Custard cake is the ultimate dessert for those who love soft, spongy cakes paired with a luscious, creamy vanilla custard layer. It’s light, indulgent, and perfect for any occasion—from dinner parties to casual family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It has a melt-in-your-mouth texture with layers of fluffy sponge cake and silky custard.
Requires simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Perfect for make-ahead desserts as it tastes even better after chilling.
Can be customized with different flavors or toppings.
It’s an elegant yet approachable dessert that will impress anyone!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups whole milk, warm
4 large eggs, separated
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish and set it aside.
In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and creamy.
Gradually add the melted butter to the yolk mixture, followed by the warm milk, whisking until smooth.
Sift the flour and salt into the mixture and gently stir until no lumps remain.
Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the batter, one-third at a time. The batter will be thin, and streaks of egg whites may still be visible.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard layer is set.
Let the cake cool completely before slicing into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 9
Variations
Flavor Twist: Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty aroma or a splash of rum for a festive flair.
Citrus Zest: Fold in lemon or orange zest to brighten the flavors.
Chocolate Version: Replace 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder for a rich chocolate custard cake.
Toppings: Serve with fresh berries, whipped cream, or caramel sauce for added indulgence.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store the custard cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Custard cake is best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer it warm, microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds.
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FAQs
What makes custard cake unique?
Custard cake has two distinct layers—a fluffy sponge on top and a creamy custard on the bottom. It’s created naturally during the baking process from a single batter.
Can I make custard cake in advance?
Yes, custard cake can be made a day ahead. In fact, chilling it enhances the flavors and makes slicing easier.
Why is my custard cake not setting properly?
If the custard layer is too runny, it could be due to underbaking or incorrect ingredient measurements. Ensure your oven is preheated and the batter is thoroughly mixed.
Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
While whole milk is recommended for a creamy texture, you can use low-fat milk. Keep in mind that the custard layer may be slightly less rich.
How do I know when the custard cake is done?
The cake is done when the top is golden and slightly firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out with a slight custard residue, not raw batter.
Conclusion
Custard cake is a delightful dessert that strikes the perfect balance between light and creamy. With its simple ingredients and elegant presentation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether you serve it plain or with a topping, each bite promises pure indulgence. Give this recipe a try and savor the magic of homemade custard cake.
📖 Recipe:
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Custard Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Custard cake is a delectable dessert featuring a fluffy sponge layer atop a creamy, rich vanilla custard. Perfect for any occasion, this easy-to-make recipe uses simple ingredients and creates an elegant treat that will leave everyone impressed.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups whole milk, warm
4 large eggs, separated
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Beat egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla until light and creamy.
- Gradually mix in melted butter and warm milk. Whisk until smooth.
- Sift in flour and salt, stirring gently until well combined.
- Fold in the beaten egg whites in thirds, leaving some streaks visible. The batter will be thin.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard layer is set.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Chilling the cake before serving enhances its flavor and texture.
For added flavor, try variations such as citrus zest, almond extract, or cocoa powder.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9 servings
- Calories: 210 kcal
