine the wet and dry ingredients, folding them together gently. Take your time here—overmixing can make the cake dense, and we want it light and airy!
Pour the batter equally into your prepared pans and bake for about 30–35 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Let them cool for a few minutes, then brush the cakes generously with the delicious Gulab Jamun syrup you made earlier. This adds a sweet, floral flavour that’ll make your cake moist and irresistible.
Frosting and Decorating
Image Credit: Freepik
Now comes the most exciting part—frosting and decorating! Once your cakes are cool, spread a generous layer of rose-flavoured buttercream on the first layer. Carefully arrange sliced Gulab Jamuns on top of the frosting, and don’t be afraid to pack in the flavour. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake, making sure to cover the sides for a smooth finish.
For the final touch, top the cake with more Gulab Jamuns, whole or sliced, and sprinkle pistachios and almonds for that extra crunch. The rose water in the frosting and syrup makes the cake smell just as good as it tastes. Chill the cake before serving so that the flavours meld together beautifully. This cake is a showstopper—just wait until you take that first bite!
Some Baking Tips Before You Start Preparing:
- Use room temperature ingredients to help the batter mix smoothly and the cake rises evenly.
- Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can make the cake dense.
- For extra moisture, you can soak the cake layers with more syrup, but be careful not to overdo it.
- Do not fry the gulab jamun balls too much; or else, these balls will get harder.
- Chilling the cake before slicing makes it easier to cut clean pieces.
This Diwali-Special Gulab Jamun Cake is the perfect fusion dessert to make at home. It’s not only a creative twist on the classic Gulab Jamun but also a cake that’s easy to bake, even for beginners. The soft, syrup-soaked Gulab Jamuns combined with the light texture of the cake create a beautiful blend of flavours. It’s sure to add a special touch to your festive celebrations. So, why not try it out this Diwali and surprise your loved ones with something truly unique?
