Looking for a custard cake recipe that’s both simple and sensational? You’re in the right place. This Bulgarian-style custard cake recipe, known as Biskvitena Torta, blends old-world comfort with creamy, no-bake ease. It’s made with just six ingredients egg yolks, sugar, vanilla, cornstarch, milk, and cookies but the result tastes like something you’d find at a bakery. Whether you’re craving a soft, layered dessert or need a quick summer treat that chills instead of bakes, this recipe hits the mark. I’ll walk you through every step with warmth and real-life kitchen wisdom. So grab your whisk and your cookie stash this creamy classic is about to become your new favorite.
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My Story Behind This Custard Cake Recipe
A No-Bake Favorite That Feels Like a Hug in Every Bite
Comfort food doesn’t have to be elaborate. For me, it’s often found in the simplicity of a chilled dessert layers of soft cookies wrapped in silky, homemade custard. That’s exactly what this custard cake recipe brings to the table. I didn’t find it in a magazine or a trendy video. It came from someone who knew that heartfelt desserts are made with love, not complexity.
As my days got fuller managing kids, balancing work, and keeping weeknight meals realistic I realized I needed more recipes that worked with my schedule. This one rose to the top. There’s no baking, no mixers, and no special equipment. Just six everyday ingredients: egg yolks, milk, sugar, vanilla, cornstarch, and cookies. You whisk the custard over the stove, layer it all together, and let the fridge handle the rest.
If you enjoy recipes that feel homemade and taste like comfort, this custard cake will be your new go-to. You don’t need baking skills I’ll walk you through it.
What Makes This Recipe a Must-Try
This dessert is a total win when you need something quick and satisfying. It takes just 15 minutes to prep. As the cake chills, the cookies absorb the custard and become soft and tender, creating a texture similar to sponge cake. The custard, thickened with egg yolks and cornstarch, sets up perfectly smooth and creamy. It holds its shape when sliced and melts in your mouth. You can make it your own by swapping in graham crackers, shortbread, or ladyfingers. Whether you use vanilla extract or go richer with vanilla bean paste, it turns out beautifully every time.
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Custard Cake Recipe Easy and Irresistibly Creamy No-Bake Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This custard cake recipe is creamy, rich, and easy to assemble perfect for no-bake dessert lovers. Layered with cookies and thick homemade vanilla custard, it’s made with just 6 simple ingredients.
Ingredients
6 egg yolks
¾ cups sugar (190g or 10 heaping tablespoons)
½ cups cornstarch (80g or 4 heaping tablespoons)
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
5 cups warm milk
2 packs Papadopoulos cookies (225g each)
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and smooth.
2. Dissolve cornstarch in a little milk to form a smooth slurry.
3. Add the slurry, remaining warm milk, and vanilla to the egg mixture. Whisk well.
4. Place over medium heat and stir constantly until thickened, about 5–7 minutes.
5. Let the custard cool slightly while you prepare your dish.
6. Layer cookies in a dish, then pour warm custard over.
7. Repeat layers, ending with custard on top.
8. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
You can substitute Papadopoulos cookies with graham crackers, tea biscuits, or any plain cookie.
Optional toppings: cocoa powder, crushed cookies, or cinnamon for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
How to Master This Custard Cake Recipe Step-by-Step
Make the Creamiest Custard on the Stove
The magic of this custard cake recipe starts with the smoothest homemade custard. In a saucepan, blend your egg yolks with sugar until light and creamy in texture. Separately, mix cornstarch with a splash of cold milk until fully dissolved this prevents lumps. Pour that mixture into your yolk-sugar base, then stir in the rest of the milk to create a uniform consistency.
Set the pan on medium heat and begin whisking steadily. The custard will slowly start to thicken. Don’t walk away continuous stirring is key. When it’s thick enough to coat your spoon and forms gentle bubbles, pull it off the heat. If using vanilla extract, stir it in now; for vanilla bean paste, let the custard cool slightly first before adding it for maximum aroma.
Assemble the Custard Cake Recipe Like a Pro
Now it’s time to layer. Grab a medium-sized dish glass or ceramic is ideal for a pretty slice. Start with a layer of dry cookies: graham crackers, Maria cookies, or whatever you have handy. Pour over a layer of your warm custard, smoothing it out with a spatula. Alternate cookies and custard until everything is used, ending with a thick custard top layer.
Cover your dish and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight for best results. While chilling, the cookies will absorb the custard and soften into delicate, fluffy cake-like layers. The custard will firm up into a creamy, sliceable filling. For a final touch, sprinkle cocoa powder, crushed cookies, or a dusting of cinnamon before serving. This custard cake recipe is proof that simple can still be spectacular.
Want more dessert ideas that work with pantry ingredients? Browse my trending recipes for more inspiration.
Fun Twists on This Custard Cake Recipe
Cookies You Can Use to Reinvent the Dessert
This custard cake recipe is as flexible as it is delicious. You can easily swap the cookie layers to match what you already have in the pantry. Graham crackers are classic, but why not try ladyfingers for a light bite, or buttery shortbread for a melt-in-your-mouth finish? Even simple vanilla wafers or thin chocolate cookies can work wonders here.
For a twist on tradition, you can add fruit between the layers. Think sliced bananas, chopped strawberries, or thin apple slices. Each one brings a fresh contrast to the creamy custard and soft cookies, creating something that feels both nostalgic and new.
Boosting Flavor with Easy Add-Ins
Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavor this recipe is built for it. You can warm the milk with citrus peel or a cinnamon stick before making your custard. Want something a little richer? Add a small amount of espresso powder or swap the vanilla for almond extract to completely change the flavor profile.
If you’re aiming for elegance, top your chilled cake with a dusting of cocoa or a swirl of whipped cream just before serving. For a tropical twist, mix a splash of coconut milk into your custard base or add toasted coconut flakes on top.
Whether you stick to the original or try a new version every time, this custard cake recipe offers a delicious blank canvas that’s easy to customize and impossible to mess up.
Loved this recipe? For more simple and delicious ideas, let’s connect on Facebook! I love seeing what you create.
Final Thoughts on This Custard Cake Recipe
This custard cake recipe isn’t just a dessert it’s a lifesaver on busy nights, a nostalgic bite when you need comfort, and a clever use of pantry staples. Whether you’re preparing it for guests or just a casual family dinner, it always delivers. You don’t need a fancy kitchen or hours to make something memorable. A stovetop, six simple ingredients, and a little fridge time are all it takes to create a creamy, layered masterpiece.
So next time you’re staring at your pantry wondering what to make, remember this recipe. Simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable it’s exactly what home cooking should be.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custard Cake
How do you make a custard cake with cookies?
Start by preparing a stovetop custard with egg yolks, sugar, milk, cornstarch, and vanilla. Once thickened and slightly cooled, layer it with plain cookies like graham crackers or tea biscuits in a dish. Alternate layers of custard and cookies until finished, then chill it for several hours so the cookies absorb the custard and soften into a cake-like texture.
Can I use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract in custard?
Absolutely. Vanilla bean paste adds a stronger, more aromatic flavor and those beautiful specks of real vanilla bean. It’s a great upgrade if you want to intensify the custard’s flavor. Just use it in the same quantity as vanilla extract.
How long does custard cake take to prepare and chill?
Prep time is only about 15 minutes, and chilling takes a minimum of 4 hours overnight is even better. The longer it rests, the more the cookies soften and the custard sets perfectly, making for clean, cake-like slices.
Is custard cake the same as flan cake?
Not exactly. Flan cake usually involves a baked layer of caramel flan on top of a sponge cake, often inverted for presentation. This custard cake recipe is entirely no-bake, with cookies in place of cake, and the texture is softer and creamier.
What’s a quick, easy custard filling for cake?
The custard in this recipe is ideal just egg yolks, sugar, milk, cornstarch, and vanilla. Whisk it all together on the stovetop until thickened. It’s smooth, holds up well between layers, and works beautifully in layered cakes or tarts.

