Gulab Jamun Cake Recipe | Eggless Indian Fusion Dessert

Introduction: A Sweet Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

If you are a dessert lover, you’ve probably enjoyed gulab jamun, India’s most beloved sweet. Soft, spongy balls soaked in sugar syrup, gulab jamuns are often the star of festivals, weddings, and celebrations. But have you ever thought of turning this desi mithai into a cake?

Enter the Gulab Jamun Cake – a delightful Indian fusion dessert that combines the richness of a moist sponge cake with the royal flavors of gulab jamun, saffron, cardamom, and rose. This cake has become a showstopper in recent years, especially during Diwali, Holi, Eid, and weddings.

Not only does it look stunning, but it also gives you the comfort of cake with the nostalgia of traditional Indian sweets. And the best part? This recipe is eggless, easy to make at home, and perfect for both beginners and baking pros.

In this detailed guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about baking the perfect gulab jamun cake. By the end, you’ll be confident enough to bake this masterpiece for your loved ones! The Gulab Jamun Cake! A delicious and unique combination of India’s most favourite dessert, gulab jamun, and a rich, creamy cake. This luxurious cake is garnished with nuts and is enriched with fluffy, moist gulab jamun balls. Perfect for any occasion and will leave your taste buds wanting more! Try it today and experience the deliciousness of the Gulab Jamun Cake!

Fusion cakes are all the rage now, with every possible Indian sweet-flavored cake being sold in patisseries. When I decided to make an Eggless Gulab Jamun cake, I realized that it is the most sought-after, apart from the Ras Malai Cake. And there are a lot of recipes on Google, some using ready-to-use Gulab Jamun flour to make the cake, and some adding ready-to-eat gulab jamuns decorated on a regular vanilla cake. For authentic taste, I chose to make my own Gulab Jamuns at home. Growing up, birthdays meant homemade Gulab Jamuns, and how can I let this year skip by without making some?!

Why You’ll Love This Gulab Jamun Cake

A fusion dessert that stands out at parties.
Combines the softness of cake with the rich syrupy gulab jamuns.
Eggless and vegetarian – perfect for Indian celebrations.
Customizable with nuts, saffron cream, or rose petals.
Great for festivals like Raksha Bandhan, Diwali, and Christmas.

Ingredients Needed

For the Cake Base

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (maida)
1 cup yogurt (curd, at room temperature)
¾ cup sugar (powdered)
½ cup oil (neutral, like sunflower or canola)
½ cup milk (room temperature)
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp cardamom powder
Few strands of saffron soaked in warm milk (optional)
1 tsp rose water or kewra essence (optional)

For Gulab Jamuns

(You can use readymade gulab jamun mix or prepare from scratch)

1 cup milk powder
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
2 tbsp ghee
Milk as required (to knead)
Oil/ghee for frying

For Sugar Syrup

1 cup sugar
1 cup water
3–4 cardamom pods (slightly crushed)
Few saffron strands
½ tsp rose water

For Garnish

Chopped pistachios
Dried rose petals
Whipped cream or saffron-flavored frosting (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Syrup

In a saucepan, add sugar and water.
Heat until sugar dissolves completely.
Add saffron, cardamom, and rose water.
Simmer for 5 minutes and turn off the flame.

Your syrup should be sticky but not too thick. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Gulab Jamuns

In a bowl, mix milk powder, flour, baking soda, and ghee.
Add milk gradually to form a soft dough. Do not over-knead.
Divide into small balls without cracks.
Deep fry in medium-hot oil until golden brown.
Immediately soak in warm sugar syrup for at least 30 minutes.

(Shortcut: Use store-bought gulab jamun mix or bakery gulab jamuns if short on time!)

Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together yogurt and sugar until creamy.
Add baking soda and baking powder; let it sit for 5 minutes.
Add oil, milk, saffron, and rose essence. Mix well.
Sift in the flour and cardamom powder. Fold gently into the wet mixture.

The batter should be smooth and thick, not runny.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease and line a 7-inch cake tin.
Pour half the batter, then add a few gulab jamuns (cut into halves).
Pour the remaining batter on top.
Bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 5: Assemble the Gulab Jamun Cake

Once the cake cools, poke holes and drizzle a little sugar syrup for extra flavor.
Place whole gulab jamuns on top as decoration.
Garnish with pistachios, rose petals, and saffron cream.
Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips for the Best Gulab Jamun Cake

Always soak gulab jamuns in warm, not hot syrup.
Do not overbake, as syrup-soaked cakes tend to dry quickly.
Use fresh curd for a soft and fluffy texture.
For extra indulgence, frost with whipped cream infused with saffron.
Refrigerate leftovers, but bring to room temperature before serving.

Variations to Try

Gulab Jamun Cheesecake – Combine gulab jamuns with a biscuit base and cream cheese.
Chocolate Gulab Jamun Cake – Add cocoa powder or chocolate ganache for a fusion twist.
Gulab Jamun Trifle – Layer cake cubes, whipped cream, and gulab jamuns in a glass.
Mini Cupcakes – Bake in cupcake molds for party portions.
Sugar-free Version – Use stevia or jaggery syrup for a healthier option.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect as a festive centerpiece dessert.
Serve warm with rabri (thickened milk).
Pair with masala chai or coffee for an evening treat.
Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration.

FAQs About Gulab Jamun Cake

Q1: Can I make this cake without an oven?
Yes! You can bake it in a kadhai or cooker by preheating with salt/sand at the base and placing the cake tin on a stand. Bake for 40–45 minutes.

Q2: Can I use ready-made gulab jamuns?
Absolutely! Store-bought gulab jamuns save time and taste just as good.

Q3: How long can this cake be stored?
It stays fresh for 2–3 days in the refrigerator. Keep it covered to avoid drying.

Q4: Can I make it vegan?
Yes! Replace curd with vegan yogurt and milk with almond or soy milk. Use vegan butter or oil.

Q5: Why is my cake dense?
Overmixing the batter or adding too much liquid can make the cake heavy. Fold gently.

Conclusion: A Cake That Tells a Story

The Gulab Jamun Cake is more than just a dessert – it’s a celebration of Indian flavors in a modern avatar. With the aroma of saffron, the sweetness of gulab jamuns, and the softness of cake, this recipe is bound to win hearts.

Next time you want to surprise your guests or make festivals extra special, bake this cake. And don’t forget to share your creation on social media – tag your photos with #FoodieTanuFusion to inspire more food lovers!