This incredibly simple savory cake combines the best of both cake and quiche in one delicious dish that requires zero special equipment and comes together in just minutes. Perfect for busy weekdays or unexpected guests, this fluffy, protein-packed cake can be customized with any ingredients you have on hand and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Batter:
- 3 large eggs
- 200ml (3/4 cup) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (240ml / 8 fl oz) whole milk
- 2 cups (240g / 8.5 oz) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (60g / 2.1 oz) cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon (16g) baking powder
- 1 generous pinch salt
For the Filling:
- 1 medium tomato, seeded and diced
- Fresh chives or green onions, chopped to taste
- 150g (5.3 oz) deli meat, diced
- 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded (reserve 50g for topping)
For the Topping:
- 50g (1.8 oz) mozzarella cheese (reserved from above)
- 2-3 tablespoons cream cheese, for decorative lines
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Preheat oven to 180°C (356°F). Grease a 20cm (8-inch) round cake pan with butter and dust with flour.
- Make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, and milk until well combined and smooth.
- Add cornstarch: Mix in cornstarch until completely dissolved. This creates the light, fluffy texture that makes this cake special.
- Incorporate flour: Gradually add flour and salt, mixing by hand until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter similar to cake batter consistency.
- Add leavening: Fold in baking powder until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Prepare filling ingredients: Remove seeds from tomato and dice only the flesh to prevent excess moisture. Chop chives or green onions and dice the deli meat into small pieces.
- Combine filling: Add diced tomato, herbs, deli meat, and 150g mozzarella cheese to the batter. Fold gently until evenly distributed.
- Assembly: Pour batter into prepared pan immediately after adding baking powder (especially important in warm climates to prevent premature activation).
- Add toppings: Sprinkle remaining 50g mozzarella over the top. Create decorative lines with cream cheese using a spoon or piping technique.
- Bake: Place in preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing into wedges like a cake.
Time & Serving
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8-10 slices
Nutrition (per slice)
Calories: 285 | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 22g | Fiber: 1g | Protein: 12g | Sodium: 420mg
Why This Recipe is Good for You
This savory cake provides complete protein from eggs and cheese, supporting muscle health and satiety. The cornstarch creates a lighter texture while reducing gluten content, making it easier to digest than traditional heavy quiches. The versatile base allows you to incorporate vegetables and lean proteins, creating a balanced meal that’s more nutritious than many processed snack options.