There’s nothing quite like the smell of a freshly baked cake wafting through the house, drawing family and friends like bees to honey. This Strawberry Custard Delight Cake is my go-to for those cherished moments, where laughter and conversation fill the air. With layers of moist cake, creamy custard, and juicy strawberries, it’s the ultimate easy-to-make dessert that’s sure to shine at any gathering. Not only is this vegetarian delight a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also deceptively simple—perfect for when I want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen. Imagine serving a slice that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, leaving everyone clamoring for seconds. Intrigued? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and brighten up your next celebration!
Why is Strawberry Custard Delight Cake special?
Decadent Layers: This dessert features a harmonious blend of fluffy cake, luscious custard, and fresh strawberries that make each bite a delight.
Perfectly Balanced: Its light and creamy texture with a sweet-tart flavor suits all palates, perfect for both kids and adults alike.
Easy to Impress: Simple and quick to make, you can whip it up even when time’s tight.
Versatile Options: Feel free to swap strawberries for seasonal berries or experiment with chocolate custard for a twist! If you like fruity cakes, check out my Breakfast Bundt Cake for more fresh ideas.
Showstopper Appeal: Visually stunning, it’s an eye-catching centerpiece for birthdays or gatherings, guaranteed to get compliments!
Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Ingredients
For the Cake Base
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cake; for a gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free flour.
- Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring the cake rises; make sure it’s fresh for optimal results.
- Salt – Enhances the flavor of the cake; a pinch can also balance sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; use dairy-free butter for a vegan version.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake and contributes to its texture; brown sugar can provide a deeper flavor.
- Eggs – Provide moisture and bind ingredients together for structure; no direct vegan substitute suggested.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor and aroma; almond extract can be an alternative for variation.
- Milk – Adds moisture to the batter; substitute with any non-dairy milk for lactose-free or vegan options.
For the Custard
- Whole Milk – Used for the custard, providing creaminess; use coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Sugar (for custard) – Sweetens the custard; substitute with a sweetener of choice.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the custard; arrowroot powder can be a substitute.
- Egg Yolks – Create a rich, custard texture; can be replaced with silken tofu for a vegan custard.
For the Assembly
- Fresh Strawberries – Adds freshness and a sweet-tart flavor; frozen strawberries can be thawed and drained if needed.
This delightful Strawberry Custard Delight Cake is sure to become a favorite in your home, bringing sunshine to every slice!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Custard Delight Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them with unsalted butter and lightly dusting them with flour. This will prevent sticking and ensure your Strawberry Custard Delight Cake layers come out smoothly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Take care to incorporate air into the dry mixture, providing a good structure for the cake. Set this bowl aside while you focus on the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes. This is crucial as it incorporates air, which will help your cake rise beautifully. Once fluffy, add in 4 large eggs, one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition, followed by 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually alternate adding your dry ingredient mixture and 1 cup of milk to the creamed butter and sugar. Start with about a third of the dry mix, stirring until just combined, then add half the milk, repeating until all ingredients are incorporated. Aim for a smooth, lump-free batter that should have a rich aroma—this will be your delightful cake base.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 25–30 minutes. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops are golden brown. Allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare the Custard
While the cakes are cooling, start on the custard. In a saucepan, gently warm 2 cups of whole milk over medium heat. In a separate bowl, whisk together ¾ cup of sugar, ¼ cup of cornstarch, and 4 egg yolks until well blended. Once the milk is steaming, slowly pour it into the egg mixture while whisking to temper the eggs. Return this combined mixture to the saucepan.
Step 7: Cook the Custard
Continuously stir the custard mixture over medium-low heat, cooking until it thickens and bubbles gently, which should take about 5–7 minutes. Once thick, remove from heat and let it cool slightly—it should coat the back of a spoon nicely. This creamy custard will be the luscious filling for your Strawberry Custard Delight Cake.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Once your cake layers are completely cool, use a serrated knife to slice each cake layer in half horizontally, creating four layers in total. Place one layer on a serving plate, spread a generous amount of custard over the top, followed by a layer of fresh sliced strawberries. Repeat this layering process—cake, custard, strawberries—until you reach the final layer, which should be custard on top.
Step 9: Chill Before Serving
Cover the assembled cake with plastic wrap or a cake dome and refrigerate for 1–2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and helps the custard set, giving your Strawberry Custard Delight Cake a clean, beautiful slice when served.
Step 10: Serve and Impress
When ready to serve, you can add additional fresh strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra touch. Slice and enjoy the light, airy layers of the Strawberry Custard Delight Cake with friends and family, creating memories with every delicious bite!
What to Serve with Strawberry Custard Delight Cake
Indulging in a slice of this delightful cake is just the beginning; let’s create a full meal experience that tantalizes your taste buds and warms your heart.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of fluffy whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that beautifully complements the creamy custard layers, enhancing the dessert’s overall decadence.
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Fresh Berry Salad: Bright and refreshing, a simple salad of mixed berries provides a burst of color and balances the sweetness of the cake with its natural tartness.
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Crispy Cookies: Shortbread or almond cookies offer a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the silky custard and soft cake, making each bite even more enjoyable.
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Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea elevates the dessert experience, providing rich and aromatic undertones that enhance the fruity flavors in the cake.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Adding a light drizzle of melted chocolate over the cake or on the plate adds a touch of elegance while enriching each slice with a dash of indulgent flavor.
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Ice Cream: Vanilla or strawberry ice cream serves as a delightful addition, offering cool creaminess that pairs perfectly with the warm custard and cake, creating a heavenly mix of textures.
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Cheese Plate: For a savory contrast, serve slices of the cake alongside a cheese platter featuring mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese, creating a sophisticated balance of flavors.
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Sparkling Wine: A glass of bubbly prosecco or champagne can transform your cake into a celebratory centerpiece, enhancing the joyful spirit of sharing this delightful dessert with loved ones.
Expert Tips for Strawberry Custard Delight Cake
- Cool Completely: Allow your cake layers to cool fully before assembling. This prevents the custard from melting and ensures perfect presentation.
- Serrated Knife: Use a serrated knife to slice cake layers evenly. This helps you create beautiful, uniform layers for your Strawberry Custard Delight Cake.
- Chill Time: Don’t skip chilling the cake after assembly. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and helps the custard firm up for easier slicing.
- Quality Ingredients: Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor, but if they’re not in season, frozen ones can work; just make sure they’re thawed and drained.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your custard and consider adjusting sweetness according to your preference; it can vary based on your strawberries and sugar used.
Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Variations
Feel free to get creative with this delightful treat and make it your own!
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Berry Swap: Replace strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a different fruity twist; each berry brings its own unique flavor profile.
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Chocolate Twist: Incorporate 1/4 cup of cocoa powder into the cake batter for a rich, chocolate version that pairs beautifully with the custard. This delightful variation is for the chocolate lovers in your life!
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Dairy-Free Delight: Use dairy-free butter and coconut milk for a completely vegan version without sacrificing flavor; you won’t miss the creaminess at all!
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Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of toasted almonds or walnuts into the custard for an unexpected crunch and depth of flavor. This gives the cake a delightful texture that contrasts with its creaminess!
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the cake batter for a warm, spiced note; these earthy flavors complement the strawberries beautifully.
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Lemon Zest: Brighten up the flavor with the addition of 1 tablespoon of lemon zest in both the cake and custard; this citrusy zing enhances the overall experience.
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Mini Cakes: Create individual servings by baking in muffin tins instead; layer custard and strawberries between two mini cakes for delightful bite-sized treats. These are perfect for gatherings!
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Flavor Fusion: Try swapping the vanilla extract for almond extract in the custard for a lovely nutty flavor that pairs exquisitely with strawberries. It’s a unique twist that is bound to impress!
For more berry inspiration, check out my Breakfast Bundt Cake that’s bursting with flavor! If you’re in the mood for a creamy treat, don’t miss my Lemon Cheesecake Cake. Enjoy exploring these variations!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Custard Delight Cake
Fridge: Store any leftover slices of your Strawberry Custard Delight Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the entire cake or individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: If preferred, you can microwave thawed slices for about 10–15 seconds to enjoy a warmed dessert, ensuring it’s still delicious and creamy.
Make-Ahead: Feel free to prepare the cake a day in advance; simply assemble and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing your Strawberry Custard Delight Cake in advance is a fantastic way to save time and reduce stress on busy days! You can bake the cake layers up to 24 hours ahead; just cool them completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate to maintain their moisture. The custard can also be made up to 3 days in advance—simply refrigerate it in an airtight container to prevent it from forming a skin. When you’re ready to layer, slice the cake and add the custard and strawberries as instructed, letting the assembled cake chill for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This method keeps the dessert just as delightful while freeing up your schedule to enjoy the moments that matter!
Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting strawberries?
Absolutely! When selecting strawberries, choose ones that are bright red and firm. Look out for any dark spots, bruising, or signs of mold as they can indicate overripeness. Fresh strawberries should also have a lush green leaf cap.
How long will leftover Strawberry Custard Delight Cake stay fresh in the refrigerator?
Very! You can store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it sealed ensures that the cake maintains its moisture and flavor throughout its storage.
Can I freeze Strawberry Custard Delight Cake? What’s the best way to do it?
Yes, indeed! To freeze your Strawberry Custard Delight Cake, first let it cool completely after assembly. Then, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for the best flavor and texture.
What can I do if my custard doesn’t thicken properly?
If your custard isn’t thickening, it may need a little more time on the heat. Return it to the stove and continue stirring over medium-low heat, making sure it just starts to bubble gently. If it still seems too runny, you can whisk together an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold milk, then stir this into the custard and cook until it thickens. It’s all about patience and gentle stirring!
Is this cake suitable for those with dietary allergies?
Great question! The Strawberry Custard Delight Cake contains eggs and dairy. However, you can easily modify it: use dairy-free butter and non-dairy milk for a vegan-friendly version. Additionally, replace egg yolks with silken tofu in the custard for a vegan alternative, making it a delightful option for those avoiding animal products. Always double-check with guests for personal allergies to ensure a safe sweet treat!
Strawberry Custard Delight Cake: A Sweet Slice of Sunshine
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your 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 medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, blending after each, followed by vanilla extract.
- Gradually alternate adding dry ingredient mixture and milk to the creamed mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Divide the cake batter between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While cakes are cooling, warm whole milk in a saucepan. In a bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks, then temper with warm milk.
- Cook the custard until thickened while continuously stirring, then let it cool slightly.
- Once cooled, slice each cake layer in half horizontally. Layer cake, custard, and strawberries until the final layer is custard on top.
- Cover with plastic wrap or a cake dome and refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving.
- Add additional strawberries or whipped cream before serving and enjoy!
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