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Easy Egg Custard

Easy Egg Custard

Easy Egg Custard is a classic, silky, and creamy dessert made with simple pantry ingredients. This comforting treat is versatile, budget-friendly, and easy to prepare, perfect for enjoying warm or chilled. Its smooth texture and gentle sweetness make it a nostalgic favorite that’s easily customizable to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Basic Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 cups whole milk or cream (warm gently, full-fat preferred)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: Gather all ingredients and measure them out. Separate the eggs into a large mixing bowl and ensure they are at room temperature. Warm the milk or cream gently on the stove without boiling.
  2. Mix the eggs and sugar: Whisk the eggs and sugar together until fully combined and slightly frothy to dissolve the sugar and incorporate air for a lighter custard.
  3. Temper the eggs: Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg and sugar mixture while whisking continuously to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth custard.
  4. Add vanilla and salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance and balance the custard’s flavor.
  5. Bake or cook on stovetop: For baking, pour the custard into ramekins placed in a water bath and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 30 to 40 minutes until set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Alternatively, cook gently on low heat stirring constantly until thickened and coating the back of a spoon.
  6. Chill and serve: Let the custard cool down completely before refrigerating for at least two hours. Serving chilled enhances the creamy texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even cooking and to avoid curdling.
  • Temper the eggs by gradually mixing in the warm milk to prevent scrambling.
  • Use a water bath when baking to cook the custard gently and evenly without cracking.
  • Avoid overcooking; stop when the custard is just set to keep it silky and smooth.
  • For an ultra-smooth custard, strain the mixture through a fine sieve before baking or cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: easy egg custard, classic custard dessert, creamy custard, simple custard recipe, homemade custard