🍮 Creamy Vanilla Custard / Pudding Recipe
🌟 Introduction
Vanilla custard, also known as pudding in some regions, is a timeless dessert loved across the world. Smooth, silky, and delicious, it is made with simple ingredients like milk, sugar, eggs (or cornstarch), and flavored with pure vanilla. Whether served warm or chilled, plain or layered with fruits, cakes, or cookies, custard is the ultimate comfort dessert.
🧾 Ingredients
- 4 cups (1 liter) whole milk
- 4 egg yolks (for richness; can substitute with 3 tbsp cornstarch if egg-free)
- 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch (if using with eggs, use less for extra thickness)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean scraped)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter (optional, for silkier texture)
👩🍳 Instructions & Methods
Step 1: Heat the Milk
- In a saucepan, heat 3 cups of the milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
Step 2: Prepare Egg Mixture
- In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and the remaining 1 cup of milk until smooth.
Step 3: Temper the Eggs
- Slowly add a ladle of hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- Gradually pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the hot milk.
Step 4: Cook the Custard
- Stir continuously over medium-low heat until the custard thickens (about 5–7 minutes). Do not boil.
Step 5: Flavor & Finish
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and butter (if using).
- Pour into a glass dish or cups, cover with plastic wrap (to avoid a skin forming), and let cool.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve warm for comfort, or chill in the fridge for 2–3 hours for a cold, refreshing dessert.
📜 History
Custard traces back to the Middle Ages in Europe, where it was often used as a filling in pastries. The word “custard” comes from “croustade,” meaning a tart with a crust. In France, it evolved into crème anglaise, in England it became a staple with puddings, and in America, custard transformed into puddings and pie fillings. Today, it remains a global dessert with many cultural variations.
🌿 Benefits
- Rich in Protein & Calcium: Thanks to milk and eggs.
- Customizable: Can be flavored with chocolate, caramel, or fruits.
- Energy Boosting: Provides quick energy from natural sugars.
- Comfort Food: Soothes the stomach and is easy to digest.
🏗️ Formation (How It Comes Together)
- Milk provides the creamy base.
- Egg yolks or cornstarch thicken the custard.
- Sugar sweetens.
- Vanilla enhances flavor.
- Butter adds a silky finish.
All blend into a smooth, velvety dessert.
🍽️ Nutrition (per serving, approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: ~210 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Calcium: ~180 mg
❤️ Lovers of This Dish
- Children: A sweet, soft treat.
- Families: Perfect for gatherings and desserts.
- Classic Dessert Fans: Love its timeless simplicity.
- Health-conscious cooks: Can adapt with almond milk, oat milk, or sugar alternatives.
✅ Conclusion
Vanilla custard is more than just a dessert — it’s a piece of culinary history that continues to comfort and delight. With its creamy texture, subtle sweetness, and versatility, it can be enjoyed alone or as part of cakes, trifles, and pastries.
💡 Lovers of creamy, nostalgic desserts will always hold a special place for custard in their hearts.
