This Vanilla Custard and Almond Cake is a delightful treat that blends the richness of vanilla custard with the nutty flavor of almonds. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying a cozy afternoon with a cup of tea or coffee. The cake’s soft, tender crumb complements the creamy custard filling, while the almond topping adds an extra layer of texture and flavor. With its delicate sweetness and inviting aroma, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Custard Filling:
- 1 medium egg
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 8 g vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 2 tablespoons (15 g) cornstarch
- 1 cup (250 ml) milk
For the Cake Batter:
- 2 large eggs
- A pinch of salt
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 ml) milk
- ¼ cup (50 ml) vegetable oil (added gradually)
- ½ cup (50 g) ground almonds
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tablespoon (8 g) baking powder
Topping:
- ¾ cup (50 g) sliced almonds
Optional:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
1. Make the Vanilla Custard Filling:
- In a saucepan, whisk together 1 medium egg, ¼ cup (50 g) sugar, 8 g vanilla sugar, and 2 tablespoons (15 g) cornstarch until smooth.
- Gradually add 1 cup (250 ml) of milk while stirring to combine.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly.
- Remove from heat, cover, and let it cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C). Grease and line a 27 x 18 cm (10 x 7 inches) baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, a pinch of salt, and ½ cup (100 g) sugar until well combined.
- Add ½ cup (100 ml) milk and gradually mix in ¼ cup (50 ml) vegetable oil.
- Stir in ½ cup (50 g) ground almonds.
- Sift in 1 ½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour and ½ tablespoon (8 g) baking powder. Mix until you obtain a smooth, lump-free batter.
3. Assemble and Bake the Cake:
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Spread the cooled vanilla custard evenly over the batter.
- Pour the remaining cake batter on top of the custard layer, gently spreading it to cover.
- Sprinkle ¾ cup (50 g) of sliced almonds evenly on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Finish and Serve:
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
Cooking Tips
- Custard Tip: Make sure to stir constantly while cooking the custard to avoid lumps. It’s important to let it cool before spreading it onto the batter to prevent it from mixing into the cake.
- Almond Variations: Feel free to use slivered almonds or even toasted almonds for added crunch and flavor.
- Baking Tip: Check the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Nutritional Benefits
- Eggs: Provide a good source of protein and essential vitamins.
- Milk: Offers calcium, which is essential for healthy bones.
- Almonds: Rich in healthy fats and vitamin E, almonds contribute to heart health and skin health.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Vanilla Custard and Almond Cake is a perfect combination of creamy, nutty, and light flavors that will satisfy any sweet tooth. With its rich custard filling and delicate almond topping, it makes for a perfect dessert for any occasion. Easy to prepare and incredibly delicious, this cake will become a favorite in your baking collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use almond flour instead of ground almonds? Yes, almond flour will work well in this recipe. Just make sure to use the same amount as the ground almonds.
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Can I make the custard filling in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the custard filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the cake.
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Can I add fruit to the cake? Yes! You can add fresh or dried fruit to the batter, like berries, apples, or raisins, for a fruity twist.
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How do I store leftover cake? Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for longer storage.
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Can I freeze this cake? Yes, you can freeze this cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To serve, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.