Description
This fail-proof egg custard recipe delivers a smooth, creamy dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Baked gently in a water bath to ensure a silky texture, this classic American custard is naturally gluten-free and nut-free, making it a safe and delicious treat for many dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Custard Base
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Serving (Optional)
- Ground nutmeg for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for baking the custard evenly.
- Warm Milk: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat just until warm, making sure it doesn’t boil to prevent curdling in the next steps.
- Whisk Eggs and Sweetener: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and consistent.
- Combine Mixtures: Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to keep the eggs from cooking prematurely and to create a uniform custard base.
- Strain Custard: Pour the custard mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large measuring cup or bowl to remove any lumps for a silkier texture.
- Fill Ramekins: Evenly distribute the custard mixture into six 6-ounce ramekins, ensuring each is filled to the same level.
- Prepare Water Bath: Place the ramekins in a large baking dish and carefully pour hot water into the dish until it comes halfway up the sides of the ramekins to yield gentle and even cooking.
- Bake: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the custard is just set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked but still creamy.
- Cool and Chill: Remove ramekins from the water bath and allow them to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the custard set completely.
- Serve: Sprinkle with ground nutmeg before serving if desired for added flavor and aroma.
Notes
- Always strain the custard mixture before baking to ensure a silky smooth texture without lumps.
- You can infuse the milk with cinnamon sticks or citrus zest while warming it for an added flavor twist.
- Using room-temperature eggs helps the custard mixture combine more evenly and prevents curdling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin (about 6 ounces)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 155mg