This Custard Cake recipe combines the smooth, creamy texture of homemade custard with a light and airy cake batter, creating a mouthwatering dessert that’s sure to impress your friends and family. The balance of flavors and textures makes this cake both indulgent and satisfying. With its rich custard filling and slightly crunchy almond topping, this cake is the perfect choice for any occasion, from casual family dinners to celebratory events.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Cuisine: European
Ingredients
For the Custard:
- 1 egg
- 50 grams sugar
- 10 grams vanilla sugar (or substitute with 10 grams regular sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 15 grams cornstarch
- 250 ml milk
For the Cake:
- 2 eggs
- 100 grams sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 100 ml milk
- 50 ml vegetable oil
- 170 grams flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 50 grams ground almonds
- 50 grams sliced almonds (for topping)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Make the Custard: Begin by preparing the custard. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, and vanilla sugar (or substitute with regular sugar and vanilla extract). In another bowl, combine the cornstarch and milk. Gradually pour the milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to ensure smoothness. Transfer this mixture into a saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly. It will thicken in about 5 minutes. Once it reaches the desired consistency, remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
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Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan, preferably 9 inches in diameter. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs, 100 grams of sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. Once this is achieved, add 100 ml of milk and 50 ml of vegetable oil. Continue whisking until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.
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Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and ground almonds. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in a dense cake. The batter should be smooth but not overworked.
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Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the prepared cake batter into the greased and floured cake pan. Spread it evenly across the bottom. Carefully spoon the cooled custard mixture over the batter, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Finally, top the custard with the remaining cake batter, spreading it evenly to cover the custard completely. This layering will create a soft, creamy center once the cake is baked.
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Bake the Cake: Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top of the cake. These almonds will provide a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy custard. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on the cake, and once the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, your cake is ready. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil and continue baking until done.
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Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After this, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar to give it a lovely finish before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/12th of the cake)
- Calories: 250 per slice
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
The custard cake, or “Bienenstich” in German, has its origins in European countries, particularly in Germany and Austria. It has been a popular dessert in these regions for centuries, often served at weddings, birthdays, and other celebratory events. The cake is beloved for its combination of light sponge cake, creamy custard, and crunchy almond topping, which makes it stand out from other traditional cakes. While there are variations of the recipe across Europe, the basic structure remains the same, and its delicious flavor keeps it a favorite among cake lovers.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Textures: The combination of the soft, airy cake and creamy custard filling makes for an irresistible dessert.
- Simple Ingredients: This cake requires only a handful of pantry staples, making it easy to prepare.
- Impressive Presentation: The dusting of powdered sugar and the crunchy almond topping make this cake visually appealing and suitable for special occasions.
- Versatile Flavor: The vanilla and almond flavors in this cake pair well with a variety of beverages, from coffee to wine.
Health Benefits
Although this cake is a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation, it does offer a few health benefits:
- Eggs: A great source of protein, which helps build and repair tissues and supports a healthy immune system.
- Almonds: Rich in healthy fats, almonds can help support heart health by lowering bad cholesterol levels.
- Milk: Contains essential vitamins like calcium, vitamin D, and B12, which contribute to strong bones and overall health.
Serving Suggestions
This custard cake can be served in various ways:
- As a Dessert: Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful end to a meal.
- With Fresh Berries: Adding a side of fresh berries can complement the rich flavors and add a refreshing twist.
- With Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream can make the cake even more indulgent.
- As Part of a Dessert Table: Serve it alongside other treats like cookies or fruit tarts for a complete dessert spread.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the Custard Cools: Make sure your custard has cooled before adding it to the cake batter to avoid mixing the hot custard with the batter and affecting its consistency.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the cake batter can lead to a dense cake, so be gentle when incorporating the dry ingredients.
- Watch the Baking Time: Depending on your oven, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly. Always check with a toothpick to ensure the cake is fully baked.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Custard Cake: Add cocoa powder to the batter or make a chocolate custard to switch up the flavor profile.
- Fruit-Infused Custard: Add fresh fruit like raspberries or strawberries to the custard before assembling the cake for a fruity twist.
- Nut-Free Version: Replace the ground almonds with additional flour if you prefer a nut-free version of the cake.
- Spiced Custard Cake: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard or cake batter for a cozy, spiced flavor.
Conclusion
This custard cake is a perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and airy textures that make it a standout dessert for any occasion. It is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visually appealing cake that will surely impress guests at your next dinner party or family gathering. Whether you are an experienced baker or a beginner, this easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for all skill levels.
FAQ Section
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Can I make the custard ahead of time? Yes, you can make the custard a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and let it cool completely before using.
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Can I substitute the ground almonds? Yes, you can replace the ground almonds with more flour if you have nut allergies or prefer a nut-free cake.
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Can I use a different kind of nut for the topping? Absolutely! Chopped hazelnuts or walnuts can also work well as a topping.
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How do I store the custard cake? Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
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Can I freeze the cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
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Can I make this cake without eggs? You can try using an egg replacer or flax eggs for a vegan version of the cake, though the texture might change slightly.
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Can I make the cake without cornstarch? You can substitute cornstarch with all-purpose flour, but the custard may not thicken as much.
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Can I use a different type of milk? Yes, feel free to use almond milk or oat milk as a dairy-free alternative.
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Is the cake gluten-free? No, this cake is not gluten-free as it contains regular flour. You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends if needed.
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Can I add other fillings to the cake? Yes, you can add fruit, chocolate chips, or jam for an extra burst of flavor inside the cake.
Enjoy baking this delightful custard cake and indulge in its wonderful flavors and textures!