Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe

If you are searching for a dessert that truly wows both the eyes and the taste buds, then the Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe is your new best friend. This luscious cake combines moist, tender layers with a rich, creamy custard that melts in your mouth, all crowned with fresh, vibrant strawberries. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness and freshness, making it an unforgettable treat for any celebration or simply when you want to indulge in something spectacularly delightful. Every bite bursts with flavor and charm, embodying the heart of homemade goodness.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is your first step toward creating the magic of the Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe. Each component plays an essential role, from the fluffy cake layers and the creamy custard to the bright, juicy strawberries that bring it all together in perfect harmony.

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and tenderness that form the cake’s soft foundation.
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder: Helps your cake rise beautifully, keeping it light and airy.
• ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness naturally.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds moisture and a rich, creamy texture to the cake layers.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering the other flavors.
• 4 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to a tender crumb.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with a warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
• 1 cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and moist for those soft layers.
• 2 cups whole milk (for custard filling): The star of the custard’s creamy base.
• ½ cup granulated sugar (for custard filling): Sweetens the custard without turning it too heavy.
• 3 tbsp cornstarch: Thickens the custard to the perfect silky consistency.
• 4 large egg yolks: Add richness and depth to the custard filling.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for custard filling): Gives the custard a velvety finish and shine.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for custard filling): Brightens the custard with a sweet fragrance.
• 2 cups fresh strawberries (diced, plus whole for topping): Provide the fresh, juicy burst that defines the cake’s signature taste.
• Whipped cream (for decorating): Adds a light, fluffy touch to finish the cake beautifully.

How to Make Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preparing Your Pans and Dry Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring your cakes won’t stick and will release easily after baking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Getting your dry ingredients ready first keeps the process smooth and prevents overmixing later.

Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy — this step is key for a tender cake crumb. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Pour in the vanilla extract, allowing its warmth to infuse the batter.

Step 3: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk to your butter-egg mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until smooth. Avoid overmixing to keep your cake delightfully light and tender.

Step 4: Baking the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before moving on — patience here pays off big time!

Step 5: Making the Custard Filling

In a saucepan, warm 2 cups of whole milk gently — make sure it doesn’t boil, just enough to heat it through. In a bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth. Slowly pour the warm milk into this mixture while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Return everything to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring until the custard thickens beautifully. Take it off the heat, and stir in the butter and vanilla extract for that rich, silky finish. Press plastic wrap directly on the custard’s surface to prevent a skin from forming and let it cool.

Step 6: Assembling the Cake

Slice each cake layer horizontally to create four thin layers total. Place one layer on your serving plate, spread a thick layer of custard over it, then scatter a generous amount of diced strawberries on top. Repeat this beautiful layering until all four layers are stacked. Finish with more custard on top and decorate with halved strawberries and whipped cream piped elegantly around the edges. Chill the cake for at least 1 to 2 hours to let those flavors marry and those custard layers set perfectly.

How to Serve Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe

Garnishes

The final flourish of the Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe lies in its garnishes. Fresh halved strawberries and a delicate ring of whipped cream add both visual appeal and a light, refreshing contrast to the rich custard. You can even sprinkle a little powdered sugar or add edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a simple side of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad for a summer event that feels like a garden party. A cup of light herbal tea or a glass of sparkling rosé also makes a delightful companion, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by serving the Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe on a decorative cake stand or cutting it into charming mini squares as petite desserts at parties. Layer the custard and strawberries in individual glass cups for a deconstructed twist that’s just as indulgent and easier to serve.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake stays fresh beautifully in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight container to keep the custard moist and prevent the strawberries from drying out. Each slice tastes even better the next day as the flavors blend.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe, but because of the delicate custard and fresh strawberries, it’s best to freeze individual cake layers and custard separately before assembly. Wrap layers tightly in plastic wrap and store custard in a sealed container. Thaw in the refrigerator before assembling for fresh taste and texture.

Reheating

This cake is best served chilled, so reheating is not recommended. However, if you prefer it slightly warmer, take the slice out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving to allow it to come to room temperature naturally without altering the custard texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries offer the best texture and flavor for the Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe, you can use frozen ones if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture making the cake soggy.

Is it necessary to use whole milk for the custard?

Whole milk is ideal because it gives the custard the rich, creamy consistency that makes this cake so indulgent. You can experiment with lower-fat milk, but expect the custard to be thinner and less luscious.

Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies on eggs, butter, and whole milk, which are key for texture and flavor. You could try vegan substitutes like plant-based butter and milk alternatives, along with an egg replacer, but the custard filling may require specialty thickening agents. It’s a fun experiment but won’t be quite the same as the classic Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe.

How long should I chill the cake before serving?

Chilling for at least 1 to 2 hours is crucial to let the custard set and the flavors blend beautifully. If you can leave it overnight, the taste and texture will be even better.

What’s the best way to cut the cake for clean slices?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before cutting. This helps create neat slices without dragging the custard or strawberries. Wipe the knife between cuts for the cleanest results.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe is truly one of those treats that brings smiles and happy memories with every bite. It combines simple ingredients to create extraordinary flavor and texture, perfect for impressing friends or indulging yourself on a special day. I can’t wait for you to try it and add your own personal touch to this delightful classic!

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