Name: Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-492960H41M5S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (can be replaced with a gluten-free flour blend); 2 tsp Baking Powder (no substitutions required); 1/2 tsp Salt (essential for balancing sweetness); 1 cup Unsalted Butter (substitute with margarine or coconut oil for dairy-free); 1 cup Granulated Sugar (can substitute with coconut sugar); 3 large Eggs (use flaxseed meal mixed with water as a vegan substitute); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (stick to pure vanilla for best taste); 2 cups Whole Milk (substitute with almond or oat milk for dairy-free); 1/4 cup Cornstarch (stick to the recipe for smooth consistency); 2 cups Diced Fresh Strawberries (feel free to swap with other fresh berries)

Ingredients

2 cups All-Purpose Flour (can be replaced with a gluten-free flour blend)

2 tsp Baking Powder (no substitutions required)

1/2 tsp Salt (essential for balancing sweetness)

1 cup Unsalted Butter (substitute with margarine or coconut oil for dairy-free)

1 cup Granulated Sugar (can substitute with coconut sugar)

3 large Eggs (use flaxseed meal mixed with water as a vegan substitute)

1 tsp Vanilla Extract (stick to pure vanilla for best taste)

2 cups Whole Milk (substitute with almond or oat milk for dairy-free)

1/4 cup Cornstarch (stick to the recipe for smooth consistency)

2 cups Diced Fresh Strawberries (feel free to swap with other fresh berries)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine the dry mixture and whole milk in alternating batches, mixing until the batter is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.

Step 6: To prepare the custard, heat the milk in a saucepan. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Gradually whisk the hot milk into the egg mixture, then return everything to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the custard thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 7: Once the cakes are cooled, slice each horizontally to create four layers total.

Step 8: Assemble the cake by spreading custard between each layer and topping each custard layer with diced strawberries. Finish by spreading a final layer of custard on top of the cake.

Step 9: Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and the custard to set.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and milk with almond or oat milk. Use flaxseed eggs to keep it vegan.

Try mixing other fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries if strawberries are out of season.

Ensure the custard is fully cooled before assembly to avoid melting the cake layers.

To make the cake extra moist, brush each cake layer lightly with a simple syrup before layering with custard.

Storage

Store the assembled cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain the custard’s texture. When ready to serve, slice with a sharp knife and allow to sit briefly at room temperature for the best flavor. Avoid freezing as the custard filling may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are best as frozen berries can release extra moisture, which may make the cake soggy. If using frozen berries, thaw and drain them well before adding.

Is it possible to make the cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead and keep them wrapped tightly in the fridge. Prepare the custard and assemble the next day for the freshest result.