Description
This Homemade Custard recipe delivers a smooth, creamy dessert made from simple ingredients like egg yolks, milk, sugar, cornstarch, butter, and vanilla. Perfectly thickened on the stovetop, this custard can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making it a versatile base for numerous desserts or a delightful treat on its own.
Ingredients
Scale
Custard Ingredients
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 2/3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar, divided
- 3 tbsp cornstarch (can use cornflour)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsalted soft butter
Instructions
- Heat the Milk: Pour the whole milk and half of the sugar into a large pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a low simmer to keep it warm.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: Whisk the egg yolks in a bowl. In another bowl, combine the remaining sugar and cornstarch, then add the whisked egg yolks to this mixture and whisk smoothly. Do this step when the milk is nearly boiling for immediate use.
- Temper and Combine: Gradually add 1 cup of the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent curdling. Then pour this tempered egg mixture back into the pot with the remaining milk.
- Thicken the Custard: Set the pot over medium-high heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the custard thickens and reaches 185°F, coating the back of a spoon.
- Finish and Flavor: Remove from heat and stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until the butter melts and the custard is smooth. Optionally, strain through a sieve for extra smoothness.
- Cool and Serve: Transfer custard to a bowl, cover surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation, and let cool to room temperature. Serve at room temperature or chilled as desired.
Notes
- Tempering the egg mixture slowly with warm milk prevents curdling and ensures a smooth custard.
- Constant stirring during thickening helps avoid lumps and burning on the bottom.
- Straining the finished custard yields an extra silky texture.
- Covering the custard surface directly with plastic wrap prevents an undesirable skin from forming as it cools.
- This custard can be used as a base for desserts like trifles, tarts, or simply enjoyed alone.
