The Eggless Goan Mawa Cake Recipe is a beloved treat that captures the rich, buttery, and subtly spiced flavors of Goan baking traditions, all without using eggs. This cake is incredibly moist thanks to the unique ingredient mawa, a type of evaporated milk solids, combined with the warm aroma of cardamom and the crunchy texture of nuts. If you have been searching for that perfect festive cake or a flavorful teatime companion that delights with every bite, this Eggless Goan Mawa Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It is both comforting and exotic, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress anyone who tries it.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Though the ingredient list looks elaborate, every single item plays an essential role in bringing the Eggless Goan Mawa Cake Recipe to life. From the creaminess of butter to the fragrant cardamom and the soft yet rich mawa, each ingredient enhances the cake’s texture, flavor, and appearance in its unique way.
- 100 g Unsalted Butter: Provides rich moisture and a fluffy crumb, making the cake tender and flavorful.
- 200 g Mawa: The star ingredient that adds an irresistible, dense richness and depth to the cake.
- 1 cup Milk: Balances the batter’s consistency and adds a silky feel; plant-based milk works perfectly too.
- 1 cup Curd (Yogurt): Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the cake crumb naturally.
- 1 tsp Cardamom Powder: Brings a fragrant, warm spice that lifts the cake’s flavor beautifully.
- 240 g All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cake structure; you can choose whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste.
- 50 g Corn Flour: Lightens the batter and keeps the cake soft and moist.
- 150 g Powdered Sugar: Sweetens evenly and melts into the batter for a smooth texture.
- 1 tsp Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises perfectly and stays fluffy.
- 1 tsp Baking Soda: Reacts with curd to create air pockets for a spongy crumb.
- 50 g Cashew Nuts: Adds crunchy texture and a buttery nuttiness – optional or replaceable.
- 50 g Slivered Almonds: Provides a lovely crunch and makes the cake look inviting when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Eggless Goan Mawa Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Getting your oven ready early helps ensure an even bake for the Eggless Goan Mawa Cake Recipe. Preheat it to 160°C (320°F) – a mild, steady heat that allows the cake to cook through slowly without drying out.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Mawa
In a spacious mixing bowl, beat together the butter and mawa until the mixture turns smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial as it aerates the cake base, preparing it to be light despite having no eggs.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, stir in the curd and milk gradually, whisking gently till the batter is well blended. These ingredients introduce moisture and a slight tang that balances the cake’s rich sweetness perfectly.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, corn flour, powdered sugar, cardamom powder, baking powder, and baking soda. This ensures even distribution, so every bite gets a uniform flavor and texture.
Step 5: Fold Dry Ingredients Into Wet Mixture
Slowly fold the dry mix into the wet batter using a spatula. Take care not to over-mix; just combine until no dry flour patches remain. This technique keeps the cake tender and soft.
Step 6: Prepare the Baking Tin
Grease an 8-inch square or 9-inch round baking tin thoroughly, then spread the batter evenly inside. Leveling the batter ensures the cake cooks uniformly.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Place your cake in the oven and bake for about 40-50 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean without moist crumbs sticking to it.
Step 8: Cool and Finish
After baking, let your Eggless Goan Mawa Cake cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. When completely cool, you can dust it lightly with powdered sugar to add an elegant touch.
How to Serve Eggless Goan Mawa Cake Recipe

Garnishes
Sprinkling some slivered almonds or cashew nuts on top just before baking adds both texture and visual appeal. After baking, a delicate dusting of powdered sugar makes the cake look inviting and adds a hint of extra sweetness without overpowering the balanced flavors.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a lightly brewed cup of chai or coffee — the spices in the cake complement the warm beverage perfectly. For a more indulgent experience, serve with a dollop of thick cream or a spoonful of mango or berry compote on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the cake into small squares and serving on decorative plates with edible flowers or fresh fruit. Another fun idea is to layer it with whipped cream and fresh berries to transform it into a celebration trifle. The Eggless Goan Mawa Cake Recipe lends itself beautifully to both traditional and contemporary presentations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen during this time, making it taste even better the next day. Keep it away from direct sunlight or heat to maintain moisture.
Freezing
If you want to keep the cake longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Warm slices briefly in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop them into a low-heat oven for 10 minutes to bring back the fresh-baked warmth and softness. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out this delicate cake.
FAQs
Can I make the Eggless Goan Mawa Cake Recipe vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with vegan margarine and use plant-based milk and yogurt alternatives. The texture may vary slightly but the flavor remains delicious.
What if I can’t find mawa locally?
Mawa can be homemade by slowly simmering milk until the solids come together, or you can use store-bought options from Indian grocery stores. Avoid the sweetened light mawa if you prefer controlling your sugar levels.
Will the cake rise without eggs?
Absolutely! The combination of baking powder, baking soda, and curd ensures the cake rises lightly and stays soft without needing eggs.
Can I skip the nuts altogether?
Definitely, the nuts are optional and mainly provide crunch and texture contrast. You can omit them if you have nut allergies or prefer a smooth crumb.
How long does it take to bake the Eggless Goan Mawa Cake Recipe?
The baking time is around 40-50 minutes at 160°C. Keep an eye on it as ovens vary, and always test doneness with a toothpick.
Final Thoughts
Making the Eggless Goan Mawa Cake Recipe at home is like sharing a little slice of Goan heritage, full of love and tradition. Its rich texture, aromatic spices, and nutty crunch make it a heartfelt treat that everyone will adore. I hope you give this recipe a try soon — it’s truly a cake that feels like a warm hug in every bite!
Print
Eggless Goan Mawa Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Goan
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Eggless Goan Mawa Cake is a rich, flavorful treat that combines the creamy texture of mawa with aromatic cardamom, offering a moist and tender cake without the use of eggs. Perfect for special occasions or as a delightful tea-time snack, this cake delivers the authentic taste of Goan cuisine with a soft crumb and a nutty topping of cashews and almonds.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 100 g Butter (unsalted recommended)
- 200 g Mawa (homemade or store-bought, unsweetened light mawa if preferred)
- 1 cup Milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 cup Curd (or yogurt substitute)
Dry Ingredients
- 240 g All-Purpose Flour (or whole wheat flour as substitute)
- 50 g Corn Flour (optional, omit if using cake flour)
- 150 g Powdered Sugar (or granulated sugar ground into powder)
- 1 tsp Cardamom Powder (or vanilla extract as alternate flavor)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder (fresh)
- 1 tsp Baking Soda (fresh)
Toppings
- 50 g Cashew Nuts (or other nuts or omit for nut-free)
- 50 g Slivered Almonds (or other nuts or omit for nut-free)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) to ensure it’s ready for baking the cake evenly.
- Cream Butter and Mawa: In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and mawa using a hand mixer or whisk until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Liquids: Stir in the curd and milk into the creamed mixture, whisking well until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift and whisk together the all-purpose flour, corn flour, powdered sugar, cardamom powder, baking powder, and baking soda to combine thoroughly.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix to maintain the cake’s softness.
- Prepare Baking Tin: Grease an 8-inch square or 9-inch round baking tin. Pour the batter into the tin and spread evenly for uniform baking.
- Bake Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean without wet batter.
- Cool and Finish: Allow the cake to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust the top with powdered sugar for a decorative finish.
Notes
- Ensure baking powder and baking soda are fresh for proper leavening and texture.
- You can substitute curd with yogurt for similar effects.
- Using unsalted butter allows for better control over saltiness and flavor balance.
- The cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Nuts can be omitted or replaced for nut allergies without affecting the overall texture significantly.
- To make the cake vegan, use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a vegan yogurt alternative.

