Vanilla Pudding Cake is a comforting and decadent dessert that perfectly balances a light cake layer with a rich, creamy custard center. With a golden-brown top and a melt-in-your-mouth, silky pudding bottom, this dessert is simple to make and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a warm treat to enjoy after dinner or a cozy dessert for a family gathering, this pudding cake is sure to delight everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes Vanilla Pudding Cake so special is its unique texture — it has both a cake-like top and a creamy, custard-like bottom that creates a luxurious mouthfeel. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With just a few basic pantry staples, you can create a warm, comforting dessert that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious. Plus, the combination of rich vanilla flavor and the creamy center is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup boiling water
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine the milk, sugar, melted butter, flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until smooth and well-blended.
- Add the beaten eggs to the mixture and mix until everything is fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Carefully pour the boiling water over the batter (do not stir).
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving, allowing the creamy center to set.
- Serve warm, and enjoy the comforting, pudding-like interior!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
Variations
- Flavor variations: Add a bit of almond extract or lemon zest to the batter for a subtle twist on the classic vanilla flavor.
- Fruit topping: Top your pudding cake with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce to add a burst of flavor and texture.
- Chocolate twist: For a chocolate version, add cocoa powder to the batter and swap out the vanilla extract for chocolate extract.
- Spices: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced variation of the traditional vanilla pudding cake.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute the milk with almond or coconut milk and use dairy-free butter for a lactose-free treat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover pudding cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until warm.
- Freezing: This pudding cake is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to 1 month. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for a quick treat or in the oven for a more even warm-up. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of milk for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk with almond, soy, or oat milk if you prefer a dairy-free option.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the batter ahead of time, but it’s best to bake it just before serving for the freshest texture. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
3. Can I make this pudding cake without butter?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with vegetable oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
4. Why is there boiling water added to the batter?
The boiling water helps to create the pudding-like texture by separating the cake and custard layers while baking, allowing the cake to form on top while the custard sets underneath.
5. Can I add fruits like bananas or berries to the batter?
Yes, you can add small amounts of fruit to the batter for added flavor. Just ensure the fruit pieces are small enough so they don’t overpower the texture of the pudding cake.
6. How can I make the cake more flavorful?
For a deeper flavor, try adding a tablespoon of brown sugar or a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
7. Can I bake this in a different size dish?
If you use a different-sized baking dish, the baking time may change. For a smaller dish, the cake will bake faster, so start checking for doneness around 35 minutes.
8. Can I use egg substitutes in this recipe?
You can use an egg replacer like flax eggs or commercial egg replacers, but the texture may vary slightly.
9. How do I know when the pudding cake is done?
The top of the cake should be golden brown, and when you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out clean. The custard center will still be soft but set.
10. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake the pudding cake in a larger dish. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, checking for doneness after about 50 minutes.
Conclusion
Vanilla Pudding Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the best of both worlds: a fluffy cake and a creamy custard. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients, nostalgic flavors, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this pudding cake will quickly become a family favorite. Whether served warm for a cozy dessert or chilled for a refreshing treat, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings!
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Vanilla Pudding Cake
Vanilla Pudding Cake is a comforting dessert that combines a light cake layer with a rich, creamy custard center. This decadent treat features a golden-brown top with a silky pudding bottom, making it a luxurious yet simple dessert. Perfect for family gatherings or as a cozy personal indulgence, this cake will satisfy your sweet tooth with every bite.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch baking dish.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, combine milk, sugar, melted butter, flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until smooth and well-blended.
- Add Eggs: Mix in the beaten eggs until fully combined.
- Add Boiling Water: Pour the batter into the prepared dish, then carefully pour the boiling water over the batter (do not stir).
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the creamy center to set. Serve warm.
Notes
- Flavor Variations: Add almond extract or lemon zest for a different twist on the classic vanilla flavor.
- Fruit Topping: Top the cake with fresh berries or caramel sauce for added flavor and texture.
- Chocolate Twist: Add cocoa powder to the batter and swap vanilla extract for chocolate extract for a chocolate variation.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute almond or coconut milk and dairy-free butter for a lactose-free dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
