The Spring/Summer seasons are approaching and this Berry Custard Cake is going to be perfect for your daytime brunches, tea parties, outdoor birthday celebrations and more.
Yes, it looks like a cheesecake and you bake it in a cheesecake (springform) pan. It even shares the cheesecake graham cracker crust. What I had in mind differently is a dessert that is easier to prepare with a lighter texture to compliment a combination of mixed berries.
Sweetened condensed milk is the main ingredient in this decadent creation. It is sweet enough so there is no need for any added sugar. The hints of lemon and vanilla balance the sweetness and make this refreshing dessert a real delight!
If you are a berry lover and want to enjoy a mouthful of berries in every bite, you may add up to 24 ounces total. However, it may not look as pretty because the berries will start to run. If you don’t mind a little imperfection, feel free to take this route. The cake will taste even more delicious. Happy Baking!
Berry Custard Cake
You may mistaken this for a cheesecake. Although similar, this refreshing berry dessert has a lighter texture and is much easier to whip up!
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
1½ cups finely ground Graham Cracker Crumbs (about 10-12 crackers)
1 tablespoon Sugar
6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, Melted + additional if needed
Berry Custard Filling:
3 (14oz) cans Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 ¼ cup Heavy Whipping Cream
4 large Egg Yolks
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
½ cup freshly squeezed Lemon Juice (about 3 lemons)
2 tablespoons grated Lemon Zest (about 3 lemons)
6 ounces fresh Raspberries
6 ounces fresh Blueberries
6 ounces fresh Blackberries
Special Equipment: 9-inch Springform Pan
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350 degrees with rack in the center.
Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter in a medium sized bowl until moistened. Pour inside the springform pan and evenly spread throughout bottom of the pan and about 1-inch up the sides pressing gently using your hands. Place in the oven and bake for 8 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool.
Combine and rinse raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries in a colander and set aside to drain completely. Gently pat dry if needed. (Do not crush berries) Set aside.
Whisk sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, heavy whipping cream and vanilla in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk in lemon juice and lemon zest until well combined.
Pour 1/3 of the filling onto the cooled crust. Sprinkle half of the mixed berries to cover. Pour another 1/3 of the custard filling, sprinkle the remaining berries (reduce amount of berries if needed) then top with the remaining third of the filling. Gently spread the filling to cover the top or move pan from side to side to distribute evenly if needed. Bake for 30-35 minutes until just set.
Remove from oven and cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate until completely cold, about 3-4 hours or overnight. Carefully run a hot knife around the cake to remove from the springform pan. Leave the bottom of the springform pan attached to serve or carefully transfer to a serving platter if preferred. Slice and serve.
Serves 12-14
Download Recipe (PDF)
