Description
This easy custard recipe is a smooth, creamy dessert base made from rich heavy cream, whole milk, egg yolks, and natural sweeteners. It is gently cooked on the stovetop to create a luscious, thickened custard that can be served warm or chilled, perfect for drizzling over cakes, pies, or enjoying on its own.
Ingredients
Scale
Custard Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 5 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or tapioca flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Heat cream: Add the heavy cream and whole milk to a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk occasionally until the mixture just begins to simmer and bubbles form along the edges, then promptly remove it from the heat to prevent boiling.
- Temper eggs: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, honey, arrowroot powder (or your choice of starch), and vanilla extract. While continuously whisking, slowly pour half of the hot cream mixture into the egg mixture to gradually raise the temperature and prevent the eggs from curdling.
- Combine and thicken: Return the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Stir constantly over medium-low heat for 1 to 3 minutes until the custard slightly thickens. Be careful not to overheat to avoid scrambling the eggs. Remember, the custard will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Serve: You can serve the custard warm immediately by drizzling over your favorite cakes, pies, or desserts. Alternatively, transfer the custard to a bowl, cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. When chilled, spoon into individual glasses or dishes to serve cold.
Notes
- Slowly temper the eggs to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth custard texture.
- Use plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface of the custard to avoid a skin forming during chilling.
- You can substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder or tapioca flour depending on availability or dietary preferences.
- For a sweeter custard, you may adjust the honey quantity to taste, but keep in mind this affects the nutritional content.
- Serve warm for a comforting dessert or chilled for a refreshing treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: easy custard recipe, stovetop custard, homemade custard, creamy dessert, egg yolk custard
