Almond Vanilla Cake with Custard Filling

This light and fluffy almond vanilla cake, filled with a rich homemade custard, is perfect for any occasion. Topped with sliced almonds for a delightful crunch, it’s a treat everyone will love!

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Custard Filling:

  • Egg: 1 medium
  • Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g)
  • Vanilla Sugar: 8g
  • Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons (15g)
  • Milk: 1 cup (250ml)

For the Cake:

  • Eggs: 2 medium
  • Salt: A pinch
  • Sugar: 1/2 cup (100g)
  • Milk: 1/2 cup (100ml)
  • Vegetable Oil: 1/4 cup (50ml)
  • Ground Almonds: 1/2 cup (50g)
  • All-Purpose Flour: 1 and 1/2 cups (180g)
  • Baking Powder: 1/2 tablespoon (8g)

Topping:

  • Sliced Almonds: 3/4 cup (50g)
  • Powdered Sugar: Optional, for dusting

Directions

  1. Make the Custard:
    • In a saucepan, whisk together 1 egg, 1/4 cup of sugar, vanilla sugar, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
    • Gradually add 1 cup of milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly.
    • Cover and let the custard cool completely.
  2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
    • In a large bowl, whisk 2 eggs with a pinch of salt and 1/2 cup of sugar.
    • Gradually add 1/2 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, whisking until combined.
    • Stir in 1/2 cup of ground almonds.
    • Sift in 1 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 tablespoon of baking powder. Mix until you get a smooth batter.
  3. Assemble the Cake:
    • Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
    • Grease a 27 × 18cm (10 × 7 inch) baking pan.
    • Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
    • Sprinkle 3/4 cup of sliced almonds on top.
  4. Bake:
    • Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    • Let the cake cool in the pan before dusting with powdered sugar (optional).
  5. Serve:
    • Once cooled, slice and serve the almond cake with the custard filling. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

Cooking Tips

  • Make sure the custard has completely cooled before serving to avoid it being runny.
  • For extra almond flavor, add a few drops of almond extract to the cake batter.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Almonds: Provide healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E.
  • Custard: Adds a rich source of calcium from the milk.

Dietary Information

  • This recipe contains eggs, dairy, and nuts.
  • Substitute with dairy-free alternatives if needed.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, assuming 12 servings)

  • Calories: 250
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 14g
  • Protein: 6g

Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to soften.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and Creamy: The smooth custard filling perfectly complements the nutty almond cake.
  • Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples for an easy yet impressive dessert.
  • Versatile: Enjoy it as a snack, dessert, or even a special breakfast treat.

Conclusion

This Almond Vanilla Cake with Custard Filling is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The light and fluffy almond cake, paired with a smooth vanilla custard, makes it a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, and the result is simply delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use a different nut instead of almonds?
    • Yes, you can substitute ground almonds with ground hazelnuts or walnuts.
  2. How do I prevent the cake from drying out?
    • Make sure not to overbake and keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time.
  3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
    • Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
  4. Can I skip the custard filling?
    • Absolutely, the cake is delicious on its own if you prefer to skip the custard.
  5. How long does the custard take to thicken?
    • It usually takes 5-7 minutes of cooking over medium heat for the custard to thicken.
  6. Can I freeze this cake?
    • Yes, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  7. What can I use instead of vanilla sugar?
    • You can replace vanilla sugar with regular sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  8. Can I add fruits to this cake?
    • Yes, adding sliced fruits like apples or berries to the batter would be a great variation.
  9. Can I make the cake without almonds?
    • If you’re allergic to nuts, you can replace ground almonds with more flour.
  10. How do I know when the custard is done?
    • The custard is done when it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.