Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe
Strawberry Custard Delight Cake is a luscious layered dessert featuring moist vanilla cake layers filled and topped with smooth, creamy custard and fresh strawberries. Topped with whipped cream, this cake is perfect for a refreshing yet indulgent treat that combines classic flavors with a light, airy texture.
- Author: Amaya
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
Custard Filling
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Additional
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (diced, plus whole for topping)
- Whipped cream (for decorating)
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to combine evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until the batter is smooth and uniform without overmixing.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely in pans.
- Prepare Custard Filling: In a saucepan, gently heat the 2 cups of whole milk until warm but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until well combined.
- Temper Egg Mixture: Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg yolk mixture while whisking continuously to prevent curdling, then return the combined mixture to the saucepan.
- Cook Custard: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the custard thickens and reaches a pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat immediately to avoid overcooking.
- Finish Custard: Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth. Cover the surface of the custard directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and let it cool to room temperature.
- Slice Cake Layers: Once completely cooled, carefully slice each cake layer horizontally to create four thin layers in total.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread an even layer of custard, and sprinkle diced fresh strawberries on top. Repeat this layering process until all four layers are stacked.
- Top and Decorate: Spread a final layer of custard over the top layer. Garnish the top with halved strawberries arranged decoratively.
- Add Whipped Cream: Pipe whipped cream around the edges of the cake to add elegance and creaminess to each bite.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1–2 hours to allow flavors to meld and to serve chilled for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming for the best texture.
- Do not let the milk boil when warming for the custard to avoid curdling the eggs.
- Press plastic wrap directly on the custard surface while cooling to prevent a skin from forming.
- The cake can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to enhance the flavor.
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor and texture; frozen strawberries can make the cake soggy.
Keywords: strawberry cake, custard filling, layered cake, fresh strawberries, whipped cream dessert