This Strawberry Custard Delight Cake is the ultimate celebration dessert, featuring soft vanilla cake layers, silky homemade custard, juicy strawberries, and light whipped cream frosting. With its stunning layered presentation and rich yet refreshing flavor, this cake truly earns its title as 12 layers of bliss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Luxurious homemade vanilla custard
- Fresh strawberries in every bite
- Light whipped cream frosting (not overly sweet)
- Perfect for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions
- Impressive bakery-style cake made at home
Ingredients
Vanilla Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
Vanilla Custard
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Filling
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
Whipped Cream Frosting
- 2 cups heavy cream, very cold
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Simple Syrup (Optional)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
Bake the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing just until combined.
- Divide batter evenly and bake 25–30 minutes until a skewer comes out clean. Cool completely.
Make the Custard
7. Heat milk with vanilla until steaming. Remove from heat and infuse 15 minutes.
8. Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until pale.
9. Temper with warm milk, return to pan, and cook until thick.
10. Stir in butter and vanilla. Strain, cover with plastic wrap touching surface, and chill 3–4 hours or overnight.
Prepare Strawberries
11. Dice strawberries. Optional: toss with sugar and lemon juice and rest 15–30 minutes.
Whipped Cream Frosting
12. Whip cold cream until thickened, then add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat to stiff peaks. Chill until needed.
Simple Syrup (Optional)
13. Heat sugar and water until dissolved. Cool completely.
Assemble the Cake
14. Level cake layers. Brush with simple syrup if using.
15. Place first layer on serving plate. Pipe whipped cream border.
16. Fill with half the custard and strawberries.
17. Add second cake layer and repeat.
18. Apply a thin crumb coat and chill 15–20 minutes.
19. Frost fully and decorate with whole or halved strawberries. Chill 1–2 hours before slicing.
Tips & Tricks
- Chill custard fully before assembling
- Use very cold cream for stable whipping
- Don’t overmix cake batter
- Assemble cake on a chilled surface for best structure
Details
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 4–6 hours
- Total Time: About 7 hours
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Classic / Bakery Style
- Difficulty: Medium
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly, vegetarian
Notes
This cake slices best when fully chilled. Use a hot, clean knife for neat layers.
Nutrition (Approximate per slice)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 31g
FAQ
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh is best, but thawed and well-drained frozen strawberries work.
Is the custard stable?
Yes, once chilled it holds beautifully between layers.
Can I use buttercream instead?
You can, but whipped cream keeps the cake lighter.
How do I get clean slices?
Chill well and wipe knife between cuts.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Up to 3 days, covered
- Freezer: Cake layers only, unfrosted, up to 2 months
- Serving Tip: Best served chilled
Similar Recipes
Strawberry Custard Delight Cake (12 Layers of Bliss)
Ingredients
Vanilla Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
Vanilla Custard
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Filling
- 2 cups fresh strawberries diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar optional
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice optional
Whipped Cream Frosting
- 2 cups heavy cream very cold
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar sifted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Simple Syrup (Optional)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
Bake the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing just until combined.
- Divide batter evenly and bake 25–30 minutes until a skewer comes out clean. Cool completely.
Make the Custard
- Heat milk with vanilla until steaming. Remove from heat and infuse 15 minutes.
- Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until pale.
- Temper with warm milk, return to pan, and cook until thick.
- Stir in butter and vanilla. Strain, cover with plastic wrap touching surface, and chill 3–4 hours or overnight.
Prepare Strawberries
- Dice strawberries. Optional: toss with sugar and lemon juice and rest 15–30 minutes.
Whipped Cream Frosting
- Whip cold cream until thickened, then add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat to stiff peaks. Chill until needed.
Simple Syrup (Optional)
- Heat sugar and water until dissolved. Cool completely.
Assemble the Cake
- Level cake layers. Brush with simple syrup if using.
- Place first layer on serving plate. Pipe whipped cream border.
- Fill with half the custard and strawberries.
- Add second cake layer and repeat.
- Apply a thin crumb coat and chill 15–20 minutes.
- Frost fully and decorate with whole or halved strawberries. Chill 1–2 hours before slicing.
Notes
Conclusion
This Strawberry Custard Delight Cake (12 Layers of Bliss) is elegant, indulgent, and unforgettable. With soft cake, creamy custard, and fresh strawberries, it’s a show-stopping dessert that turns any occasion into a celebration.