As I sliced into this gorgeous layer of Strawberry Custard Delight Cake, a wave of nostalgia washed over me—like summer days spent at picnics, laughter echoing through the air. This delightful cake captures those moments perfectly with soft, vanilla layers that cradle creamy custard, topped with luscious strawberries. Not only is this dessert a feast for the eyes, but it’s also a breeze to make, allowing you to whip it up for surprise guests or to savor after a long day. With options to turn this beauty gluten-free or dairy-free, it’s versatile for any dietary need. So, are you ready to bring a slice of summer into your kitchen? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Why is Strawberry Custard Cake So Irresistible?
Vibrant Flavor: This cake showcases fresh strawberries that burst with sweetness, perfectly balancing the creamy custard and soft vanilla layers.
Effortlessly Adaptable: Whether you’re looking for gluten-free options or dairy-free alternatives, you can easily tailor this recipe to suit various dietary preferences. Consider adding other fruits for a unique twist!
Quick and Easy: With simple steps, you can create this showstopper in no time. It’s the perfect way to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
Nostalgic Comfort: Each bite transports you to joyful summer picnics, making it a wonderful treat for both everyday indulgences and special occasions.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dessert is sure to delight everyone at the table, bringing smiles all around. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream for extra bliss!
If you’re curious about making a version for your specific dietary needs, check out the variations for hints on how to go gluten-free or dairy-free!
Strawberry Custard Ingredients
• Fresh and flavorful ingredients for a delightful dessert.
For the Cake
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cake; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Baking Powder – Helps the cake rise, ensuring a light texture; make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
- Salt – Balances sweetness, enhancing flavor; regular table salt is recommended.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; can substitute with margarine or oil, though flavor may vary.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake and aids in browning; brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
- Eggs – Provide structure and moisture; can replace with a flax egg for an egg-free version.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds aroma and flavor; substitute with almond extract for a delightful twist.
- Whole Milk – Creates a moist cake texture; use almond or soy milk for a dairy-free alternative.
For the Custard
- Sugar – Sweetens the custard layer; use fine sugar to improve dissolving.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the custard; stick with cornstarch for desired results.
- Egg Yolks – Enrich the custard for creaminess; can be substituted with chia seeds for a vegan version.
For the Topping
- Fresh Strawberries – Adds freshness and vibrant flavor; frozen strawberries can be used if properly drained.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Custard Delight Cake
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them with unsalted butter and lightly dusting with flour to ensure easy cake removal later. Set the pans aside as the oven heats up, creating a perfect base for your delicious Strawberry Custard Delight Cake.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt until well combined. This blend ensures a light and airy texture in your cake. Keep whisking until you see no clumps, then place the bowl aside as you move on to the next part.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, beat together ½ cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Mix at medium speed for about 3-4 minutes or until the mixture becomes light and fluffy in texture. This step is crucial for adding richness to your Strawberry Custard Delight Cake, so take your time to achieve that perfect creaminess.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add in 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Follow this by stirring in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This combination not only enhances flavor but also adds moisture, ensuring a delightful cake experience. Your batter is beginning to take shape beautifully!
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to your creamed butter and sugar, alternating with 1 cup of whole milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined after each addition. Aim for a smooth consistency without overmixing; your batter should look velvety, and you’re now ready for the oven!
Step 6: Bake
Divide the cake batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them and enjoy the aroma as the cakes rise and turn golden brown, a promising hint of your Strawberry Custard Delight Cake’s impending deliciousness.
Step 7: Cool Cakes
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen, then flip them onto wire racks to cool completely. This step is vital to prevent crumbling when you assemble your layers of Strawberry Custard Delight Cake!
Step 8: Make Custard
To prepare the custard, heat 1 ½ cups of whole milk in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming—don’t let it boil. In a separate bowl, whisk together ¾ cup of sugar, 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, and 3 egg yolks until smooth. Gradually whisk the hot milk into this mixture, then return it to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly.
Step 9: Assemble Cake
Now that your cakes and custard are ready, slice each cooled cake layer in half horizontally, giving you four layers. Place one layer on a serving platter, spread a layer of creamy custard, and top with a layer of fresh strawberries. Repeat this process until all layers are stacked. Chill the assembled Strawberry Custard Delight Cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour to meld those delightful flavors before serving.
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Custard Delight Cake components are perfect for make-ahead meal prep, saving you valuable time during busy days! You can bake the cake layers up to 24 hours in advance; simply cool them completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature. The creamy custard can also be made up to 3 days ahead—just store it in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. When you’re ready to serve, layer the cooled cakes with fresh strawberries and custard, then chill for at least one hour; your dessert will be just as delicious as if made fresh!
Expert Tips for Strawberry Custard Cake
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature. This promotes better mixing and a fluffier texture in your Strawberry Custard.
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Cooling is Key: Allow your cakes to cool completely before slicing. This prevents crumbling and maintains the integrity of your layers during assembly.
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Thickening Custard: If your custard doesn’t thicken properly, don’t fret! Simply mix a bit more cornstarch with cold milk and reheat while whisking continuously until you reach the desired consistency.
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Layering Technique: For an eye-catching presentation, alternate the layers of custard and strawberries. This not only looks beautiful but ensures a burst of flavor in every slice!
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Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least an hour before serving. This enhances the flavors and allows the custard to set beautifully.
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Custard Delight Cake
Fridge: Keep leftover Strawberry Custard Cake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to savor every bite.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month—perfect for enjoying later!
Thawing: To thaw, simply place slices in the fridge overnight. Enjoy the cake chilled or let it come to room temperature for a delightful treat anytime.
Reheating: If you prefer your cake warm, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring it’s just warmed through without losing its creamy custard texture.
Strawberry Custard Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to play around with this delicious dessert and make it your own! Each variation offers a unique twist that will elevate your baking experience.
- Gluten-Free Bake: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a delightful gluten-free version.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Swap whole milk with almond or coconut milk, and coconut cream for the custard to keep it wonderfully creamy without the dairy.
- Egg-Free Option: Replace the eggs with flax eggs or a chia seed mixture to make this cake suitable for a vegan diet. Just mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg and let it sit until it gels!
- Mixed Fruits: While strawberries are fantastic, don’t hesitate to use seasonal fruits! Try blueberries, raspberries, or even peach slices to give your cake a fresh twist.
- Flavor Boost: A hint of citrus zest — such as lemon or orange — can add a vibrant kick to both the cake and custard. Just fold in paste with zest after mixing the wet ingredients!
- Nutty Crunch: Add some chopped walnuts or almonds in between the layers to introduce a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy custard.
- Chocolate Indulgence: Drizzle the top with melted chocolate or add cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolatey version that pairs perfectly with strawberries!
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg in the cake batter can add a surprising depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Once you’ve explored these variations, you’ll find endless possibilities to enjoy your Strawberry Custard Delight Cake in fresh and exciting ways! Don’t forget to check out more recipes for dairy-free cakes and gluten-free desserts for further inspiration.
What to Serve with Strawberry Custard Delight Cake
Elevate your dessert experience with delightful pairings that enhance the sweet, creamy flavors of this summer treat.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds an airy texture and extra indulgence, perfectly complementing the cake’s richness.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cake, creating a vibrant, colorful side that feels like summer in every bite.
- Sparkling Lemonade: The zesty fizz of sparkling lemonade cuts through the creaminess, making each sip a perfect palate cleanser. Serve it chilled for the ultimate refreshment.
- Chocolate Ganache: Drizzling a rich chocolate ganache over the top adds a decadent twist, enhancing the dessert with a luscious layer of chocolate flavor.
- Almond-Infused Ice Cream: Creamy almond ice cream pairs nicely with the cake’s flavors, offering a nutty contrast that delights the senses.
- Berries on the Side: Fresh mixed berries provide a tart contrast, bringing out the natural sweetness of the strawberries while adding a pleasing pop of color.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: Garnishing with mint leaves adds a burst of freshness and a beautiful visual appeal, making each slice look even more enticing.
- Iced Tea: A glass of cold, unsweetened iced tea offers a refreshing beverage option that keeps the focus on the cake’s delightful flavors.
Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best strawberries for this cake?
Absolutely! Look for strawberries that are bright red with a natural shine, indicating ripeness. Avoid any berries with dark spots or mold. Fresh strawberries will provide the best flavor and texture for your Strawberry Custard Delight Cake.
What’s the best way to store leftover cake?
Very! Store leftover Strawberry Custard Delight Cake in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It can last up to 3 days, maintaining its texture and flavor. If you want it to last longer, freezing is a fantastic option!
Can I freeze the Strawberry Custard Delight Cake?
Definitely! To freeze, slice the cake into individual servings and wrap each slice tightly with plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices into a freezer-safe bag. The cake can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight.
What should I do if my custard doesn’t thicken?
No worries! If your custard hasn’t thickened as desired, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of cold milk until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to your custard, cooking over medium heat while whisking until it thickens. This step usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Your custard will be lovely and creamy in no time!
Is this cake suitable for people with allergies or dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! This Strawberry Custard Delight Cake can be modified to cater to various dietary needs. Use gluten-free flour for those avoiding gluten, almond or soy milk for dairy-free, and substitute eggs with a flax egg or chia seeds for a vegan version. Always read labels on ingredients to ensure safety from allergens.
What can I replace eggs with to make this cake egg-free?
I often recommend using a flax egg as a perfect egg substitute! To make one flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens. This works beautifully in your Strawberry Custard Delight Cake, maintaining moisture and structure!
Strawberry Custard Bliss: A Delightful Summer Dessert
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them with unsalted butter and dusting with flour.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry mixture to creamed mixture, alternating with milk, and mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Once baked, let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- To make the custard, heat milk until steaming, then whisk hot milk into whisked sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Slice each cake layer in half, spread custard and strawberries between layers, then chill for at least one hour before serving.
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