This custard powder cake recipe combines vanilla-flavoured custard powder, butter, milk and eggs, with tutti frutti folded into the batter. Unlike a cake filled with custard, this version uses the powder directly in the cake mixture, without a separate custard layer.
If you are looking for a homemade tutti frutti cake to serve with tea or coffee, the guide below covers the ingredients, batter preparation, baking and cooling steps. This recipe contains eggs, so it should not be confused with an eggless custard cake.
Why You Will Love This Cake
- Soft and moist texture
- Mild vanilla-custard flavour
- Made with simple ingredients
- Suitable for beginner bakers
- Colourful tutti frutti in every slice
- Ideal for tea time and family gatherings
This is the best custard cake recipe you’ll find. It never fails to look good.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Bake Time: About 50 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 Minutes
Total Time: Calculate accurately
Yield: 1 cake
Servings: 6 slices
Pan Size: 8-inch round
Oven Temperature: 160°C
Ingredients for Custard Powder Cake Recipe
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cup powdered sugar (granulated sugar ground at home)
- ½ cup custard powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Wet ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup milk
- 2 medium eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla essence
Additional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons tutti frutti
How to Make Custard Cake
Step 1:Prepare the Oven and Cake Pan
Preheat the oven to 160°C before preparing the batter.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour, custard powder, powdered sugar, and baking powder into a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the melted and cooled butter. Gradually pour in the milk, vanilla essence and 2 eggs and mix gently until the batter is smooth. Do not overmix.
Step 4: Fold in the Tutti Frutti
Gently fold the tutti frutti into the batter until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Prepare the Cake Pan
Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Lightly grease the sides as well. Pour in the batter and gently tap the pan on the counter to release large air bubbles.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Bake in the preheated oven at 160°C for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Serve.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Carefully transfer it to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing or decorating.
Tips for the Best Custard Cake
- Use room-temperature milk so the ingredients combine evenly.
- Measure the flour and custard powder accurately.
- Mix only until the batter is smooth; overmixing can make the cake dense.
- Preheat the oven before placing the cake inside.
- Allow the cake to cool before slicing so it does not crumble.
What Does Custard Powder Do in This Cake?
Custard powder is used directly in this cake batter rather than cooked separately with milk. Its ingredients vary by brand, so check the packet for the starch, flavouring and any added sweetener. Vanilla-flavoured custard powder contributes flavour and colour, while its starch forms part of the dry mixture.
Do not assume that prepared liquid custard can replace the powder in the same quantity. It would introduce additional liquid and change the balance of the batter.
Why Is My Custard Powder Cake Dense?
A dense custard powder cake can result from inaccurate measurements, excessive mixing after the flour is added or insufficient baking. Check that the baking powder is within its expiry date and measure the dry ingredients carefully.
Mix only until the ingredients are incorporated, and check the centre of the cake before removing it from the oven. If the result remains heavy, review the ingredient balance and pan size rather than adding extra baking powder without testing.
Custard Powder Cake Variations
Want to make your cake special? Try these ideas.
- Fruit Custard Cake. Add chopped 1/4 apple, 1/4 mango or 50g of pineapple to the mix.
- Dry Fruit Custard Cake. Add 2 tablespoon raisins, 1 tablespoon almonds, 1 tablespoon pistachios and 1 tablespoon cashews.
- Orange Custard Cake. Add 3 tablespoon of orange zest for a citrus taste.
- Coconut Custard Cake: Fold 3 tablespoon of shredded coconut into the batter for extra texture and a mild coconut flavor.
What to Serve with Custard Powder Cake
Serve custard powder cake plain with tea or coffee, or pair a slice with fresh fruit. Allow the cake to cool before adding a topping so it does not soften or melt on contact.
A plain presentation keeps the focus on the vanilla flavour and tutti frutti. If you add whipped cream or another perishable topping, follow the storage requirements for that topping.
Storage Tips
Store the plain cake in an airtight container in a cool place for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 4–5 days. Allow refrigerated slices to sit at room temperature briefly before serving. If the cake is decorated with whipped cream, keep it refrigerated and do not leave it at room temperature for more than two hours.
Common Baking Mistakes
- Measuring the baking powder or baking soda incorrectly
- Adding more milk than the recipe requires
- Overmixing the batter
- Baking at the wrong temperature
- Opening the oven door too early
- Removing the cake from the pan before it has cooled slightly
Nutrition Notes
The nutritional value of this custard powder cake depends on the ingredient quantities, product brands and size of each slice. Flour, sugar, custard powder and tutti frutti contribute carbohydrates, while butter contributes fat and eggs and milk add protein.
Any topping will change the nutrition per serving. Calculate nutritional estimates using the final ingredient list and divide the total by the confirmed number of slices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q) Can I make this cake without Tutti Frutti?
Ans) Yes, you can leave it out. Replace it with raisins, chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
Q) Which custard powder is best?
Ans) Vanilla-flavored custard powder works well for this recipe.
Q) Why is my cake dense?
Ans) Overmixing the batter or measuring too much flour can make the cake dense.
Q) Can I bake this in a loaf pan?
Ans) Yes, but the baking time will change depending on the size and depth of the loaf pan. Bake until the centre is set and a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Other Cakes to try!
- Vanilla Cake
- Chocolate Cake
- Chocolate Brownie Cake
- Strawberry Cake
- Chocolate Mug Cake
- Coffee Cake
- Red Velvet Cake
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Perfect for Every Occasion
This Custard Cake Recipe is a versatile dessert that’s great for:
* Birthday parties
* Family gatherings
* Tea-time snacks
* School lunchboxes
* Holiday celebrations
* Potluck dinners
* Weekend baking
* Festive occasions
Its texture and custard flavor make it a favorite for both kids and adults.
Final Thoughts
This custard powder cake brings together vanilla flavour and colourful tutti frutti in a straightforward homemade bake. Measure the ingredients carefully, mix gently after adding the flour and check the centre for doneness before removing the cake from the oven. Allow it to cool before slicing or decorating.
Serve it plain with tea or coffee, or add a topping of your choice once cooled. For more homemade baking ideas, explore the Vanilla Cake and Chocolate Brownie Cake recipes on Unique Crumbs.
About The Author
Leave a Reply