Magic cake, or custard cake, is one of those recipes that you just really don’t think will work. One of those fun things to try with kids after you see it on pinterest or instagram, but, inevitably disappoint. One batter that magically cooks into differently textured layers? Seems too good to be true. Except somehow this just works. Mix some simple ingredients together and you end up with a rich, custardy layer on the bottom and a light cake layer on top. This version is packed with fresh strawberry flavor. The custard layer will be more pudding like right from the oven, so be sure to leave time for this to chill completely.
Strawberry Magic Cake
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
Serves: 12
Ingredients
- 12 ounces of strawberries, tops/stems removed, plus extra for topping, if desired
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 4 eggs, divided into whites and yolks
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1¼ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, for serving
- ¼ cup pistachios, chopped, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Spray a deep, 8x8 square baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a blender or food processor, combine strawberries and lemon juice, blending until smooth. Measure out 1¼ cups puree and set aside. (Save any extra for another use, like topping your yogurt or ice cream).
- In a medium sized bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat together egg yolks and granulated sugar until very light, fluffy, and pale, about 2-3 minutes. Add melted butter and vanilla, mixing to combine. Add in reserved strawberry puree and milk, mixing until combined. Mix in flour and salt until just combined. The batter will be very thin.
- Gently fold in reserved egg whites, half at a time, until mostly combined, being very careful not to over mix.
- Bake in prepared pan for 50-60 minutes, until cake seems set and is a little jiggly still in the center. Remove cake and let cool, then move to refrigerator to chill. Cut cake and serve topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, chopped fresh strawberries, and pistachios.
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