There are some desserts that feel like pure comfort on a plate, and Vanilla Custard Cake with Crumble is one of them. It combines the silky richness of custard, the fluffy lightness of sponge cake, and the irresistible crunch of a buttery crumble topping. Perfect for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or even as a festive treat, this cake is both nostalgic and indulgent.
Unlike a standard sponge or coffee cake, this recipe layers textures: soft, creamy, and crunchy — all in one bite. Let’s dive into what makes this dessert so special and how you can make it at home.
Why This Cake Works So Well
Custard Creaminess – The custard layer keeps the cake moist while adding a rich vanilla depth.
Buttery Crumble – The topping creates contrast with a crunchy bite, balancing the soft cake beneath.
Everyday Ingredients – You probably already have most of what you need in your pantry.
Versatility – You can serve it warm with ice cream or let it chill for a firmer slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake Base:
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ cup (60 ml) milk
Pinch of salt
For the Vanilla Custard Layer:
2 cups (500 ml) whole milk
4 egg yolks
½ cup (100 g) sugar
3 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 tbsp butter
For the Crumble Topping:
½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
¼ cup (50 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)