Golden, creamy, and perfectly portioned, Custard Cake Pudding Bites bring together the soft richness of cake and the silky smoothness of custard in one irresistible bite. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick dessert fix, or just craving a sweet pick-me-up, these little gems deliver big flavor with minimal fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pudding bites are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of homemade desserts. They’re easy to make, beautifully presentable, and utterly delicious. With a moist cake base and a luscious custard top, they’re the best of both worlds in a bite-sized form. Plus, they can be dressed up or kept simple for any occasion.
Pure Comfort
Custard and cake are classics in their own right, but when you combine them into tender, sweet bites, it’s like a warm hug in dessert form. These Custard Cake Pudding Bites evoke the feeling of cozy kitchens, childhood memories, and family gatherings—all in one mouthful.
Ingredients
For the Custard Layer:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cake Base:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup milk
What You Need
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Muffin tin or silicone mold
- Non-stick spray or cupcake liners
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Time to Cook
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Steps to Make It
Step 1: Make the Custard
In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together milk, egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, alternating with milk until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin or line with cupcake liners. Spoon 1 tablespoon of cake batter into each cavity. Add 1 tablespoon of custard on top. Lightly swirl with a toothpick if desired.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the cake springs back when touched. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 5: Chill
Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to let the custard set and flavors meld.
Make It Perfect
To avoid a lumpy custard, whisk continuously and don’t let it boil. For the cake, don’t overmix once you add the flour—it keeps the texture tender. Greasing the muffin tin well or using silicone molds helps the bites release easily.
Mix It Up
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for a warm spice note. Use lemon zest in the cake batter for a citrusy contrast. You can even top with a raspberry or sprinkle of toasted coconut before baking for added flair.
Perfect Partners
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel, or fresh berries on the side. A light dusting of powdered sugar also looks beautiful and adds a sweet finishing touch.
Busy Day Hero
Since you can make these ahead and chill them, they’re perfect for busy days. The recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require fancy equipment, making it a great go-to even on weeknights or for unexpected guests.
Work Ahead
Both the custard and cake batter can be prepared a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble just before baking. You can even bake them a day before serving and keep them chilled.
Save Some For Later
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They taste great cold or at room temperature. You can also freeze them—just wrap individually and thaw in the fridge overnight.
Everyone’s Happy
These bites are ideal for parties, potlucks, lunchbox treats, or even an elegant dessert platter. Kids love them, and adults appreciate their subtle sweetness and smooth texture.
Good For You Too
Made with real ingredients and no artificial flavors, these bites offer a more wholesome indulgence. You control the sugar, and they’re portioned perfectly to satisfy without overdoing it.
Easy Clean Up
Because it’s a two-bowl recipe and uses a muffin tin, cleanup is quick and easy. Line your tin or use silicone molds to avoid scrubbing and stickiness.
Switch It Up
Try chocolate custard instead of vanilla, or swap in a spiced cake base for holiday flavors. You could also layer jam between the cake and custard for a surprise middle.
Simply Perfect
Each bite is a balanced mix of creamy and cakey, sweet and soft. They’re elegant enough for high tea and easy enough for a casual afternoon snack.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought custard?
Yes, but homemade adds a fresher flavor and creamier texture.
2. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
3. Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Wrap well and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
4. Can I use almond milk instead of dairy milk?
Yes, but it may slightly alter the custard’s texture. Use unsweetened almond milk for best results.
5. Can I use a full-size cake pan?
You can, but adjust baking time to 30–35 minutes and let it cool fully before slicing.
6. How do I know the custard is cooked?
It should coat the back of a spoon and not run off. Avoid boiling or it might curdle.
7. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
In an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Conclusion
Custard Cake Pudding Bites are the kind of dessert that makes people ask for the recipe. They’re creamy, tender, just sweet enough, and perfectly portable. Whether for a special celebration or a weeknight treat, they deliver comfort, charm, and flavor in every bite.
More Sweet Bites & Creamy Desserts You’ll Love
If you found these Custard Cake Pudding Bites as dreamy as we did, your next dessert crush might be just a scroll away! Try the irresistibly flaky and creamy Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars for a cinnamon-sugar twist. Or keep the chilled sweetness going with the velvety Creamy Nutter Butter Icebox Cake—perfect for no-bake lovers. Want more fruity flair? These Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches combine crispiness with berry indulgence. You can also explore the fluffy side of things with this retro-inspired Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake. And if you’re in the mood for handheld fun, don’t miss the Churro Cheesecake—sweet, spiced, and snackable.
Print
Custard Cake Pudding Bites
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Custard Cake Pudding Bites blend moist vanilla cake with creamy homemade custard in perfectly portioned treats. Ideal for parties, tea time, or sweet cravings, they’re easy to make, beautifully layered, and totally irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Custard Layer
-
2 cups whole milk
-
3 egg yolks
-
1/3 cup granulated sugar
-
2 tablespoons cornstarch
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cake Base
-
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
1/2 cup granulated sugar
-
2 eggs
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1 cup all-purpose flour
-
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
-
Pinch of salt
-
1/4 cup milk
Instructions
-
Make the Custard
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together milk, egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir constantly until thickened, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let cool slightly. -
Prepare the Cake Batter
Cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. Mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl and add to the wet mixture alternately with milk until combined. -
Assemble the Bites
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a muffin tin. Spoon 1 tablespoon of cake batter into each cavity, then top with 1 tablespoon of custard. Swirl gently if desired. -
Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and set. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. -
Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the bites for at least 30 minutes before serving to set the custard fully. Enjoy cold or at room temperature.
Notes
For a smoother custard, strain it before layering onto the cake. Silicone molds work best for easy release. Add lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing twist or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving for extra charm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Custard Cake Pudding Bites, Mini Custard Cakes, Cake Pudding Bites, Easy Custard Dessert, Bite-Sized Desserts