This Almond Custard Cake is a delightful dessert that combines a soft and fluffy almond cake with a creamy vanilla custard filling. The sliced almonds on top add a beautiful touch and a delightful textural contrast. Perfect for afternoon tea parties, potlucks, or a sweet ending to a meal, this cake is sure to impress with its simple elegance and delicious flavor.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8-10 slices
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)
Additional Items
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Large bowl
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Baking dish (27 x 18 cm)
- Baking paper
- Toothpick
Instructions
Make the Custard
- Prepare Custard:
- In a saucepan, whisk together the egg, sugar (regular and vanilla), cornstarch, and milk.
- Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and begins to bubble. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (338°F). Line a 27 x 18 cm baking dish with baking paper for easy cleanup.
- Cream Eggs and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream together the eggs, sugar, and salt with an electric mixer (or by hand) until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk in the milk and vegetable oil to the creamed mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Fold in Almonds:
- Gently fold in the ground almonds using a rubber spatula.
Assemble and Bake
- Assemble Cake:
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the cooled custard evenly over the batter.
- Top with the remaining cake batter.
- Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top of the cake.
- Bake:
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Serve
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the cake cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this cake warm or at room temperature with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra decadent dessert.
- Drizzle the cake with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for an extra touch of sweetness.
Nutritional Benefits
- Almonds: Provide healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients.
- Eggs: High in protein and essential vitamins.
- Milk: Offers calcium and vitamin D.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: This recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
Storage Tips
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cake will soften slightly over time, but it will still be delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all experience levels.
- Flavorful Layers: The combination of fluffy almond cake and creamy custard creates a delightful taste sensation.
- Beautiful Presentation: Sliced almonds on top add a touch of elegance, making it perfect for serving to guests.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different nut flours or chopped nuts in the cake batter or topping for variations.
Conclusion
This Almond Custard Cake is a delicious and impressive dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. With its layered flavors, beautiful presentation, and customizable options, it’s a recipe you’ll love to bake and share. So next time you’re looking for a delightful treat, whip up a batch of this Almond Custard Cake and enjoy!