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Get ready to fall in love with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that’s a cross between a moist cake and a rich custard pie—our Apple Raisin Custard Cake! If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, this recipe is your go-to. It’s soft, creamy, and loaded with the comforting flavors of vanilla custard, baked apples, and sweet plump raisins. This dessert is perfect for family gatherings, cozy weekends, or just because you deserve something fabulous with your afternoon tea. And here’s the kicker—it’s not complicated at all. Made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge, this is a great treat that delivers elegance without the fuss.

Let’s dive into the full recipe, and then we’ll explore everything else you need to know to become the Apple Raisin Custard Cake expert in your circle!

Full Recipe

Ingredients

For the Custard Cream:

1 egg yolk
270 ml milk
30g flour
25g cornstarch
8g vanilla sugar
60g regular sugar

For the Dough:

2 eggs
A pinch of salt
110g sugar
100 ml vegetable oil
110 ml warm milk
280g all-purpose flour
16g baking powder
8g vanilla sugar

Filling:

1 apple, peeled and diced
50g raisins

For Brushing:

1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons milk

Baking Dish:

22 cm round baking pan

Baking Temperature & Time:

Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 40–45 minutes

Cooking Directions

Prepare the Custard Cream: In a saucepan, combine the egg yolk, milk, flour, cornstarch, vanilla sugar, and regular sugar. Whisk everything until smooth and well incorporated. Cook over medium heat while constantly stirring until the mixture thickens into a smooth custard. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Dough Base: In a mixing bowl, beat the two eggs with a pinch of salt and sugar until pale and fluffy. Slowly add the vegetable oil and warm milk while continuing to whisk.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and vanilla sugar. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring to form a smooth, slightly thick batter.
Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the cake batter into the greased 22 cm baking pan. Layer the diced apples and raisins over the batter. Pour the cooled custard cream over the fruit layer, then add the remaining cake batter on top, spreading gently to cover.
Brush with Egg Wash: In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk with two tablespoons of milk. Gently brush the top of the cake with this egg wash to get that golden, shiny finish after baking.
Bake: Place the cake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. The custard sets more as it cools, giving you that luscious texture in every bite.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 280
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 18g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 85mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is an absolute keeper because it delivers that magical balance between soft cake and creamy custard. The apple pieces add natural sweetness and moisture, while the raisins give a delightful chewy contrast. It’s elegant enough to serve at dinner parties but simple enough to whip up for a comforting Sunday bake. Plus, it uses affordable and accessible ingredients, making it a practical go-to dessert. And let’s be honest, who can resist a cake that tastes like a warm vanilla pudding-hugged apple pie?

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

The Apple Raisin Custard Cake is reminiscent of classic European farmhouse desserts—humble in origin but rich in flavor. Inspired by German and Central European baking traditions, it blends the idea of a fruit cake with a creamy pudding layer. The use of custard and fruit in cakes is a common tradition in Austria, Hungary, and Poland, where resourcefulness and seasonality influence dessert making. This recipe captures that spirit beautifully: one bowl of simple batter, a handful of apples, a swirl of custard—baked into nostalgic, irresistible comfort.

Ingredient Spotlight

Egg Yolk & Custard Cream: The single yolk enriches the custard with silkiness and depth, balancing the sweetness.

Apple: Use a crisp apple like Granny Smith or Gala. It softens during baking but retains enough bite for contrast.

Raisins: Soaked raisins (you can soak them in warm water or a splash of rum) plump up and burst with sweetness.

Flour + Cornstarch: The combination gives the custard structure without turning it rubbery. Think creamy—not stodgy.

Vanilla Sugar: Adds that subtle bakery-style aroma that bottled vanilla extract just can’t mimic.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store the Apple Raisin Custard Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The custard means this cake loves a cooler environment. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if you want it slightly warm (not hot). You can also enjoy it cold, as the texture stays tender and dreamy. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in cling film and a freezer-safe bag. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best results.

Common Variations to Try

Feeling adventurous? Try swapping the apple for:

Pears for a softer, mellow flavor.
Cherries for a tart-sweet combo (great with dark chocolate chips!).
Dried cranberries instead of raisins for a holiday vibe.

You can also flavor the custard with:

Cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced profile.
Lemon zest for a refreshing twist.
Almond extract for a nutty, aromatic depth.

Want a crunch? Add a handful of chopped walnuts or slivered almonds to the top before baking.

Pairing Recommendations

This lovely dessert pairs perfectly with:

A hot cup of black coffee or espresso for contrast.
Chamomile or vanilla rooibos tea to echo its cozy tones.
A small scoop of vanilla ice cream or lightly whipped cream on the side.
Or, if you’re feeling decadent—a drizzle of caramel sauce right on top!

It’s also a dreamy companion to a glass of dessert wine, like Moscato or a late-harvest Riesling.

Health Benefits

While this cake is definitely a treat, it’s not without a few redeeming health perks:

Apples are full of fiber and vitamin C.
Eggs provide quality protein and essential fats.
Milk adds calcium and vitamin D.
Raisins offer natural energy, iron, and antioxidants.

If you want to lighten the recipe, consider using:

A sugar substitute like erythritol or coconut sugar.
Whole grain flour for a fiber boost.
Almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-light option.

Conclusion

This Apple Raisin Custard Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a comforting celebration of home baking. It brings together the warmth of vanilla custard, the familiar sweetness of apples and raisins, and the soft, inviting texture of a sponge cake—all in one beautiful slice. Whether you’re baking for a family dinner, hosting guests, or simply treating yourself on a rainy afternoon, this cake delivers elegance, warmth, and nostalgia. It’s one of those recipes you’ll bookmark, scribble down on a card, and pass along to the next generation—because it’s just that good.