Some recipes feel like a warm hug from the past, and this Vintage Custard Almond Cake is one of them. With its creamy custard filling, soft sponge, and delicate crunch of almonds, it’s the kind of treat that brings instant comfort. Handed down through generations, this cake proves that simple ingredients, when combined with love, can create something truly extraordinary.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Nostalgic Charm – Straight from Grandma’s kitchen, this cake tastes like tradition.
- Creamy + Crunchy – A silky custard swirled into fluffy sponge, topped with almonds for texture.
- Elegant Yet Simple – Beautiful crisscross custard design makes it look bakery-worthy with minimal effort.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Afternoon tea, family gatherings, or simply a sweet moment for yourself.
🥘 Ingredients
For the Custard Cream
- 1 egg
- 50 g granulated sugar
- 10 g vanilla sugar
- 15 g cornstarch
- 250 ml whole milk
For the Cake Batter
- 2 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 100 ml milk
- 50 ml neutral vegetable oil
- 170 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 50 g finely chopped almonds
For the Topping & Finish
- 50 g almond flakes
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Custard Cream
- In a saucepan, whisk the egg, granulated sugar, vanilla sugar, and cornstarch.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened into a custard.
- Remove from heat and cool completely at room temperature.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a mixing bowl, beat eggs, sugar, and salt for 3–4 minutes until pale and frothy.
- Stir in milk and oil.
- Sift flour and baking powder together, then gently fold into the mixture until smooth.
- Add chopped almonds and mix briefly.
3. Assemble the Cake
- Preheat oven to 170°C (350°F).
- Line a 27 × 18 cm (10 × 7 inch) baking tray with parchment paper.
- Spread the batter evenly in the tray.
- Sprinkle almond flakes over the top.
- Pipe cooled custard diagonally across the surface, then cross-pipe to create a crisscross pattern.
4. Bake
- Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Serve
- Let cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
💡 Tips for Success
- For an extra golden top, toast the almond flakes lightly before sprinkling.
- Use room-temperature eggs for a fluffier sponge.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, spoon the custard into a zip-top bag, snip the corner, and pipe.
🍴 Final Thoughts
This Vintage Custard Almond Cake is a dessert that bridges the past and present. It’s creamy, fluffy, nutty, and so simple to make that you’ll want to bake it again and again. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or enjoying a slice with your afternoon coffee, it’s a recipe that turns ordinary moments into something special.
✨ Just one bite, and you’ll understand why it’s been treasured for generations.
