Hidden Bench Recipe
Make Hidden Bench Recipe in just 1h 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Cake Base
Hidden Filling (Bench)
Optional Topping & Finish
Method
Cake Base
Prepare oven and pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan, or line the bottom with parchment paper; set aside.
Combine dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
Mix wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, milk, eggs, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
Make the batter
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined and no large lumps remain. Do not overmix.
Pour about two-thirds of the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Using the back of a spoon, make a shallow, even well across the center — this will be where the hidden filling sits. Reserve the remaining batter.
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer or whisk until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, lemon zest, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and beat until fully incorporated and creamy. Scrape down the bowl so the mixture is uniform.
Spoon the cream cheese filling into the well created in the cake batter, spreading it gently but keeping it contained. Cover the filling with the remaining cake batter so the filling is fully enclosed — smooth the top gently.
Bake & Finish
Bake
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30–38 minutes. The cake is done when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the cake portion (avoiding the center hidden filling) comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the center is very soft to the touch, bake for 3–5 more minutes and check again.
Cool
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10–15 minutes. Run a knife around the edge, then invert onto a rack and cool completely, about 1 hour, so the hidden filling sets slightly.
Finish and serve
Once cool, dust the top with confectioners' sugar, garnish with fresh berries and mint leaves. Slice to reveal the hidden cream cheese bench inside and serve.