Imagine a dessert so creamy, so delicate, that it practically whispers sweet nothings to your taste buds. Our Old Fashioned Baked Custard is not just a recipe—it's a time-honored culinary treasure that transforms simple ingredients into a silky, luxurious experience that will transport you back to grandma's kitchen. With just a few basic ingredients and some careful technique, you'll create a dessert so divine, it'll become your new go-to comfort food that impresses everyone from family gatherings to fancy dinner parties.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Ground nutmeg (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a water bath by placing a large baking dish with about 1 inch of hot water.
- In a medium mixing bowl, gently whisk the eggs until they are well beaten and slightly frothy.
- Add granulated sugar to the eggs and continue whisking until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture becomes smooth.
- Gradually pour the milk into the egg mixture, stirring constantly to create a uniform consistency.
- Add vanilla extract and salt to the mixture, whisking until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any potential egg lumps and ensure a silky texture.
- Pour the custard mixture into individual ramekins or a large baking dish.
- Sprinkle a light dusting of ground nutmeg on top of each custard for additional flavor.
- Carefully place the ramekins or baking dish into the prepared water bath.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from the oven and carefully take the custards out of the water bath to prevent further cooking.
- Let the custards cool at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Serve chilled, optionally garnished with additional nutmeg or a small mint leaf.
Tips
- Always use room temperature eggs and milk to ensure smooth blending and consistent texture.
- Strain your custard mixture to eliminate any potential egg lumps for that signature silky finish.
- The water bath (bain-marie) is crucial—it helps the custard cook gently and evenly, preventing curdling.
- Watch your baking time carefully: custard should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Let custard cool gradually to prevent cracking and ensure the most luxurious texture.
- For extra flavor variation, experiment with adding a pinch of cinnamon or replacing vanilla extract with almond extract.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the custard to set completely and develop its full flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 231kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 165mg
