If you love desserts that feel like a warm hug, then this Vanilla Pudding Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine a light and fluffy cake with a luscious, creamy pudding layer that magically forms as it bakes—comfort food in its simplest, most magical form. It’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight yet special enough to wow guests or reward yourself after a long day. The perfect balance of soft vanilla sweetness and a delicate custardy texture will keep you coming back for more, slice after slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients ready for this Vanilla Pudding Cake Recipe is refreshingly straightforward, with each element playing a vital role in delivering that melt-in-your-mouth texture and gentle vanilla flavor you’ll adore. From the richness of butter to the warmth of vanilla extract, every ingredient matters.
- 1 cup milk: Provides moisture and helps create that creamy pudding layer underneath the cake.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Sweetens the cake just right without overpowering the vanilla notes.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted: Adds richness and tender crumb to the cake’s texture.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: Gives structure, ensuring the cake forms beautifully without being dense.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the entire dessert with that warm, aromatic vanilla flavor everyone loves.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the depth of flavors.
- 2 eggs, beaten: Bind everything together while contributing to the cake’s fluffy rise.
- 1/2 cup boiling water: Poured on top last, it helps the pudding layer form beneath the cake as it bakes.
How to Make Vanilla Pudding Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch baking dish. This step ensures your cake won’t stick and will brown perfectly on top while setting the scene for that delightful pudding layer beneath.
Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, melted butter, flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended, creating a lovely batter that’s rich with vanilla aroma and ready for the magic to happen.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Now stir in the beaten eggs. They’re the secret behind the cake’s lovely rise and beautiful texture, making every forkful light and airy while still holding that creamy center intact.
Step 4: Pour Batter and Boiling Water
Pour the batter evenly into your greased baking dish. Then, carefully and slowly pour the boiling water over the batter’s surface—you don’t want to stir it! This technique is the clever trick that forms a silky pudding layer below the cake as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your dish into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake’s surface comes out clean. The pudding layer will remain luscious underneath, waiting to surprise you.
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Once out of the oven, allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes. This resting period lets the creamy pudding layer settle perfectly, so when you cut into it, each slice reveals a stunning contrast of textures.
How to Serve Vanilla Pudding Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This Vanilla Pudding Cake Recipe shines on its own, but a few thoughtful garnishes can elevate it even more. A dusting of powdered sugar, a handful of fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream add visual appeal and layers of flavor without masking the cake’s delicate vanilla essence.
Side Dishes
Pair this cake with a bright, citrusy salad or a refreshing scoop of fruit sorbet to create a balanced dessert experience. The lightness of these sides complements the creamy richness of the pudding cake, making each bite feel celebratory and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve individual portions in clear glass ramekins to showcase the pudding layer. Or drizzle a warm caramel or chocolate sauce over the top for an elegant and indulgent touch that friends and family will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator. The cake will keep its moist texture and creamy pudding layer for up to 3 days, perfect for a quick dessert or unexpected sweet craving.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this cake by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then placing them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. While freezing may slightly alter the texture, the vanilla flavor stays delightful.
Reheating
To bring the Vanilla Pudding Cake Recipe back to life, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until soft and cozy. Avoid overheating to preserve that creamy pudding layer’s wonderful consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of milk for this recipe?
Absolutely! Whole milk is preferred for richness, but you can also use 2% or even plant-based milk like almond or oat. Just keep in mind that changes in milk type might slightly affect the pudding’s creaminess and flavor.
Why do I pour boiling water over the batter?
Pouring boiling water on top is the secret to creating the pudding layer underneath. The hot water causes the batter to separate during baking, allowing the custardy pudding to form beneath the fluffy cake topping.
Can I add other flavors or spices?
Definitely! Though the Vanilla Pudding Cake Recipe is wonderful on its own, feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a drop of almond extract to customize the flavor to your liking.
Is this cake gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends that are designed for baking to make a similar version, though texture might vary.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
Look for a golden brown top and use a toothpick inserted into the top layer of the cake. It should come out clean. The creamy pudding layer underneath will remain soft and custardy, which is exactly what you want.
Final Thoughts
This Vanilla Pudding Cake Recipe is truly one of those treasures that feels like a homemade hug on a plate. It’s a simple dessert that brings such delight and comfort, with its beautiful layers and classic vanilla flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how easily a few humble ingredients can transform into something spectacular. Happy baking and even happier eating!
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Vanilla Pudding Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Vanilla Pudding Cake is a delightful dessert featuring a golden, cakey top with a creamy vanilla pudding layer beneath. Easy to prepare and baked to perfection, it offers a comforting balance of textures and flavors, perfect for serving warm after a simple preparation time.
Ingredients
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 to prevent sticking, ensuring easy removal of the cake after baking.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the milk, sugar, melted butter, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir the mixture thoroughly until it is smooth and well blended, eliminating any lumps.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the beaten eggs into the mixture, stirring gently but completely until the batter is homogeneous and ready for baking.
- Add Boiling Water: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then carefully pour the boiling water over the batter without stirring, which helps create the pudding layer during baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The cake is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the top comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes after baking. This resting time lets the creamy pudding center set properly. Serve the cake warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Do not stir after adding boiling water to ensure the pudding layer forms correctly under the cake.
- Use a 9-inch baking dish for even cooking and optimal texture.
- You can serve this cake warm or at room temperature depending on preference.
- The texture combines a light cake top with a creamy, custard-like bottom, making it unique among baked desserts.
