Whole Apple Custard Cake (No Pie Crust Needed)

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 2½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (50 g) powdered sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¾ cup (180 g) cold butter, cubed
  • 1 large egg

For the Apple Filling

  • 6 medium apples (Golden or Granny Smith work best)
  • Juice of ½ lemon

For the Custard

  • 2 cups (500 ml) milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup (100 g) sugar
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Topping

  • Sliced almonds
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

1. Make the Dough

  1. In a bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, salt, and baking powder.
  2. Rub in cold butter until crumbly.
  3. Add egg and mix until a soft dough forms.
  4. Wrap and refrigerate 20 minutes.

2. Prepare Apples

  1. Peel apples and remove cores carefully (keep apples whole).
  2. Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.

3. Make Custard

  1. Whisk milk, eggs, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened.
  3. Remove from heat (do NOT overcook).

4. Assemble

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. Line a rectangular or loaf pan with parchment.
  3. Roll out ⅔ of dough and press into pan bottom and sides.
  4. Arrange whole apples upright in the pan.
  5. Pour warm custard over apples.
  6. Crumble remaining dough on top.
  7. Sprinkle almonds if using.

5. Bake

  • Bake 50–60 minutes until golden
  • Cool completely before slicing (VERY important!)

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Serving Tips

  • Best served chilled or room temperature
  • Dust with powdered sugar
  • Tastes even better the next day

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