The Vanilla Custard Cake is a decadent and indulgent dessert that combines the light, fluffy texture of a soft cake with a rich, creamy vanilla custard.
Perfect for any special occasion or as a treat for dessert lovers, this Vanilla Custard Cake is a delightful balance of sweetness and smoothness.
The cake itself is made with simple ingredients like cake flour, butter, and eggs, while the custard filling, made from a velvety vanilla pastry cream, adds a luxurious touch.
Whether served as a centerpiece for a celebration or a comforting end to a meal, this Vanilla Custard Cake is sure to impress with its irresistible flavor and elegant presentation.
In this post, I’ll guide you through how to make this heavenly cake from scratch, so let’s get started!
Key Factors To Consider In a Vanilla Custard Cake Recipe
When choosing the best recipe for your vanilla custard cake, it’s important to consider the following factors:
1. Texture of the Cake
The texture of the cake should be light and airy, not too dense. Many vanilla custard cake recipes call for a “soft” cake batter, which results in a light crumb structure. Consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for a finer, more delicate texture.
2. Flavor Balance
The flavor of the custard should be balanced with the vanilla cake. The custard filling should not overpower the cake but rather complement its mild sweetness. Ensure that the vanilla extract you use is high-quality, as it is the key to bringing out the aromatic depth in both the cake and the custard.
3. Moisture Level
A vanilla custard cake should be moist, not dry. Custard naturally contributes to moisture, but the cake layer should also remain soft and fluffy. Look for recipes that use butter or buttermilk to keep the cake’s moisture level high.
4. Custard Consistency
The custard filling should be smooth and thick but not overly stiff. A well-balanced custard should flow easily when spread or piped, but it should not run out of the cake when sliced. Pay attention to the recipe’s instructions for cooking the custard to ensure it reaches the perfect consistency.
How To Prepare Vanilla Custard Cake?
Recipe Overview:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: Approximately 380-400 kcal per serving (depending on the portion size)
Yield: 8-10 servings
Kitchen Utensils:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking pans (round or square)
- Spatula
- Saucepan (for custard)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For The Cake:
- 1 ½ cups cake flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup softened butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil (80 ml)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For The Custard:
- 2/3 of prepared vanilla pastry cream (from the filling recipe)
- 4 sticks unsalted butter (452g)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
How to Make Vanilla Custard Cake
1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, beat together the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
2. Bake the Cake:
1. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the Custard:
1. In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter and sugar over medium heat. Add the prepared vanilla pastry cream and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly. Once thickened, add the vanilla extract and salt, stirring until fully incorporated.
4. Assemble the Cake:
1. Once the cake layers have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of custard evenly over the cake. Place the second cake layer on top.
2. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining custard. Let the cake chill for a bit to set the custard.
5 . Serve:
Slice and serve the vanilla custard cake chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This vanilla custard cake is delicious on its own, but you can take it to the next level with a few serving ideas:
1. Top it with fresh berries: Blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries add a refreshing touch to the rich custard flavor.
2. Add whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream pairs beautifully with the cake’s smooth texture.
3. Dust with powdered sugar: For a simple yet elegant presentation, lightly dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
4. Serve with a scoop of ice cream: A creamy vanilla or fruit-flavored ice cream complements the custard’s richness.
Tips For Making The Perfect Vanilla Custard Cake
➤ Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother batter and custard, make sure all your ingredients, like butter and eggs, are at room temperature.
➤ Watch the Custard: When making the custard, be careful not to overcook it. If it boils too much, it may become grainy.
➤ Customize the Flavor: Feel free to add lemon zest, cinnamon, or even a splash of liqueur like Grand Marnier to the custard to enhance the flavor.
➤ Decorate with Fresh Fruit: For a beautiful finish, top your cake with fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Substitutions For The Vanilla Custard Cake
➤ Cake Flour: Use all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch per cup to achieve a similar light texture.
➤ Whole Milk: Substitute with half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer taste.
➤ Vegetable Oil: Can be replaced with canola oil or melted coconut oil.
➤ Unsalted Butter: Use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe.
➤ Granulated Sugar: Swap with brown sugar for a slightly caramelized flavor or use a sugar substitute like Stevia for a low-calorie option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but cake flour gives the cake a lighter, softer texture. If using all-purpose flour, consider adding cornstarch to mimic cake flour’s properties.
How can I make this cake dairy-free?
Replace the whole milk with a non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute for the custard and cake.
Can I prepare the custard in advance?
Yes, you can make the custard ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before assembling the cake.
How do I prevent the cake from becoming dry?
Ensure you don’t overmix the batter, and bake the cake until just a toothpick comes out clean. You can also brush the cake layers with simple syrup before adding the custard for extra moisture.
Can I freeze the Vanilla Custard Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake layers without the custard. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before assembling with the custard.
Storage & Make Ahead
To store the vanilla custard cake, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its freshness and prevent the custard from spoiling.
If you’d like to make it ahead of time, you can prepare the cake layers and custard separately, then assemble them a day before serving.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cake without the custard for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake in the refrigerator and add the freshly made custard before enjoying.
Conclusion
The Vanilla Custard Cake is a deliciously rich and elegant dessert that combines the softness of cake with the creamy texture of custard.
Its simple yet indulgent flavor makes it a perfect treat for special occasions or a comforting everyday dessert.
By using accessible ingredients and following a straightforward method, this cake is easy to prepare, yet offers a truly satisfying result.
With its smooth custard filling and fluffy cake layers, it’s sure to become a favorite among dessert lovers. Enjoy the delightful flavors and impressive presentation of this timeless dessert!
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Vanilla Custard Cake
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking pans (round or square)
- Spatula
- Saucepan (for custard)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For The Cake:
- 1 ½ cups cake flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup softened butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil 80 ml
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For The Custard:
- 2/3 of prepared vanilla pastry cream from the filling recipe
- 4 sticks unsalted butter 452g
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat together the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
Bake the Cake:
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Custard:
- In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter and sugar over medium heat. Add the prepared vanilla pastry cream and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly. Once thickened, add the vanilla extract and salt, stirring until fully incorporated.
Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cake layers have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of custard evenly over the cake. Place the second cake layer on top.
- Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining custard. Let the cake chill for a bit to set the custard.
Serve:
- Slice and serve the vanilla custard cake chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!