If you love a rich, creamy dessert with the added freshness of strawberries, then this strawberry Boston cake is your new best friend! It’s a twist on the classic Boston cream pie, but with the sweet, juicy flavor of strawberries, making it extra special.
And the best part? You can have this delicious cake ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for a quick dessert when you’re craving something indulgent!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re into Boston cream pie, you’ll adore this strawberry version. The soft, fluffy cake layers, combined with smooth custard filling and fresh strawberries, make every bite feel like a mini celebration.
Plus, it’s super easy to make, so you don’t need to be an expert baker to nail it. Seriously, you’ll have a decadent dessert ready in under an hour!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 8-10
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Dietary Info: Vegetarian (can be modified for other dietary preferences)
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of vinegar)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Custard:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberries:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Equipment
- 2 round cake pans (8-inch)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Spatula or spoon
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pans.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla until well combined.
- Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ones, mixing until smooth.
- Pour the batter evenly into your cake pans and bake for about 18-20 minutes. Check by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then move them to a cooling rack.
Step 2: Make the Custard Filling
- In a saucepan, mix the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and cornstarch. Heat over medium, stirring constantly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with a splash of the hot milk mixture, then slowly pour it back into the saucepan.
- Keep whisking as it thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Let it cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberries
- Slice the strawberries and mix them with sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for about 10 minutes so they release their juices.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a plate.
- Spread a layer of custard on top, then add a generous handful of the macerated strawberries.
- Top it with the second cake layer and gently press it down.
- Optionally, top with whipped cream or more fresh strawberries for extra yum!
Tips
- Smooth Custard: If you want the custard to be perfectly smooth, strain it through a fine mesh strainer before letting it cool. It’ll get rid of any lumps.
- Extra Flavor: Want a little zing? Add some lemon zest to the cake or custard for a citrusy twist.
- Cake Layers: If your cakes don’t bake evenly, no worries! Just use a serrated knife to level them before assembling. It’ll make them look extra neat and professional.
- Storage: Store leftovers (if you have any!) in the fridge for 2-3 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it still tastes amazing the next day.
Variations You Can Try
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure your custard ingredients are also gluten-free.
- Chocolate Lovers: For a chocolate twist, add some cocoa powder to the cake batter. Or throw in some chocolate chips between the layers!
- Vegan: Replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce, and use dairy-free milk and butter for the custard.
- Mixed Berries: Use blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries instead of strawberries for a different flavor. Craving something extra delicious? Check out our easy-to-make strawberry shortcake in a mug recipe!
This strawberry Boston cake is the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and fresh, and it’s easy to whip up in 30 minutes. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something indulgent, this cake will definitely hit the spot.
Don’t be afraid to play around with the recipe and make it your own! I promise, this treat will make you feel like a baking pro without all the hassle.
Happy baking, and enjoy your decadent strawberry Boston cake!
