Amish Baked Custard is a timeless dessert known for its smooth texture and rich flavor. This old-fashioned recipe, cherished for generations, brings out the best in simple ingredients like eggs, milk, and sugar. Whether served warm or chilled, this custard is a comforting treat that embodies the heart of traditional Amish cooking. The creamy consistency and hint of vanilla make it a favorite for any occasion. If you love homemade desserts that remind you of simpler times, this Amish Baked Custard is the perfect choice.
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it. Also, have a larger pan ready to create a water bath for even cooking.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until they are well combined and slightly frothy. This step ensures a smooth and creamy custard texture.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the sugar, salt, and vanilla extract to the beaten eggs. Stir gently to incorporate the ingredients without creating too much foam.
- Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, warm the milk over low heat until it is just about to simmer. Do not let it boil, as this may affect the texture of the custard.
- Combine Milk and Egg Mixture: Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, stirring continuously. This prevents the eggs from curdling and helps create a smooth custard base.
- Strain the Mixture: For an ultra-silky texture, strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any egg solids.
- Pour into Baking Dish: Transfer the custard mixture into the prepared baking dish or individual ramekins. Sprinkle ground nutmeg evenly on top for a classic touch.
- Create a Water Bath: Place the custard-filled dish inside a larger pan and pour hot water around it until it reaches about halfway up the sides. This ensures even baking and prevents the custard from cracking.
- Bake to Perfection: Carefully place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. The custard is done when the edges are set, but the center is still slightly jiggly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the custard from the oven and let it cool in the water bath for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can enjoy it warm or refrigerate it for a chilled version.