Perfect Party Cake Rides Again

Little did I know how how popular last month's Daring Baker Perfect Party Cake would prove to be with my friends.  Last week, as requested, I made it for Nancy's daughter, the lovely Julie. It was her birthday and I let her dictate how it was filled.  Instead of jam and buttercream in between the cake layers, Julie asked for custard filling and buttercream on the outside.  Her wish was my command.  As before, the cake was easy to make, and I now have it memorized.  I can whip up a perfect party cake anywhere, anytime...as long as lots of butter and eggs are on hand.  I didn't taste the cake, but learned that every crumb was eaten with gusto at the birthday party, proof that custard works well as a filling.

I confess to doing a stupid thing.  The custard was so yummy, I set aside a dish of it for myself. Then, on a whim, I topped it with some of the buttercream frosting.  This particular buttercream is so light and fluffy, I figured it would taste a lot like whipped cream.    I should have remembered that whipped cream doesn't have three sticks of butter in it. The  custard and buttercream tasted marvelous for about three bites. Then it became ....too much.   

So, Laura helped eat the rest.  Note the frosting on her forehead and whiskers.

Next month, I'll be making another version of the Perfect Party Cake, for Julie's sister, Elizabeth.  So, you see, it's a very good recipe.   

Custard 

Note:  I doubled this recipe

(Gourmet)

4 large egg yolks
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup half-and-half
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla

In a saucepan whisk together all custard ingredients except vanilla until combined well. Bring mixture to a boil over moderate heat, whisking constantly, and simmer, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Whisk vanilla into custard and transfer to a heatproof dish. Cool custard, its surface covered with a round of wax paper. Chill custard, covered, at least 3 hours, or until cold, and up to 2 days.

Comments

[peabody]

Yes, I think the custard and buttercream would even be a bit much for me. But yum on those three bites!

[Rosa]

Wonderful! I really loved that cake! Laura is a cute helper!

Cheers,

Rosa

[RecipeGirl]

Hey, that custard idea looks like a great one. I would have done that too!!

[MyKitchenInHalfCups]

Wish I had such a great helper!!

[Madam Chow]

I didn't make this cake for the Daring Bakers, and now I wish I had! And I love your cat blogging. :)

[Madam Chow]

I didn't make this cake for the Daring Bakers, and now I wish I had! And I love your cat blogging. :)

[Sophia]

Love the evidence on the whiskers...

[Patricia Scarpin]

I can't wait for a birthday party in my family to happen so I can try this cake! It looks so beautiful, Sher!

[Kristi]

My birthday is March 30, which is almost a year away, and therefore you should have enough time to make this cake for me. I think it should survive a cross-country trip, don't you?

[Jen]

I have missed it- you have a new kitty! Congrats!

And that custard looks so good. I"m trying to be good right now too. Ack. lol! :)

And thanks for your support during my non-blogging, I appreciate it.

[aria]

Laura!! hehe, she can't resist that beautiful parfait -- nosireee...

mmmm, your house must have smelled marvelous!!

[Kevin]

Nice looking cake. Buttercream and custard...mmm... That DB's cake was a good one!

[Lynn]

The cake looks beautiful. I love the idea of the custard filling. I can see where the custard with buttercream would be a bit much. Good thing kitty was there to help.

[Jenn]

I forgot to tell you in the e-mail I jsut sent that this cake looks yummilicious and I would eat half of it were it in front of me. I think I'd like a chocolate pudding filling. Is that crazy?