Easy Custard Recipe – Comforting Dessert in Minutes

Why This Custard Recipe Works

Custard is a timeless dessert beloved for its smooth, creamy texture and versatility. This custard recipe delivers perfectly silky custard that works in many forms—warm from the oven, chilled in custard cups, or as a filling for pies like lemon custard pie and coconut custard pie.

The secret is gentle cooking, proper egg-to-milk ratios, and a few simple techniques that ensure the custard sets beautifully without curdling. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe provides clear, step-by-step instructions for a reliable result. You can also turn it into a refreshing frozen custard recipe for summer treats.

Custard is also a perfect base for variations—tangy, fruity, or decadent chocolate-infused desserts. Once you master this custard, it opens doors to countless dessert ideas that are both elegant and comforting.

⏱ Recipe Time Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6 custard cups

Custard Recipe Ingredients

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• 2 cups whole milk (warm)
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Freshly grated nutmeg for topping

Optional (for variations):

• Lemon zest for lemon custard pie
• Pumpkin puree for pumpkin custard pie
• Coconut milk for coconut custard pie

Custard Recipe Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place six custard cups or ramekins in a large baking dish for a gentle water bath.
2. Heat the Milk
   Warm the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until hot but not boiling. Hot milk blends more smoothly with the eggs, creating a silky custard.
3. Whisk Eggs and Sugar
   In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla until smooth. This creates a creamy base for your custard.
4. Combine Milk and Egg Mixture
   Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Strain through a fine sieve for a flawless texture.
5. Fill Custard Cups
   Pour the mixture evenly into the ramekins. Sprinkle lightly with nutmeg or add zest for a twist.
6. Bake in Water Bath
   Pour hot water into the baking dish to reach halfway up the sides of the custard cups. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the edges are set but the center jiggles slightly.
7. Cool and Serve
   Remove the cups from the water bath and cool slightly. Serve warm or refrigerate for chilled custard.

Pro Tips for Custard Recipe

• Use a water bath for even cooking.
• Whisk constantly when adding hot milk to prevent curdling.
• Don’t over bake; custard continues to set while cooling.
• Experiment with frozen custard recipes or pie variations.

Serving Suggestions for Custard Recipe

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Serve custard plain in custard cups, topped with fresh fruit, or drizzled with chocolate. Try as a filling in lemon custard pie, pumpkin custard pie, or coconut custard pie. Pair with sponge cake or cookies for extra indulgence. Chilled custard makes a refreshing dessert on hot days.

Delicious Variations

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• Lemon Custard Pie: Bright and tangy, a perfect citrus twist.
• Pumpkin Custard Pie: Seasonal favorite with warm spices.
• Coconut Custard Pie: Tropical flavor with creamy coconut milk.
• Frozen Custard Recipe: Churn in a machine for a smooth, icy treat.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make custard without an oven?
Yes, stovetop custard works too, though baked custard is silkier.

Q2: How do I prevent custard from curdling?
Add hot milk slowly while whisking constantly. Straining helps too.

Q3: Can I flavor custard differently?
Yes! Vanilla, lemon, pumpkin, or coconut all work beautifully.

Q4: What is frozen custard?
Frozen custard contains extra egg yolks and churns into a richer, creamier dessert than ice cream.

Conclusion

This custard recipe proves that simple ingredients can create an elegant, creamy dessert. From classic custard cups to pies like lemon custard pie or a chilled frozen custard recipe, custard is versatile and irresistible.

Try it today, share with loved ones, and enjoy this timeless treat in multiple ways! 😋

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Easy Custard Recipe – Comforting Dessert in Minutes

Make the ultimate custard recipe with custard cups, lemon custard pie, or frozen custard variations. Silky, creamy, and easy to enjoy anytime.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 43 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Servings 6 custard cups

Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups whole milk (warm)
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Freshly grated nutmeg for topping

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place six custard cups or ramekins in a large baking dish for a gentle water bath.
• Warm the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until hot but not boiling. Hot milk blends more smoothly with the eggs, creating a silky custard.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla until smooth. This creates a creamy base for your custard.
• Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Strain through a fine sieve for a flawless texture.
• Pour the mixture evenly into the ramekins. Sprinkle lightly with nutmeg or add zest for a twist.
• Pour hot water into the baking dish to reach halfway up the sides of the custard cups. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the edges are set but the center jiggles slightly.
• Remove the cups from the water bath and cool slightly. Serve warm or refrigerate for chilled custard.

Notes

• Use a water bath for even cooking.
• Whisk constantly when adding hot milk to prevent curdling.
• Don’t over bake; custard continues to set while cooling.
• Experiment with frozen custard recipes or pie variations.