This soft and fluffy custard cake is a simple, elegant dessert that melts in your mouth and brings together the comforting flavors of vanilla, milk, and tender sponge texture. Made with basic pantry ingredients, this cake is light, airy, and slightly creamy, making it perfect for family gatherings, weekend treats, or celebrations. Its golden top and powdered sugar finish give it a beautiful bakery-style appearance with minimal effort. No complicated steps and no special equipment — just mix, bake, and enjoy.
The recipe uses a smooth batter that bakes into a delicate, custard-like texture, offering a perfect balance between a cake and a pudding. It is wonderfully moist, lightly sweetened, and pairs well with tea, coffee, or fresh fruit.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup milk (warm)
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for topping
Optional additions:
- Lemon zest for a fresh aroma
- Orange zest for citrus flavor
- A handful of raisins or dried fruit pieces
- A layer of sliced apples or pears on the bottom of the pan
Instructions
Prepare the Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a rectangular or square baking pan with parchment paper to ensure the cake lifts easily after baking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thick. This step helps the cake rise beautifully and gives it its light texture.
Pour in the warm milk and vegetable oil, mixing until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and stir again to enhance the flavor.
Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring slowly to avoid lumps. Continue mixing until you get a smooth, creamy batter. The texture should be thick yet pourable, similar to custard.
Fill the Pan
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the surface so the cake bakes evenly. The batter will naturally settle and create a soft, puffy finish once baked.
Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30–40 minutes, depending on your oven. The cake should turn golden on top and spring back gently when touched. You can insert a toothpick in the center — if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Cool and Finish
Once baked, let the cake cool completely on a rack before removing it from the pan. After cooling, dust the top generously with powdered sugar. This final touch enhances its appearance and adds a gentle sweetness to each bite.
Serving Suggestions
This custard cake is incredibly versatile and can be served warm or chilled. For a simple presentation, slice it into neat squares and serve with tea or coffee. For a richer dessert, add a drizzle of caramel sauce, chocolate syrup, or a spoon of vanilla ice cream on the side. Fresh berries or fruit slices also pair beautifully, adding color and freshness.
The cake stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerated for up to four days. The texture remains soft and delicate, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
Tips for the Perfect Custard Cake
- Warm milk helps the batter blend smoothly and improves texture.
- Do not overmix once the flour is added — gentle mixing keeps the cake soft.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure clean removal from the pan.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting to maintain clean slices.
- A light dusting of powdered sugar makes it visually appealing and enhances flavor.
Variations
If you enjoy customizing recipes, this cake offers many possibilities:
- Coconut Version: Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter.
- Apple Version: Spread thin apple slices at the bottom of the pan before pouring the batter.
- Chocolate Marble: Mix a few tablespoons of cocoa powder into one part of the batter and swirl.
- Nutty Flavor: Add chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans for extra crunch.
Why This Recipe Works
The balance between wet and dry ingredients gives this cake a unique custard-like softness while maintaining the structure of a classic sponge. The warm milk helps enhance the richness without making the cake heavy. Simple flavors, easy steps, and reliable results make it a reader-favorite dessert that fits perfectly into high-quality cooking content.
This recipe is also highly searchable, beginner-friendly, and ideal for high-RPM food blogs thanks to its simplicity, universal ingredients, and attractive appearance.This soft and fluffy custard cake is a simple, elegant dessert that melts in your mouth and brings together the comforting flavors of vanilla, milk, and tender sponge texture. Made with basic pantry ingredients, this cake is light, airy, and slightly creamy, making it perfect for family gatherings, weekend treats, or celebrations. Its golden top and powdered sugar finish give it a beautiful bakery-style appearance with minimal effort. No complicated steps and no special equipment — just mix, bake, and enjoy.
The recipe uses a smooth batter that bakes into a delicate, custard-like texture, offering a perfect balance between a cake and a pudding. It is wonderfully moist, lightly sweetened, and pairs well with tea, coffee, or fresh fruit.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup milk (warm)
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for topping
Optional additions:
- Lemon zest for a fresh aroma
- Orange zest for citrus flavor
- A handful of raisins or dried fruit pieces
- A layer of sliced apples or pears on the bottom of the pan
Instructions
Prepare the Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a rectangular or square baking pan with parchment paper to ensure the cake lifts easily after baking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thick. This step helps the cake rise beautifully and gives it its light texture.
Pour in the warm milk and vegetable oil, mixing until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and stir again to enhance the flavor.
Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring slowly to avoid lumps. Continue mixing until you get a smooth, creamy batter. The texture should be thick yet pourable, similar to custard.
Fill the Pan
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the surface so the cake bakes evenly. The batter will naturally settle and create a soft, puffy finish once baked.
Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30–40 minutes, depending on your oven. The cake should turn golden on top and spring back gently when touched. You can insert a toothpick in the center — if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Cool and Finish
Once baked, let the cake cool completely on a rack before removing it from the pan. After cooling, dust the top generously with powdered sugar. This final touch enhances its appearance and adds a gentle sweetness to each bite.
Serving Suggestions
This custard cake is incredibly versatile and can be served warm or chilled. For a simple presentation, slice it into neat squares and serve with tea or coffee. For a richer dessert, add a drizzle of caramel sauce, chocolate syrup, or a spoon of vanilla ice cream on the side. Fresh berries or fruit slices also pair beautifully, adding color and freshness.
The cake stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerated for up to four days. The texture remains soft and delicate, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
Tips for the Perfect Custard Cake
- Warm milk helps the batter blend smoothly and improves texture.
- Do not overmix once the flour is added — gentle mixing keeps the cake soft.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure clean removal from the pan.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting to maintain clean slices.
- A light dusting of powdered sugar makes it visually appealing and enhances flavor.
Variations
If you enjoy customizing recipes, this cake offers many possibilities:
- Coconut Version: Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter.
- Apple Version: Spread thin apple slices at the bottom of the pan before pouring the batter.
- Chocolate Marble: Mix a few tablespoons of cocoa powder into one part of the batter and swirl.
- Nutty Flavor: Add chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans for extra crunch.
Why This Recipe Works
The balance between wet and dry ingredients gives this cake a unique custard-like softness while maintaining the structure of a classic sponge. The warm milk helps enhance the richness without making the cake heavy. Simple flavors, easy steps, and reliable results make it a reader-favorite dessert that fits perfectly into high-quality cooking content.
This recipe is also highly searchable, beginner-friendly, and ideal for high-RPM food blogs thanks to its simplicity, universal ingredients, and attractive appearance.