A delightful South African dessert featuring a honey almond topping and a creamy custard filling.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Ensure the oven is fully preheated before placing the cake inside for even baking.
Grease and flour a 9-inch loose-bottomed cake tin.
Use parchment paper for easier cake removal.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
Sifting helps to aerate the flour and mix the dry ingredients evenly.
Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then mix in the vanilla.
Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Adding eggs gradually helps maintain the emulsion.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, mixing until smooth.
Start and end with the dry ingredients for a better texture.
Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top.
Tap the tin gently to remove air bubbles.
For the topping, melt the butter and honey in a saucepan, then stir in the sliced almonds.
Toast the almonds slightly for extra flavor.
Spread the topping evenly over the batter.
Spread quickly before the topping cools and thickens.
Bake the cake for 35-45 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
Check the cake at the 35-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Cool the cake on a wire rack.
Let the cake cool completely before slicing.
For the custard, heat the milk and cream until just simmering.
Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
Mix the cornstarch and sugar, then whisk in the egg yolks and vanilla until creamy.
Mix thoroughly to avoid lumps.
Gradually add the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture while whisking.
Adding the milk slowly prevents the eggs from curdling.
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until thickened.
Stir constantly to achieve a smooth custard.
Stir in the butter, then cool the custard completely.
Cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
Slice the cooled cake into three layers using a serrated knife.
Use a cake leveler for even layers.
Spread the custard between the layers and reassemble the cake.
Apply the custard evenly for a balanced flavor.
Serve the cake and enjoy.
Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
Continue in our app for the best experience
