Vegetarian Recipe

The Strawberry Custard Delight Cake is an irresistible, layered masterpiece that brings together tender vanilla sponge, luscious homemade custard, and juicy fresh strawberries in one delightful Vegetarian dessert. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this cake is sure to impress with its perfect balance of fluffy texture, creamy richness, and vibrant fruitiness. It’s a beautiful way to showcase simple ingredients that come together into a charming, show-stopping treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role in creating the cake’s delicate layers and luscious flavor profile. From the soft all-purpose flour that makes the sponge tender to the fresh strawberries that add a burst of color and natural sweetness, every ingredient is essential.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for a light and airy cake base.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise to fluffy perfection.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the sweetness throughout the cake layers.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake batter and custard.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the cake and custard filling for a harmonious taste.
• Large eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to the cake’s tender crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses the cake and custard with warm, aromatic notes.
• Milk: Moistens the batter and creates a smooth custard texture.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the custard to a creamy, luscious consistency.
• Fresh strawberries: Adds a fresh, juicy pop of flavor as a natural topping and filling.
• Whipped cream: Optional, but perfect for decorating and adding a light finish.

How to Make Vegetarian Strawberry Custard Delight Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pans

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly to ensure your delicate vanilla sponges come out smoothly without sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This simple step guarantees even distribution of ingredients, an important foundation for a perfectly risen cake.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until your mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration step is key to making your cake tender and soft.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Incorporate eggs one at a time, thoroughly beating each before adding the next, and then stir in the vanilla. This elevates the flavor and ensures a smooth, well-mixed batter.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix gently but thoroughly, careful not to overmix to keep the sponge tender.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool completely before moving on to custard preparation.

Step 7: Prepare the Custard Filling

Warm the whole milk gently in a saucepan. Meanwhile, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth. Slowly mix the warm milk into the yolk blend to avoid curdling before returning to the pan.

Step 8: Cook Custard

Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation and cool thoroughly.

Step 9: Slice Cake Layers

Once cooled, carefully slice each cake horizontally to create four thin layers total, ready for layering with custard and strawberries.

Step 10: Assemble the Cake

Starting with a cake layer on your plate, spread custard evenly, then sprinkle diced strawberries. Repeat with remaining layers, ending with custard on top.

Step 11: Finish Decoration

Top the cake with halved strawberries and pipe whipped cream around the edges for that picture-perfect finish. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to let the flavors meld beautifully.

How to Serve Vegetarian Strawberry Custard Delight Cake

Garnishes

Fresh strawberries are the star garnish, naturally adding brightness and texture. You can also add a few mint leaves for a pop of green and freshness that complements the custard’s creaminess.

Side Dishes

This Vegetarian cake pairs beautifully with a light fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, which enhances the creamy custard and fruity layers without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve individual slices with a drizzle of strawberry sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar. Layer mini versions of this cake in clear glasses for an elegant parfait-style dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cake covered in the refrigerator, ideally with a cake dome or airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining the custard’s smooth texture and fruit’s freshness.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the cake before assembling. Wrap the baked layers tightly in plastic wrap and foil; the custard and fresh strawberries don’t freeze well and can lose texture.

Reheating

Since this is a Refrigerator-only dessert, avoid reheating. Instead, remove from fridge 15 minutes before serving to allow the custard to soften slightly for optimal flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this Vegetarian recipe?

Fresh strawberries are definitely preferred here for their texture and vibrant flavor, but if using frozen, thaw completely and drain any excess liquid before adding to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.

Is this cake suitable for vegans?

This recipe includes eggs, butter, and milk, so it’s Vegetarian but not vegan. However, you can experiment with plant-based substitutes, though the texture and flavor may vary.

Can I make the custard in advance?

Absolutely! The custard can be prepared a day ahead and kept refrigerated. Just be sure to cover it tightly and bring it to room temperature before using for easier spreading.

What’s the best way to slice this layered cake?

Use a sharp serrated knife and cut gently with a sawing motion. For neat slices, wiping the knife with a warm damp cloth between cuts helps prevent the custard from sticking.

Could I add other fruits instead of strawberries?

Definitely! Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches would all complement the custard beautifully while keeping the cake Vegetarian and refreshing.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Vegetarian Strawberry Custard Delight Cake a whirl. It’s one of those desserts that feels like a celebration every time you take a bite. Simple ingredients combine to create a rich and elegant treat that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself. Once you try it, I promise it will become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire!