Best Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe Youll Ever Taste

Tired of ordinary cakes that leave you underwhelmed and disappointed? I understand completely. There’s nothing worse than spending hours baking only to end up with a lackluster dessert that nobody remembers.

This Strawberry Custard Delight Cake is different – it’s a game-changer that delivers the perfect balance of sweet, creamy custard and fresh, juicy strawberries in every heavenly bite. The texture is divine a moist, tender crumb topped with silky custard and crowned with glistening strawberries that make this cake absolutely irresistible.

Hi, I’m Michael, the heart behind Foodydish! As someone who has tested hundreds of cake recipes over the years, I’ve perfected this strawberry custard creation through countless kitchen experiments. What began as a simple family birthday cake has evolved into my most requested recipe at gatherings.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect strawberries, creating the creamiest custard, and assembling a showstopper cake. You’ll also find helpful tips for making this cake ahead of time, storage recommendations, and exciting flavor variations to try.

Why This Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe Works

• Uses easy-to-find ingredients that won’t break the bank
• The custard can be prepared a day ahead to save time
• Versatile for both casual family desserts and elegant celebrations
• Balanced sweetness that lets the strawberry flavor shine
• Foolproof recipe that works for both beginner and experienced bakers
• Stunning presentation with minimal decorating skills required

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Strawberry Custard Cake

Best Strawberries for Your Cake

The star of this strawberry custard cake is, of course, the strawberries! For the best results, choose berries that are:

• Bright red throughout (no white or green patches)
• Fragrant – they should smell sweet and jammy
• Firm but not hard, with no soft spots
• Medium-sized for easier slicing and arranging

Pro tip: Local, in-season strawberries will always deliver superior flavor. If using off-season berries, macerate them in a tablespoon of sugar for 30 minutes to enhance their natural sweetness.

Flour Selection

For the perfect strawberry custard cake texture, I recommend using cake flour for its lower protein content, which produces a more tender crumb. If you only have all-purpose flour, you can create a cake flour substitute by replacing 2 tablespoons from each cup of all-purpose flour with cornstarch.

Dairy Components

The custard requires high-quality dairy for the best results. Use whole milk for richness and heavy cream for that luxurious mouthfeel. Farm-fresh eggs will give your custard a beautiful golden color and enhanced flavor.

Ingredients & Prep for Strawberry Custard Delight Cake

Cake Base Essentials

• 2 cups cake flour, sifted
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 large egg whites, room temperature
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional but recommended)

Custard Ingredients

• 6 large egg yolks
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 2½ cups whole milk
• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Pinch of salt

Fresh Strawberry Topping

• 2 pounds fresh strawberries
• ⅓ cup strawberry jam
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Optional: fresh mint leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Strawberry Custard Cake Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep for Strawberry Custard Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Sift the cake flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl.
3. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Combine milk and vanilla extract in a measuring cup.
5. Wash and hull one pound of strawberries, setting aside the most beautiful ones for decorating.

Baking the Perfect Strawberry Cake Base

1. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
2. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter until just combined.
4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth the tops.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Creating the Custard for Strawberry Cake

1. In a heatproof bowl, whisk egg yolks with ¼ cup of sugar until pale and thick.
2. Whisk in cornstarch until smooth.
3. In a saucepan, combine milk, remaining sugar, vanilla bean (if using), and salt. Heat until just below simmering.
4. Slowly pour half of the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
5. Return the mixture to the saucepan with the remaining milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
6. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla extract (if using instead of the bean).
7. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface, and refrigerate until completely cooled.

Assembling Your Strawberry Custard Delight

1. Once cakes are completely cooled, level the tops if needed.
2. Place the first layer on a cake plate and spread with half of the custard.
3. Arrange a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the custard.
4. Place the second cake layer on top and spread with remaining custard.
5. In a small saucepan, warm the strawberry jam with water and lemon juice until melted and smooth.
6. Arrange the remaining strawberries decoratively on top of the cake.
7. Brush the strawberries with the jam mixture for a beautiful glazed finish.
8. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Pro Tips for Perfect Strawberry Custard Cake

Avoiding Common Cake Mishaps

• Don’t overmix the batter after adding flour – this develops gluten and makes for a tough cake
• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for proper emulsification
• Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for the flour
• For flat, even layers, use cake strips around your pans while baking

Essential Baking Tools

• Stand mixer or hand mixer for proper aeration
• Instant-read thermometer for checking custard doneness (should reach 170°F)
• Offset spatula for smooth frosting application
• Rotating cake stand for easy decorating

Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions

• The custard can be made up to 2 days in advance
• Unfrosted cake layers can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 1 month
• The completed cake will keep refrigerated for 2-3 days
• For best presentation, add the fresh strawberry topping no more than 4 hours before serving

Looking for more delicious dessert inspiration? Check out my Pinterest board for mouthwatering cake ideas that will impress your family and friends! Follow Foodydish on Pinterest for weekly dessert inspiration!

Strawberry Custard Cake Flavor Variations

Seasonal Fruit Swaps

• Summer Berry Medley: Add blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries to the strawberry topping
• Tropical Twist: Incorporate sliced mangoes and kiwi with the strawberries
• Autumn Harvest: Replace strawberries with thinly sliced poached pears and a sprinkle of cinnamon

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute a high-quality cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk in the custard and plant-based butter in the cake
• Reduced Sugar: Cut sugar by ¼ cup and use naturally sweet, ripe berries

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Custard Cake

This strawberry custard cake is a showstopper on its own, but you can elevate the experience with these perfect accompaniments:

• A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side
• A scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream
• Espresso or cappuccino for a sophisticated contrast
• Fresh mint tea to complement the strawberry flavor
• A sprinkle of crushed pistachios for added texture and visual appeal

For special occasions, create a dessert buffet with this cake as the centerpiece, surrounded by chocolate-dipped strawberries and petit fours.

Strawberry Custard Cake FAQs

Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the cake layers and custard up to two days ahead. Store them separately and assemble on the day of serving for best results.

Why did my custard turn lumpy?
This usually happens when the eggs cook too quickly. Always temper the eggs by slowly adding hot milk while whisking constantly, and strain the final custard to remove any lumps.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
For the cake layers, frozen strawberries will work fine if thawed and drained well. However, for the topping, fresh strawberries are strongly recommended for the best appearance and texture.

How do I prevent my cake from becoming soggy?
Create a barrier by brushing the cake layers with a thin layer of melted, cooled jam before adding the custard. Also, assemble the cake no more than 4-6 hours before serving.

Can I make this as a sheet cake instead?
Absolutely! Bake in a 9×13-inch pan for approximately 35-40 minutes and spread custard and berries on top for a more casual presentation.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Custard Delight Cake isn’t just a recipe it’s an experience that creates memories around your table. The combination of light, fluffy cake, creamy vanilla custard, and fresh strawberries makes for a dessert that’s both impressive and approachable.

Don’t be surprised when your friends and family request this cake for every celebration! The beauty of this recipe is that while it looks sophisticated, it’s actually straightforward to create with a bit of patience and quality ingredients.

I’d love to see how your Strawberry Custard Delight Cake turns out! Share your creations on social media and tag Foodydish join the thousands of home bakers who have fallen in love with this recipe. And remember, baking is about joy, so have fun with the process!

Best Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe Youll Ever Taste

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• Author: Michael
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A soft vanilla sponge cake layered with creamy custard and topped with juicy strawberries  this Strawberry Custard Delight Cake is light, elegant, and bursting with sweet, fresh flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the cake:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup milk

For the custard filling:

2 cups milk

3 tbsp cornstarch

1/4 cup sugar

2 egg yolks

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp butter

For the topping:

1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

1/2 cup strawberry jam (warmed)

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.

2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.

5. Gradually add dry ingredients alternately with milk until smooth.

6. Divide batter between pans and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

7. Cool cakes completely.

8. To make custard, whisk cornstarch, sugar, and egg yolks in a saucepan.

9. Slowly add milk while whisking to avoid lumps.

10. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.

11. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla, then let cool completely.

12. Place one cake layer on a plate, spread custard evenly on top.

13. Add the second cake layer and spoon warm strawberry jam over the top.

14. Arrange sliced strawberries decoratively and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Chill the cake for 1 hour before serving for a firm, creamy texture.

Use vanilla bean paste instead of extract for a richer flavor.

Best enjoyed fresh or within 2 days when stored in the fridge.

• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: strawberry custard cake, vanilla sponge cake, fresh strawberry dessert, custard layer cake