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:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
- 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.
- 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:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until just simmering. Do not let it boil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
- Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. Once fully combined, return the mixture to the saucepan.
- 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.
- Strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps.
- 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:
- Once the cake has cooled completely, slice it in half horizontally to create two layers.
- Spread a generous amount of chilled vanilla custard over the bottom layer of the cake.
- Place the second layer of cake on top and gently press down to secure it.
- 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.