Print

Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe

4.5 from 139 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to combine evenly.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. Slice Cake Layers: Once completely cooled, carefully slice each cake layer horizontally to create four thin layers in total.
  12. 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.
  13. Top and Decorate: Spread a final layer of custard over the top layer. Garnish the top with halved strawberries arranged decoratively.
  14. Add Whipped Cream: Pipe whipped cream around the edges of the cake to add elegance and creaminess to each bite.
  15. 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