How to make custard starting from scratch
Custard is an easy and versatile recipe. It’s delicious on cakes, in crumbles, with pudding, or just with a scoop of ice cream. You can make custard at home by following the video and recipe below. Also, we have top tips for making perfect custard every time.
Basic Vanilla Custard Recipe
Mix cream and milk together in a saucepan. Heat on medium heat until it comes to a simmer. Add the vanilla pod if you are using it.
In the meantime, beat yolks, cornflour, and vanilla together in a large heatproof container until eggs turn pale and sugar dissolves.
Use a whisk to temper the mixture (see the notes below), then add the hot cream mixture until smooth.
Place the mixture in a clean saucepan. Continue stirring with a spoon until the custard thickens. Allow cooling.
Tips on how to whisk the egg yolks together with sugar
Mix sugar and eggs until they turn pale. This helps dissolve the sugar and breaks down the egg yolks. It makes it easier to add milk and cream. The mixture does not require air to beat. The cornflour can be added at this stage to prevent the flour from becoming lumpy.
Why not heat the milk first?
The transfer of flavors is increased when you flavor the milk or cream with vanilla pods, aromatics, or other ingredients. Tempering the egg yolk mixture can also be done by warming the milk.
What does tempering in cooking mean?
Tempering is the process of gradually adding two mixtures at different temperatures together. It is the process of gradually adding hot milk and cream to the cool egg mixture. The eggs will only cook if you combine the two ingredients at a time. Begin by adding 1/3 cup of hot milk to the bowl and whisking. You can add the rest of your milk once when the mixture is smooth.
What kind of sugar should I use to make custard?
Caster sugar can be used for any baking. Because it is finer in texture than regular white sugar, it dissolves quickly into egg yolks.
You can substitute white sugar with pure icing sugar. Use 75g of any sugar for this recipe. You will need to adjust the amount if you measure by the cup. If you use white sugar, you may need to whisk the mixture for longer to dissolve it.
What kind of vanilla should I use to make custard?
Vanilla pods are a great way to add vanilla flavors to custards. The bean should be cut in half. Warm the milk and pod together.
If you can’t get your hands on a vanilla pod, vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract work well instead. These will give off a wonderful smell. To get a stronger vanilla flavor, you can stir vanilla paste or extract at the end of cooking.
How can you tell when the custard has been cooked?
Stirring, bring the custard to a slow boil. The custard should only appear to have 1-2 bubbles on the saucepan’s surface. To avoid overcooking, immediately remove it from the heat
Use the custard to coat your spatula. Then, run your finger along it. The custard will be ready if the line you have drawn stays. Custards must be thick, shiny, and smooth.
Why does my custard taste eggy?
A custard with an eggy flavor is a sign that it has been cooked at too high temperatures.
How long can custard last in the refrigerator?
Custards can be prepared up to three days in advance. Let the custard cool on a bench before refrigerating.
How can I prevent my custard from becoming too skin-like?
To prevent skin from forming, cover the custard with a sheet of clingfilm.
How can you heat custard?
Custard can be reheated either in the microwave or on a stovetop.
Microwave method Microwave for 1 Minute, Stir, and then microwave in 30-second intervals stirring between each one. Keep stirring until the mixture reaches the desired temperature. You can add some milk if it becomes too thick. Serve immediately
Saucepan Method:
Heat the mixture in a saucepan on low heat.
Stir constantly. You can add some milk if it becomes too thick.
Bring to a boil and let cool.
You now know to make custard at your home. Enjoy it with any of your favorite desserts or as a recipe.
