Description
Traditional vanilla custard is a rich, creamy, and smooth dessert made with simple ingredients like whole milk, heavy cream, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla. This timeless treat delivers a comforting vanilla flavor with a velvety texture, perfect served on its own or as a base for other desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
Dairy
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Eggs and Sweeteners
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
Flavorings and Additives
- 1 vanilla bean (seeds scraped) or 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Vanilla Base: Gently warm the whole milk and heavy cream together in a saucepan over medium-low heat until just simmering. Add the vanilla bean seeds or vanilla extract early to let the flavor infuse into the liquid.
- Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and slightly pale to ensure even sweetness and a smooth texture.
- Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour a small amount of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Gradually add the remainder, stirring continuously to keep the eggs from cooking prematurely.
- Cook the Custard: Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon and reaches about 170°F (77°C).
- Strain and Chill: Strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve to remove any cooked egg bits for a smooth texture. Pour into serving dishes and refrigerate for at least two hours until fully cold and set.
Notes
- Cook custard slowly over low heat to prevent curdling and ensure smoothness.
- Constant stirring is essential to avoid sticking and uneven cooking.
- Use fresh egg yolks for the best flavor and richness.
- Allow the custard to chill completely in the refrigerator to develop full flavor and proper texture.
- Straining the custard ensures an extra creamy and velvety consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop, Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Traditional
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (about 1/2 cup)
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg