Spekkoek Lapis Legit (Thousand-Layer Spice Cake)

A legacy of Dutch colonialism, this "thousand-layer cake" is often served in Holland after a rijsttafel. The cake typically has 12-15 layers.

1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup sugar
10 large eggs, separated
pinch of salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cardamom
1/4 teaspoon cloves
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

Cream butter and sugar together with an electric mixer. Beat in egg yolks. In another bowl, using clean beaters, beat egg whites with salt until stiff. Fold into yolk mixture. Fold in flour.

Divide batter between two bowls. Add combined spices to one bowl; stir well.

Line the bottom of a buttered 9" round cake pan (or springform pan) with wax paper and butter the wax paper. Pour about 1/2 cup of the spice batter into the pan, spreading to form a thin layer. Place pan under a preheated broiler for 2 minutes, or until the layer is firm and very lightly browned. Spread 1/2 cup of the plain batter over the top and broil until firm. Repeat layering and broiling until all batter is used.

Let cake cool, then remove from pan. Sprinkle top with confectioners' sugar. Serve in thin slices.