Description
A light and fluffy white or sponge cake layered with creamy custard and fresh strawberries. Perfect for birthdays, tea parties, or any dessert table, this cake is fresh, sweet, and irresistibly creamy. You can also turn it into a tart or pie variation for a simpler presentation.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (for one 9-inch round cake):
For the Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
For the Custard Filling:
2 cups whole milk
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
4 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Strawberry Layer:
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons sugar (optional, for macerating)
For the Frosting (optional):
16 oz (2 packages) whipped cream or buttercream
2–3 tablespoons powdered sugar (if using whipped cream)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
Gradually mix in dry ingredients alternately with milk until smooth.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard
In a saucepan, heat milk until warm but not boiling.
In a bowl, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth.
Gradually pour warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking.
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and butter. Cool completely before assembling.
Step 3: Prepare Strawberries
Optional: Toss sliced strawberries with sugar and let sit 10–15 minutes to release juices.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Slice the cooled cake horizontally into two layers.
Spread a layer of custard on the bottom layer, then top with half of the strawberries.
Place the second cake layer on top, spread remaining custard, and top with remaining strawberries.
Frost with whipped cream or buttercream if desired.
Notes
- Variation: Turn into a strawberry custard tart or pie for a simpler presentation.
- Make Ahead: Bake cake and prepare custard a day ahead; assemble before serving.
- Extra Creaminess: Chill the cake layers slightly before adding custard to prevent soaking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Cake
- Method: Baked / Layered / Cream-Filled
- Cuisine: American