This enchanting Magic Custard Cake lives up to its name—one batter transforms into a three-layered dessert as it bakes. A soft, cake-like top gives way to a silky custard center and a dense, pudding-like base, all from a single pour. It’s the perfect dessert to wow guests, yet surprisingly simple to make at home.
Ingredients
For the Cake Layer:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Custard Layer:
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk (or substitute with half-and-half for a richer texture)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 8×8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on two sides for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
until smooth and creamy.
- Sift in the dry ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Gently fold or whisk until just combined. Do not overmix—a few lumps are fine.
