How to Make Custard

Not to be confused with pudding, custard is a comforting old-fashioned treat that’s commonly seen on a restaurant dessert menu or in a bakery.

But you don’t have to trek to a fancy restaurant for a spoonful of this silky-smooth dessert. Custard is way easier to make than you think! The recipe only calls for three basic ingredients (plus a couple spices) that you likely already have in your kitchen.

FAQ: Does custard have eggs?

Yes, a custard is any liquid that is thickened with egg (even liquids other than milk or cream like lemon curd). This differs from custard’s dessert cousin, pudding, which uses a gelatinized starch as a thickening agent. More in a pudding mood? Take a look at how to make pudding the old-fashioned way.

How to Make Custard

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Dash ground cinnamon
• Dash ground nutmeg

Tools

• Bowl
• Whisk
• Four 8 oz. custard cups. Purchase our favorites here ($18).
• 13×9-in. baking pan

Directions

Step 1: Mix the Custard

In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar and salt until fully combined.

Test Kitchen Tip: Mix the ingredients in a bowl with a spout or a measuring cup so that it can be poured into the cups more easily.

Step 2: Prepare the Custard Cups

Divide the custard mixture evenly between four lightly greased 8 oz. custard cups. Then, sprinkle some cinnamon and nutmeg on top of the custard.

Test Kitchen Tip: For a silky-smooth custard, pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer before adding to the cups.

Step 3: Set-up a Water Bath

Transfer the custard cups to a 13×9-in. baking pan. Slowly pour hot, but not boiling, water into the pan until it is 3/4 in. deep.

Test Kitchen Tip: To prevent any water splashing on the custard (or all over your kitchen floor) add the water to the pan while it sits on the oven rack. Then, just push the rack in and close the oven door. Here are 15 more kitchen tips that will make you feel like a pro.

Step 4: Bake

Bake the custard, uncovered, at 350° for about 50-55 minutes. You’ll know the custard is done when a toothpick or knife inserted in the middle of the cup comes out clean.

Once the custard has set, remove them from the oven and immediately transfer the cups to a cooling rack. This will prevent the custard from overcooking in the water bath’s residual heat.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Allow the custard to cool until the cups can be handled, then dig in! You can serve this custard either warm or chilled, on its own or topped with fresh fruit.

Try More of Our Favorite Custard Recipes

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Rum Raisin Creme Brulee

Inspired by a favorite ice cream flavor, I created this make-ahead recipe to free up some time in the kitchen. You can also serve this as a custard if you choose to not caramelize the top. —Eleanor Froehlich, Rochester, Michigan

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Meringue Snowballs In Custard

My family has passed down this elegant dessert generation by generation. It started with my Russian great-grandmother, who traveled to America more than 100 years ago. I love continuing the tradition with her recipe. —Tonya Burkhard, Palm Coast, Florida

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Banana Pudding

I didn’t see my son, Lance Corporal Eric Harris, for more than two years after he enlisted in the Marines after high school. And when I first saw him at the airport last fall, I just grabbed hold of him and busted out crying. Back home, the first thing he ate was two bowls of my easy banana pudding recipe. He’s a true Southern boy! It’s a dessert, but you can have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. —Stephanie Harris, Montpelier, Virginia

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Raspberry Custard Kuchen

Back where I grew up in Wisconsin, people have been baking this German treat for generations. We love it for breakfast or as a special dessert. It's no fuss to fix and impressive to serve. —Virginia Arndt, Sequim, Washington

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Creamy Caramel Flan

A small slice of this impressively rich, creamy flan dessert goes a long way. What a delightful finish for a special meal or holiday celebration. —Pat Forete, Miami, Florida

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Caramelized Baked Custards

Creme brulee is our favorite dessert and we love Irish cream liqueur, so I decided to put them together for a dinner finale we truly love. With a last name like Moynihan and a husband named Patrick, you can tell St. Patrick's Day is a very big holiday in our house! —Joyce Moynihan, Lakeville, Minnesota

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Old-Time Custard Ice Cream

I think my most memorable summertime dessert for get-togethers has always been homemade ice cream. This recipe is so rich and creamy and the perfect indulgence on a hot summer afternoon. —Martha Self, Montgomery, Texas

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Cranberry Bread Pudding

This down-home dessert takes on a touch of elegance when I serve it warm and drizzled with a thin orange custard sauce. It's so pretty that I often make it for dinner guests using either fresh or frozen cranberries. —Margery Richmond, Fort Collins, Colorado

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Hazelnut Pots de Creme

White chocolate and toasted ground hazelnuts make a heavenly combination in this rich, silky custard. Guests are sure to rave over the elegant individual treats served in ramekins. —Elise Lalor, Issaquah, Washington

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Rhubarb Custard Bars

Once I tried these rich, gooey bars, I just had to have the recipe so I could make them for my family and friends. The shortbread-like crust and rhubarb and custard layers inspire people to find rhubarb they can use to fix a batch for themselves. —Shari Roach, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Pumpkin Pie Custard

Instead of pumpkin pie, try this flavorful light holiday dessert. My husband’s aunt shared the recipe after she brought this treat to a family party. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey

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Favorite Banana Cream Pie

Homemade banana cream pie is my mom’s specialty, and this dreamy dessert has a wonderful banana flavor. It looks so pretty, and it cuts easily, too. —Jodi Grable, Springfield, Missouri

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Burnt Custard

The recipe for this smooth-as-silk custard came from a local restaurant years ago. With its broiled topping it looks pretty in individual cups. —Heidi Main, Anchorage, Alaska

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Lemon Custard Cake

This custard cake recipe comes from my grandma and is nice to whip up when unexpected company stops in. It's a cool, creamy dessert that tastes like you fussed. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

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Lemon-Ginger Creme Brulee

Everyone raves about the combination of lemon and ginger in this version of the classic custard treat. It never lasts long! —Scott Hunter, Sherman Oaks, California

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Spiced Pumpkin Custard Pie

If you get nervous about making pie crusts, this recipe is for you. All you have to do is pat the nutty, gingery crumb crust into the pie plate.—Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida

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Chocolate Lover's Custards

Just one spoonful of this custard, and you’ll be hooked and request it for every special occasion. Smooth and rich in taste, it’s a dessert staple for anyone fond of chocolate.—Lorraine Caland, Thunder Bay, Ontario

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Berries with Vanilla Custard

What a simple, delectable way to enjoy fresh raspberries. For a change, also try the custard with strawberries or peaches. —Sarah C. Vasques, Milford, New Hampshire

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Lemon Chess Pie with Berry Sauce

This is one of those old-fashioned Southern desserts that makes everyone feel good. The easy-as-pie berry sauce gives it color and a tantalizing tang. —April Heaton, Branson, Missouri

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Squash Custard Pie

Acorn squash has been a favorite of mine since I was little and my mother baked it with sugar and cinnamon. This particular pie was something I improvised. We love pumpkin pie, but had fresh squash in excess. So I came up with this new variation! It's good to take to potlucks, to pie or cake walks at school, or to serve as a different dessert for Thanksgiving or Christmas. —Mary Kelly, Hopland, California

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Cinnamon-Spiced Pumpkin Flan

I love pumpkin and decided to add it to a traditional recipe for flan. It's an interesting change of pace from the usual holiday pie. —Alisha Rodrigues, Tetonia, Idaho

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Orange Natilla Custard Pie

After tasting natilla for the first time at a Cuban restaurant in Key West, I knew I had to turn that traditional custard into a pie. For a festive garnish, add curls of orange peel. —Amy Freeze, Avon Park, Florida

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Baked Custard with Cinnamon

Mother used to make this comforting baked custard when I was growing up on the farm. It was wonderful after a chilly evening of doing chores. Now I fix it for my husband and four sons. —Mary Kay Morris, Cokato, MN

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Cranberry Creme Brulee

Dress up classic creme brulee with an easy-to-make cranberry sauce. The sweet-tart sauce compliments the rich, creamy custard. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Banana Bread Pudding

When I visited my grandmother in summer, I always looked forward to the comforting pudding she'd make. With its crusty golden top, custard-like inside and smooth vanilla sauce, this bread pudding is a real homespun dessert. Now I make it for my grandchildren. —Mary Detweiler, Middlefield, Ohio

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Mom's Lemon Custard Pie

My mother often made this lemon pie back when we were growing up. You might say it's stood the test of time, because today it's still my 75-year-old brother's favorite! The beaten egg whites give it a delicate texture and make this custard pie quite unique! It's a great way to top off any meal. —Jeannie Fritson, Kearney, Nebraska

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The post How to Make Custard appeared first on Taste of Home.

Caroline Stanko