Name: Apple Custard Cake Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 450g (6 medium) apples, peeled and cored; 15g (1 tbsp) fresh lemon juice; 8g (2 tsp) vanilla sugar; 160g (3 large) eggs; 75g granulated sugar; 130ml whole milk; 30g butter, melted; 75g all-purpose flour (405); 16g (4 tsp) baking powder; 0.3g (pinch) salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 80 reviews

If you’re in search of a dessert that combines the comforting warmth of baked apples with a velvety custard texture, this Apple Custard Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender, cinnamon-kissed apple slices enveloped in a light, fluffy custard cake that melts in your mouth with each bite. It’s the perfect harmony of sweet and tart, soft and slightly firm, all baked to a golden finish that will impress everyone at your table. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe delivers a wonderfully simple yet indulgent treat that’s irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view inside a large silver mixing bowl shows two main layers: on the bottom is a smooth, light beige batter with a slightly foamy texture, and on one side, there is a pile of small, chopped pieces of pale yellow fruit, likely apples, with a soft, moist look. Some of the batter splashes are visible on the sides of the bowl, creating a slightly messy but fresh preparation scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Apple Custard Cake Recipe is carefully chosen for its role in bringing the dish to life. The freshness of apples adds a natural sweetness and moisture, while the eggs and milk create the luscious custard texture. Butter enriches the batter with a tender crumb, and a touch of lemon juice brightens the flavor of the apples. Let’s take a closer look at these essential elements.

450g (6 medium) apples: Peeled and cored, these provide juicy, tender bites throughout the cake.
15g (1 tbsp) fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness, preventing the apples from browning and enhancing their natural tartness.
8g (2 tsp) vanilla sugar: Brings a sweet, fragrant hint of vanilla that elevates the apple’s flavor.
160g (3 large) eggs: The foundation of the custard, providing structure and richness.
75g granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just enough to balance the tart apples.
130ml whole milk: Creates the creamy custard texture, making the cake moist and tender.
30g butter, melted: Adds a velvety richness and helps keep the cake soft.
75g all-purpose flour (405): Gives structure and body to the cake without weighing it down.
16g (4 tsp) baking powder: Ensures the cake rises beautifully and remains light.
0.3g (pinch) salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

How to Make Apple Custard Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F). This high temperature helps set the cake’s structure quickly, locking moisture inside. Grease and flour a 30cm (12-inch) loaf pan to ensure your cake releases beautifully after baking—take a moment to do this thoroughly to avoid any sticking surprises.

Step 2: Prep the Apples

Take your apples, wash, peel, and core them carefully. Then, use a sharp paring knife to slice them thinly. Thin slices ensure the apples bake evenly and mesh perfectly within the custard. Toss the slices gently with fresh lemon juice and vanilla sugar—this simple step prevents browning and infuses the apples with a subtle vanilla aroma that makes each bite special.

Step 3: Whip the Eggs and Sugar

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs and granulated sugar on medium speed until foamy, about 3 minutes. This fluffy base introduces air that is essential for a light texture—a firm but tender custard cake.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting avoids lumps and helps distribute the raising agents evenly, ensuring your cake rises uniformly and has a delicate crumb.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing on medium-low speed. This gentle blending prevents overworking the batter, which could toughen the cake. Your goal is smooth batter with just the right thickness for the custard.

Step 6: Add Butter and Fold in Apples

Melt the butter in a small bowl and gently fold it into the batter. Don’t rush this step; take your time scraping down the sides of the bowl with a silicone spatula to incorporate all ingredients evenly. Finally, fold in the apple slices carefully until each slice is coated with batter. This ensures they’ll be tender and meld beautifully into the cake.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, gently pressing the apples so the surface is flat. Bake on the middle oven rack for 30 minutes, then cover with foil to avoid over-browning and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. The cake should come out golden and slightly springy to the touch. Let it cool on a wire rack before gently running a sharp knife around the pan to release your masterpiece.

How to Serve Apple Custard Cake Recipe

A rectangular loaf of apple cake rests on a wooden board lined with brown paper. The cake has two visible layers: the top layer is golden brown with a rough, bumpy texture from baked apple slices, dusted generously with white powdered sugar. The bottom layer is dense and creamy yellow with smooth apple pieces embedded inside. The loaf is sliced at the front showing the moist inside. The board and cake sit on a white marbled surface with blurred citrus fruits and a silver sifter in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To bring out the warm, comforting flavors of the Apple Custard Cake Recipe, try garnishing with powdered sugar or a light drizzle of caramel sauce. A sprinkle of toasted almonds or a dollop of whipped cream makes for a beautiful, inviting presentation that tempts everyone to dig in.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of crème fraîche to complement the richness of the custard. For a cozy tea time, a hot cup of chai or spiced herbal tea balances the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning dessert display, serve apple custard cake slices layered with fresh apple slices and a drizzle of honey on a rustic wooden board. Or get playful by serving small cubes alongside individual ramekins of custard sauce for dipping—turn it into an interactive tasting experience that’s both fun and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Apple Custard Cake Recipe leftovers store beautifully covered at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep the cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this cake later, slice it first and freeze the pieces individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This method prevents sticking and makes thawing only what you need super easy. Frozen slices keep well up to two months.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy your frozen or chilled Apple Custard Cake Recipe, warm slices gently in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven (160°C/320°F) for about 10 minutes. This revives the custard’s silky texture without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith add a lovely contrast, sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp work equally well and will give your cake a slightly different flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with your favorites for a personal twist.

Do I need to use vanilla sugar or can I substitute it?

If you don’t have vanilla sugar on hand, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or simply increase the granulated sugar and add a pinch of vanilla bean powder. Each option subtly changes the flavor, but all deliver that lovely vanilla note.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. Make sure it contains a binding agent like xanthan gum to maintain the cake’s structure. The cake will still be delightful and custardy.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare and bake the batter immediately to maintain the cake’s light custard texture. However, you can prepare the apple slices up to a day in advance, tossed with lemon juice to keep them fresh and ready to fold in right before baking.

How do I know when the Apple Custard Cake is fully baked?

The cake is done when it is golden brown on top and slightly springy to the touch. Insert a toothpick near the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Covering it with foil halfway through baking prevents over-browning while ensuring the custard sets perfectly.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Apple Custard Cake Recipe enough for anyone craving a cozy yet elegant dessert. Its simplicity is stunning, and each bite brings a comforting blend of tender apples with a creamy custard cake that’s simply irresistible. Give it a try—you just might find yourself baking it again and again for every special occasion or quiet afternoon treat.