Creamy Milk Cake
This elegant baked milk custard is a classic comfort dessert that combines a velvety smooth interior with a golden, slightly crisp top layer. The texture is soft and melt-in-your-mouth, while the baked surface adds a subtle caramel flavor. Made with simple ingredients such as milk, eggs, sugar, and a touch of starch, this dessert is perfect for anyone who loves light, creamy sweets. It’s easy to prepare, bakes beautifully in the oven, and slices cleanly just like in the photo.
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There are desserts that impress with complexity, and then there are desserts that win hearts with pure simplicity. This baked milk custard belongs to the second category—a beautifully understated classic that delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. With its silky, creamy interior and perfectly caramelized golden top, it offers a texture and flavor that feel both nostalgic and luxurious.
This dessert is inspired by traditional oven-baked milk puddings that have been cherished for generations across various cultures. What makes it truly special is the balance it achieves: the inside remains soft, smooth, and delicately sweet, while the top forms a lightly crisp, amber-colored crust created by the gentle heat of the oven. It is the kind of treat that can be enjoyed warm for immediate comfort or chilled for a firmer, sliceable finish—exactly as shown in the photo.
Ingredients
For the custard mixture:
1 liter milk
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
½ cup fine semolina or 3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the baking dish:
Butter for greasing
1 tablespoon sugar to sprinkle (optional, for a more caramelized top)
Instructions (Detailed Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare the baking dish
Grease a medium-sized ovenproof glass dish with butter.
For an extra golden crust, sprinkle the base and sides lightly with sugar.
Set aside.
2. Heat the milk mixture
Pour the milk into a large saucepan.
Add the sugar and semolina (or cornstarch).
Whisk continuously over medium heat until the mixture begins to thicken.Once it reaches a pudding-like consistency, reduce the heat and cook for 1 more minute.
Tip: If
using cornstarch, dissolve it in a little cold milk first to prevent lumps.
3. Add eggs and flavor
Remove the saucepan from heat.
In a separate small bowl, whisk the eggs.
Slowly pour a small amount of the hot mixture into the beaten eggs while whisking (this prevents scrambling).
Then pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot.
Add the butter and vanilla and whisk until smooth and glossy.
The mixture should now be silky and lump-free.
4. Pour and bake
Preheat the oven to 190°C / 375°F.
Pour the custard mixture into the prepared dish.
Smooth the surface gently with a spatula.
Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until:
the top is golden brown,
the surface is firm,
the edges are slightly separated from the dish,
and the center jiggles lightly but is set.
This golden top is what gives the dessert its signature look in the photo.
5. Cool, chill, and slice
Remove from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for 20 minutes.
Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3–4 hours.
Once fully set, cut into large square pieces.
Serve cold for the best texture.
The result will be a thick, creamy custard block with a caramelized surface exactly like in the image.
Serving Suggestions
Tap the p.hoto to v.iew the full r.ecipe.