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

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
   • ½ cup melted butter
   • 1 cup sugar
   • 2 large eggs
   • 1 tsp vanilla extract
     until smooth and creamy.
2. Sift in the dry ingredients:
   • 1 cup all-purpose flour
   • 1 tsp baking powder
   • ¼ tsp salt
3. Gently fold or whisk until just combined. Do not overmix—a few lumps are fine.

Step 3: Make the Custard Mixture

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together:
   • 3 large eggs
   • 1 cup whole milk
   • ½ cup sugar
   • 1 tablespoon flour
   • 1 tsp vanilla extract
   • A pinch of salt
2. Whisk thoroughly until smooth with no lumps.

Step 4: Layer the Batter

• Pour the custard mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
• Carefully spoon the cake batter over the top in small amounts, spreading it gently without mixing the two layers.

Important: Do not stir or swirl. The separation during baking is what creates the magical three-layer effect.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

• Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the top cake layer comes out clean.
• Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

• Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes.
• For best results, refrigerate for a few hours—or even overnight—before slicing. This allows the custard layer to fully set.

Serving Suggestions

• Dust with powdered sugar
• Serve with fresh berries
• Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce
• Add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat

Tips for Success

• Don’t Mix the Layers: The cake and custard layers must remain separate. Their different densities are what create the magical layers during baking.
• Use Room-Temperature Eggs: Cold eggs don’t incorporate as smoothly and can affect the batter’s texture and layering.
• Chill Before Slicing: Patience pays off. Refrigerating the cake helps the layers firm up, making it easier to slice and enhancing the texture.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweet desserts, you can reduce sugar in either layer by 2–3 tablespoons.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum to replicate the structure of regular flour.