Description

This Easy Egg Custard recipe is a smooth and creamy dessert made with simple pantry ingredients. It delivers a comforting texture and mild sweetness, perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks. Ready in under an hour, this classic custard is versatile, kid-friendly, and ideal for various toppings or flavor variations.

Ingredients

Scale

Basic Ingredients

4 fresh eggs
2 cups whole milk (or cream)
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Variation Suggestions (Optional)

1–2 tablespoons cocoa powder or melted chocolate for chocolate twist
Dairy-free milk alternatives: almond, coconut, or oat milk
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for spiced custard
2 tablespoons pureed berries or citrus zest for fruit infusion
Honey, maple syrup, or sugar substitute as a sweetener replacement

Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients: Gather and precisely measure all ingredients to ensure a smooth, consistent custard without surprises during preparation.
Beat the Eggs and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar gently until fully combined and slightly frothy to incorporate air for a lighter custard.
Warm the Milk: Heat the milk on the stove until warm but not boiling; this helps the milk blend smoothly with the egg mixture to prevent curdling.
Combine and Flavor: Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg and sugar mixture while whisking constantly. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance and elevate the flavors.
Bake or Steam the Custard: Pour the custard mixture into ramekins or a baking dish. Bake in a water bath at 325°F (160°C) for 30–40 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center. Alternatively, steam gently on the stove for a softer, silkier texture.
Cool and Serve: Allow the custard to cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour to develop creamy consistency and deeper flavors.

Notes

Use fresh eggs for the best texture and flavor, ensuring a smooth custard.
Bake or steam at low temperatures to avoid curdling and keep custard silky.
A water bath (bain-marie) provides gentle, even heat preventing cracks or overcooking.
Strain the custard mixture before baking for an ultra-smooth finish.
Avoid overwhisking to prevent introducing too much air which can affect texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking or Steaming
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 180 kcal
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 65 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 185 mg

Keywords: egg custard, easy dessert, creamy custard, homemade custard, comfort dessert, gluten free dessert