Easy Vanilla Custard Cake Recipe

If you’re craving something irresistibly sweet, tender, and creamy, look no further than this Easy Vanilla Custard Cake Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of moist cake and luscious custard flavors that feel like a warm hug in dessert form. Whether you’re indulging on a cozy evening or impressing guests at a gathering, this cake brings the perfect balance of simplicity and decadence that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in building the cake’s irresistible texture and flavor. From the richness of butter to the sweetness of condensed milk, you’ll find that every component is essential to create this classic treat.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup): Adds moisture and a creamy, rich base for the cake batter.
• Sugar (1 ⅓ cups): Sweetens the cake and contributes to that tender crumb we all love.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 tbsp): Intensifies the vanilla flavor, making it wonderfully fragrant.
• Large eggs (4): Provide structure and help bind all ingredients together perfectly.
• Flour (2 cups): The backbone of the cake, providing the right density and softness.
• Baking powder (1 tsp): Ensures the cake rises just right, giving it an airy texture.
• Kosher salt (¼ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 oz): Adds luscious custard-like creaminess and a hint of caramel richness.
• Powdered sugar (½ cup): For a light, decorative dusting that boosts sweetness.
• Cool Whip (1 8 oz container): Creates a smooth, fluffy topping for an extra layer of indulgence.
• Variety of fruit for topping: Fresh fruits offer a vibrant color contrast and a refreshing bite.

How to Make Easy Vanilla Custard Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Then, line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and give it a good spritz with non-stick spray. This step is key to making sure your cake releases perfectly after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This ensures your cake will rise evenly without any lumps of baking powder or flour pockets.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Vanilla

Using a standing mixer, beat the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract on medium speed until light, fluffy, and creamy. This process whips air into the mixture, resulting in a tender cake crumb you’ll fall in love with.

Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This method helps the eggs incorporate fully, giving the batter a smooth and consistent texture without any streaks.

Step 5: Alternate in Dry Ingredients and Sweetened Condensed Milk

Add the flour mixture and the sweetened condensed milk alternately into your butter and egg mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined between each addition to keep the batter light and fluffy.

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Transfer your batter into the prepared springform pan, smoothing the top gently with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Before Decorating

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. Allow it to cool completely to room temperature before moving on to decorating.

Step 8: Add the Finishing Touches

Dust the top with powdered sugar, spread a generous layer of Cool Whip, and crown your cake with an array of colorful fresh fruit. This final touch makes your Easy Vanilla Custard Cake Recipe as beautiful as it is delicious.

Step 9: Slice and Enjoy!

Cut into wonderfully tender slices and serve. Every bite offers that perfect balance of moist cake and creamy custard flavors that will surely bring smiles to everyone at the table.

How to Serve Easy Vanilla Custard Cake Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate this cake even further, fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are ideal. They add a pop of color and a fresh tartness that complements the sweetness perfectly. A light dusting of powdered sugar over the fruit adds a touch of elegance as well.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a hot cup of coffee or a fragrant tea, and you’ve got yourself an afternoon delight. For a richer experience, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce on the side will make every bite feel like a special occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering slices of the cake with whipped cream and fresh fruit in clear glasses for an elegant parfait-style dessert. Alternatively, serve individual mini portions topped with edible flowers for celebrations or just to wow your guests with your presentation skills.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping it chilled helps maintain the custard’s creaminess and the freshness of the fruit topping.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to two months. Thaw completely in the fridge before adding toppings.

Reheating

Since this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t typically necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, allow the slice to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?

Sweetened condensed milk is crucial for this recipe’s custard-like richness and sweetness. Using regular milk won’t give you the same creamy texture or flavor, so it’s best to stick with the original ingredient.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the cake’s structure intact.

Can I use fresh vanilla beans instead of extract?

Yes, fresh vanilla beans can provide an even more intense vanilla flavor. Use the seeds from half a vanilla bean to replace 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract for a natural, aromatic boost.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked. Avoid opening the oven too often to prevent a deflated cake.

What’s the best way to cut this cake without it falling apart?

Use a sharp, serrated knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Cutting after the cake has fully cooled and set is essential to maintaining neat slices that hold together well.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Easy Vanilla Custard Cake Recipe enough for anyone who loves a dessert that’s both straightforward and exceptionally satisfying. It’s one of those dishes that feels like comfort and celebration at the same time. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a treasured favorite in your recipe collection.

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