Name: Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Can replace with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version); 1 tbsp Baking Powder (Ensure it’s fresh for the best results); 1 tsp Salt (Use regular table salt for simplicity); 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Can substitute with margarine or oil); 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor); 3 large Eggs (Can replace with flax egg for an egg-free version); 2 tsp Vanilla Extract (Substitute with almond extract for a delightful twist); 1 cup Whole Milk (Almond or soy milk can be used for a dairy-free alternative); 1/2 cup Sugar (for Custard) (Fine sugar will dissolve better); 2 tbsp Cornstarch (It's best to use cornstarch for the desired results); 4 large Egg Yolks (Chia seeds can serve as a vegan substitute); 1 cup Whole Milk (Used for heating in custard); 2 cups Fresh Strawberries (Frozen strawberries work too if drained well)

I am so excited to share with you my absolute favorite dessert, the Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe. This cake is a homemade treasure that captures the perfect balance of light, fluffy cake layers, luscious creamy custard, and fresh, juicy strawberries. Every bite feels like a delightful celebration of flavors and textures, and I promise once you try it, it will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen just like it is in mine.

Why You'll Love This Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe

I truly believe this cake stands out because of the wonderful harmony it brings between the sweet vanilla cake, the silky custard filling, and the vibrant freshness of strawberries. The custard adds a rich indulgence that isn’t overpowering, while the strawberries add that perfect fruity brightness. It’s like having a little bit of summer in every slice! The balance between the moist cake and creamy filling makes this recipe uniquely satisfying.

One of the things I adore about this Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe is how approachable it is. Honestly, it’s quite manageable even on a weekend afternoon when I crave a special treat but don’t want to fuss with overly complicated steps. The ingredients are simple and familiar, yet the result is impressive enough to serve at a dinner party or family gathering.

Speaking of occasions, this cake shines during celebrations and casual get-togethers alike. I find it perfect for spring and summer events where fresh fruit is at its best, but it’s also wonderful for birthdays or holiday meals. What makes it really stand out is the layers of custard and strawberries inside, which create a stunning presentation and a luxurious taste that friends and family always appreciate.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a metal tray lined with white parchment paper on a white marbled surface. On the tray, there are several ingredients arranged neatly: a large clear glass measuring cup filled with white milk in the top left corner; next to it on the right, a small pile of golden brown eggs, six in total. In the center, three small clear glass bowls contain different powders – one with white flour, one with white powdered sugar, and one with a white, crumbly item. There is also a small bowl with amber-colored liquid and another small bowl with bright red strawberry jam. Fresh whole strawberries, vibrant red with green tops, fill the bottom and middle of the tray. At the bottom left corner, two rectangular slices of light yellow butter rest on the parchment. The overall arrangement is tidy and bright, with natural light creating soft shadows. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe is that each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and color. From the fluffy all-purpose flour to the fresh strawberries bursting with natural sweetness, every element contributes something wonderful to the final dessert.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

All-Purpose Flour: Creates the soft, tender crumb that holds the cake together perfectly.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully, resulting in a light texture.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture, making the cake delicate and flavorful.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure while enriching the flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Infuses a warm, fragrant aroma that complements the strawberries.
Whole Milk: Keeps the cake moist and helps create the smooth custard.
Sugar (for Custard): Sweetens the custard without overwhelming its creamy texture.
Cornstarch: Thickens the custard for that perfect silky consistency.
Egg Yolks: Richen the custard, giving it that luxurious creaminess.
Fresh Strawberries: Provide juicy bursts of freshness and vibrant color throughout the cake.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them and lightly dusting with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed. This dry mix will ensure your cake rises nicely and tastes perfectly balanced.

Step 3: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes using an electric mixer.

Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to create a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse that beautiful aroma.

Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients alternated with whole milk into the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently until the batter is smooth and uniform.

Step 6: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before assembling.

Step 8: To prepare the custard, heat the whole milk in a saucepan over medium heat until warm but not boiling. Meanwhile, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks in a separate bowl until smooth.

Step 9: Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the custard thickens — this should take about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 10: Once both the cake and custard have cooled, slice each cake layer in half horizontally, creating four thin cake layers.

Step 11: Begin assembling by placing the first cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous amount of custard over it, then scatter fresh strawberries on top. Repeat this process with the next layers.

Step 12: After layering all the cake, custard, and strawberries, spread any remaining custard on the top layer and garnish beautifully with more strawberries. Chill the completed cake in the refrigerator for at least one hour to let the flavors meld together perfectly before serving.

Servings and Timing

This Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe makes about 8 generous servings. The prep time—including mixing, baking, and cooling—takes roughly 1 hour, though the custard and final chilling add another hour, bringing the total time to approximately 2 hours. It's well worth the wait for such a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.

How to Serve This Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe

The image shows a round dessert with three main layers. The bottom layer is a golden-brown cake with a soft texture and slightly rough edges. On top of the cake, there is a smooth, shiny yellow cream layer spread evenly. Above the cream are bright red strawberry slices placed in a ring around the edge. In the center, there is a thick layer of white whipped cream swirled into rosettes. On top of the whipped cream sits a whole fresh strawberry with green leaves. The dessert is on a clear glass plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it’s time to enjoy this cake, I like to serve it chilled to highlight the refreshing qualities of the strawberries and the creamy custard. It’s lovely as a centerpiece dessert for a casual afternoon tea or as the grand finale to a festive family dinner. I generally cut fairly thick slices to make sure each portion has plenty of the luscious custard and juicy berry layers.

For garnishing, fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar can add an elegant touch that elevates the presentation effortlessly. I sometimes add a side of lightly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to contrast the cake’s richness with an extra layer of softness. Pairing it with a crisp glass of sparkling rosé or a fruity white wine brings out the strawberries' vibrant flavors beautifully.

This cake is also wonderful served alongside a bowl of fresh berries or a light berry coulis drizzle on the plate for a restaurant-quality dessert experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a peaceful weekend treat, my Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe truly shines when presented with care and shared with joy.

Variations

I love experimenting with this recipe to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. If you want to make this cake gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a high-quality gluten-free flour blend — I’ve found it works seamlessly without compromising texture. For those who avoid dairy, using almond milk and a plant-based butter alternative transforms it into a vegan-friendly delight.

Flavor-wise, I sometimes add a hint of almond extract instead of vanilla for a subtle nutty twist that pairs amazingly with strawberries. You could also mix in a handful of finely chopped pistachios between the layers for added texture and a bit of crunch. Alternatively, swapping fresh strawberries for raspberries or mixed berries can give the cake a new, exciting flavor profile.

When it comes to preparation, if you’re short on time, making the custard the day before and refrigerating it can simplify assembly. Or, for a quicker version, try using a good-quality store-bought custard mixed with fresh strawberry slices layered between simple sponge cake rounds. However you customize it, the essence of the Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe remains a joy to bake and share.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I usually cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or place it in a cake keeper to maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out. Properly stored, the cake will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, though it’s best enjoyed sooner for the freshest texture and flavor.

Freezing

This cake can be frozen, but because of the custard and fresh strawberries, freezing may slightly affect the texture. To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. It’s best to consume frozen slices within 1 month for optimal taste. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the cake slices overnight in the refrigerator to help preserve their structure.

Reheating

Since this is a custard-filled cake best served chilled, I don’t recommend reheating. However, if you prefer a room temperature dessert, simply remove it from the fridge about 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as this can cause the custard to separate and the texture to become grainy, which is not what you want after all the love you put into making it.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that could make the cake soggy. Thaw them completely and pat dry with a paper towel before layering them in the cake.

Is there a way to make this cake vegan?

Absolutely! Replace eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs, use plant-based butter alternatives, and swap whole milk with almond or soy milk. You can also use cornstarch and vegan custard powders to create a custard without eggs for a fully vegan version.

How long does it take to chill the cake before serving?

I recommend chilling the cake for at least one hour to allow the custard to set and the flavors to meld. If you have more time, chilling for 2 to 3 hours or even overnight makes the cake even more delicious and easier to slice.

Can I prepare parts of this cake in advance?

Definitely. You can bake the cake layers and make the custard a day ahead. Keep the cakes wrapped tightly and custard refrigerated. Assemble the cake just before serving for the freshest taste and best texture.

What is the best way to slice this layered cake neatly?

Use a sharp serrated knife and wipe the blade clean between cuts to keep the layers defined and clean. Cooling the cake thoroughly before slicing also helps it hold its shape beautifully.

Conclusion

I really hope you give this Strawberry Custard Delight Cake Recipe a try because it has brought me so much joy in the kitchen and at the table. It’s a special kind of cake that feels both comforting and elegant at the same time, perfect for sharing with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to experience the delicious layers of cake, custard, and fresh strawberries that make this recipe truly unforgettable!