Decadent Vanilla Custard Cake: A Creamy Delight for All Occasions

This Vanilla Custard Cake combines the rich, creamy texture of homemade vanilla custard with a soft, fluffy cake base. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or just indulging in a delightful treat, this cake will elevate your dessert game. With its melt-in-your-mouth layers and comforting vanilla flavor, this dessert is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ cup whole milk

For the Vanilla Custard Filling:

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

  • Whipped cream (optional)
  • Fresh berries (optional)
  • Powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions:

For the Cake:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Vanilla Custard Filling:

  1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until just simmering. Do not let it boil.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
  3. Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. Once fully combined, return the mixture to the saucepan.
  4. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
  5. Strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps.
  6. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until ready to use.

Assembling the Cake:

  1. Once the cake has cooled completely, slice it in half horizontally to create two layers.
  2. Spread a generous amount of chilled vanilla custard over the bottom layer of the cake.
  3. Place the second layer of cake on top and gently press down to secure it.
  4. Optionally, top with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.

Serving Suggestions: Serve this cake chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion where you want to impress with a sweet, indulgent dessert.

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