Updated on Desserts and Baking

Custard Cake Recipe

Custard cake served on a plate

If you’re craving a rich, creamy, and indulgent dessert, this Custard Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. With its silky custard layer, soft and spongy cake, and caramelized topping, this dessert offers the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself, this Custard Cake Recipe will impress your taste buds. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a bakery-style dessert in the comfort of your own home.

One of the best things about this Custard Cake Recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding fruits like mangoes or berries, infusing the custard with vanilla or citrus zest, or even layering it with a chocolate drizzle. The combination of velvety custard and fluffy sponge cake creates a heavenly bite every time. Plus, the golden caramel topping adds a luscious sweetness that makes the dessert irresistibly delicious.

Whether you’re entertaining guests, preparing a festive dessert, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this Custard Cake Recipe is guaranteed to be a showstopper. It’s elegant, customizable, and bursting with creamy goodness. Serve it chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of decadence. Once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

Preparation Time for Custard Cake Recipe

  • Preparation: 20 minutes
  • Baking: 50-55 minutes
  • Cooling: 2-3 hours (for best results)
  • Total Time: ~3 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients for Custard Cake Recipe

For the Caramel Layer:

  • Granulated Sugar – ¾ cup (~600 calories)
  • Water – 3 tablespoons (~0 calories)

To make the Custard Layer:

  • Egg Yolks – 4 large (~220 calories)
  • Whole Milk – 2 cups (~300 calories)
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk – 1 can (14 oz) (~1,300 calories)
  • Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon (~12 calories)

For the Cake Layer:

  • All-Purpose Flour – 1 cup (~455 calories)
  • Baking Powder – 1 teaspoon (~2 calories)
  • Salt – ¼ teaspoon (~0 calories)
  • Unsalted Butter (softened) – ½ cup (~800 calories)
  • Granulated Sugar – ¾ cup (~600 calories)
  • Eggs – 3 large (~210 calories)
  • Whole Milk – ½ cup (~75 calories)
  • Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon (~12 calories)

Instructions: How to Make Custard Cake Recipe

1: Prepare the Caramel

  1. Melt the Sugar: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Caramelize: Allow the mixture to simmer without stirring. Swirl the pan occasionally until the sugar turns a deep golden color (around 7-10 minutes).
  3. Pour into the Pan: Immediately pour the caramel into a greased 9-inch round cake pan, tilting it to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside to cool and harden.

2: Make the Custard

  1. Whisk the Yolks: In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth and creamy.
  2. Combine with Milk: Gradually add the whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract.
  3. Strain the Mixture: For a silky-smooth custard, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve.
  4. Pour Over Caramel: Carefully pour the custard over the hardened caramel layer in the cake pan.

3: Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
  4. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  6. Pour Over Custard: Carefully pour the cake batter over the custard layer. Spread it evenly using a spatula.

4: Bake the Custard Cake

  1. Water Bath Method: Place the cake pan in a larger baking dish. Add hot water to the larger dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cake pan.
  2. Bake: Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake layer comes out clean.
  3. Cool: Remove the cake from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature.
  4. Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2-3 hours to allow the custard to set fully.

5: Unmold and Serve

  1. Loosen the Edges: Run a knife around the edges of the cake to loosen it from the pan.
  2. Invert the Cake: Place a serving plate over the cake pan and quickly flip it over. Gently tap the pan to release the cake.
  3. Serve: Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.
Custard cake served in a jar
Calorie Breakdown
  • Caramel Layer: ~600 calories
  • Custard Layer: ~1,832 calories
  • Cake Layer: ~2,154 calories
  • Total Calories: ~4,586 calories (serves 10; ~458 calories per serving)
Why This Recipe Works

1. Perfect Balance of Textures: The silky custard layer pairs beautifully with the soft and fluffy cake, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
2. Golden Caramel Topping: The rich caramel adds a luscious sweetness that balances the creamy custard and sponge cake.
3. Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the cake a day in advance, making it ideal for parties or gatherings.
4. Customizable: Add fruit slices, chocolate drizzle, or citrus zest for a unique twist.
5. Crowd-Pleaser: This dessert is guaranteed to impress guests with its stunning presentation and decadent flavor.

FAQs

  1. Can I use evaporated milk instead of whole milk?
    Yes, you can substitute evaporated milk for a richer flavor, but it may make the custard slightly denser.
  2. Can I make this cake without the caramel layer?
    While the caramel adds a signature sweetness, you can skip it and still enjoy a delicious custard cake.
  3. How do I prevent the caramel from hardening too quickly?
    Pour the caramel immediately into the cake pan and tilt it to coat the bottom evenly. Work quickly before it sets.
  4. How do I store leftovers?
    Store any leftover custard cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  5. Can I freeze custard cake?
    Freezing is not recommended as the custard texture may become grainy upon thawing.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

1. Creamy and Velvety: The custard layer is silky and smooth, creating a melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
2. Rich Caramel Flavor: The caramel adds a sweet, buttery finish that perfectly complements the custard and cake.
3. Elegant Presentation: The golden caramel glaze makes this dessert visually stunning and perfect for special occasions.
4. Make-Ahead Convenience: Ideal for parties, as it tastes even better when chilled overnight.
5. Versatile and Customizable: Add fruits, spices, or flavored extracts for a personalized twist.

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