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    Home » Desserts » Vanilla Custard Cake Recipe

    Vanilla Custard Cake Recipe

    Lainey in the kitchen holding a cupcake pan with glasses
    Modified: Sep 29, 2026 · Published: Apr 1, 2016 by Lainey · This post may contain affiliate links · 7 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Pin Recipe
    Vanilla Custard Cake at the table

    Capture creamy goodness in this layered dessert. This easy vanilla custard cake recipe turns one simple batter into delicious layers! You'll get a soft cake layer and creamy vanilla custard in one slice. Anyone who wants something impressive without making separate fillings or layers will enjoy this fun dessert!

    For more comforting flavors, have some Nutella mug cake or s’mores cupcakes next!

    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Substitutions & Variations
    • Storage Tips
    • FAQs
    • Vanilla Custard Cake Recipe

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    You'll definitely love the texture! The cake is soft, and the custard is creamy. Also, the recipe is beginner-friendly. With just simple ingredients, you can make a batter that separates into both. After baking, check with a toothpick.

    The light vanilla flavor makes it easy to serve for many occasions. Enjoy it plain or with powdered sugar, berries, or fresh fruit!

    Ingredients

    Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:

    • unsalted butter
    • milk
    • eggs
    • powdered sugar
    • water
    • flour
    • vanilla extract

    See the recipe card for quantities.

    Instructions

    Make the Batter

    Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking pan. 

    In a large bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then set them aside.

    In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks and powdered sugar until smooth and well combined.

    Whip mixing the ingredients together

    Then add the water and melted butter. Mix again until combined.

    Next, pour in the lukewarm milk and vanilla extract. Add the flour and mix until the batter is smooth.

    After that, gently fold the whipped egg whites into the thin batter. Do not overmix; it is completely fine if a few small, fluffy pieces of egg white remain visible. 

    Pour and Bake

    Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is mostly set.

    Vanilla custard cake batter ready to bake
    Cool and Serve

    Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing. For the best results, chill the cake in the refrigerator after it cools to achieve an even firmer, richer custard texture

    Custard cake fresh from the oven

    Substitutions & Variations

    • Ingredient Swap
      Use whole milk for the richest custard texture.
    • Variation
      Add a small amount of almond extract or honey along with the vanilla for extra flavor.
    • Mistake to Avoid
      Don't completely mix away the whipped egg whites. Fold them gently into the batter so some fluffy pieces remain. This helps the cake form its signature layers.

    Storage Tips

    • Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    • Freezing may change its creamy texture. This is because the custard layer is delicate. For the best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
    Vanilla Custard Cake at the table

    FAQs

    Why is this cake recipe called magic cake?

    It's because of the different custard and cake layers. One batter separates into different layers while it bakes. The finished cake has a light cake layer and creamy custard-like layers underneath.

    Do I need to beat the egg whites separately?

    Yes. Whipping the egg whites until stiff peaks form helps create the fluffy top layer. Fold them gently into the batter instead of mixing aggressively.

    Why is my magic cake batter so thin?

    A thin batter is normal for this recipe. The extra moisture helps create the custard layers as the cake bakes.

    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Recipe

    Vanilla Custard Cake Recipe

    This vanilla custard cake is soft, moist, and filled with rich vanilla custard flavor. It uses simple ingredients and comes together easily in one delicious dessert.
    Prep Time20 minutes mins
    Cook Time55 minutes mins
    Total Time1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
    Course: cake, Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: Fusion (European-Filipino)
    Servings: 9 servings
    Calories: 268kcal
    Author: Lainey
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 4 eggs separated
    • 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar sifted
    • 1 tablespoon water
    • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
    • 2 cups milk lukewarm
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 cup flour

    Instructions

    Make the Batter

    • First, lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking pan. Then preheat the oven to 350°F.
    • Add the egg whites to a large bowl.
    • Beat until stiff peaks form, then set aside.
    • Next, add the egg yolks and powdered sugar to another large bowl. Mix until smooth and well combined.
    • Then add the water and melted butter. Mix again until combined.
    • Next, pour in the lukewarm milk and vanilla extract. Add the flour and mix until the batter is smooth.
    • After that, gently fold the whipped egg whites into the thin batter. A few small fluffy pieces of egg white are fine.

    Pour and Bake

    • Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
    • Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is mostly set.

    Cool and Serve

    • Lastly, let the cake cool completely before slicing. Chill it for an even firmer custard texture if desired.
    Leave a Comment
    Serving: 1gCalories: 268kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 106mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 127mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 509IUCalcium: 83mgIron: 1mg

    Watch The Recipe Video!

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    Recipes for Every Moment

    Craving something creamy but don't want to prepare separate custard and cake layers? This Vanilla Custard Cake recipe gives you both from one simple batter!

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    Comments

      5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Lanie says

      May 29, 2017 at 6:42 pm

      Love the recipe's...
      Nice voice...

      Reply
      • Lainey says

        July 09, 2019 at 6:22 pm

        Hey Lanie! Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words.

        Reply
    2. Cath says

      November 13, 2018 at 2:15 pm

      Awesome recipe! Yumminess and goodness in one!

      Reply
      • Lainey says

        July 09, 2019 at 6:23 pm

        Thank you so much for swinging by my blog Cath! I appreciate it!

        Reply
    3. Marilyn says

      May 16, 2022 at 6:40 am

      Hi Lainey
      Can I use gluten free flour for this recipe?

      Reply
    4. Mikayla says

      November 08, 2022 at 11:30 am

      Hi I was wondering if I can use a 9x9 baking pan ? Thanks !

      Reply
    5. Queenie says

      September 29, 2026 at 2:28 am

      5 stars
      This looks amazing and so easy to follow! Can't wait to try it.

      Reply

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    Lainey holding a muffin pan in her kitchen

    I'm Lainey, the driving force behind SimplyBakings.com, where I'm on a mission to redefine Filipino cooking through a plant-based lens.

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