Homemade Vanilla Custard

Ingredients

• 4 egg yolks 4 egg yolks
• 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 21g, 20g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until well combined.
2. 2.
   In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer. Do not let it boil.
3. 3.
   Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture while continuously whisking to prevent curdling.
4. 4.
   Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
5. 5.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
6. 6.
   Allow the custard to cool slightly before serving. It can be served warm or chilled, depending on your preference.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Egg yolks — Make sure to separate the egg yolks carefully, ensuring no traces of egg whites are mixed in, as this can affect the custard's texture.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a twist to your custard, you can infuse the milk with other flavors such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or a citrus zest before adding it to the egg yolks.
• For a richer custard, you can replace some of the milk with heavy cream.
• If your custard ends up with lumps, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to achieve a smoother texture.
• To prevent a skin from forming on the custard's surface, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface while it cools.
• If you prefer a sweeter custard, you can increase the amount of sugar according to your taste.

Serving advice

Serve the homemade vanilla custard warm or chilled in individual dessert bowls or alongside your favorite desserts such as apple pie, bread pudding, or fruit crumbles. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a comforting and satisfying dessert.

Presentation advice

For an elegant presentation, garnish the custard with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a few fresh berries. You can also serve it in decorative dessert cups or ramekins to enhance its visual appeal.