These Golden Baked Custard Squares are a celebration of simplicity, warmth, and timeless flavor. With a silky, creamy interior and a beautifully caramelized top, each square delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s both comforting and refined. Baked in a glass dish until golden and firm, the custard holds its shape while remaining luxuriously smooth. It’s the kind of dessert that feels nostalgic—like something your grandmother might have made—but with a presentation that’s perfect for modern gatherings.
The custard is rich with eggs and milk, lightly sweetened, and kissed with vanilla. As it bakes, the top develops a golden sheen and subtle crackle, while the inside stays soft and creamy. Whether served warm or chilled, these squares are ideal for tea time, dinner parties, or quiet indulgent moments. And the best part? It’s made with pantry staples and requires no fancy equipment.
This dessert is especially beloved in South Asian households, where custard often plays a starring role in celebratory meals. But here, instead of being poured into bowls or layered with fruit, it’s baked into a sliceable treat—firm enough to lift with a spatula, yet tender enough to melt on the tongue. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly at gatherings, with guests asking for seconds and the recipe.
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or ½ tsp cardamom powder for a South Asian twist)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for added firmness)
- Butter for greasing the dish
- Optional garnish: powdered sugar, chopped pistachios, or saffron strands
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Lightly grease a glass or ceramic baking dish with butter.
- Prepare the Custard Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Add sugar, vanilla, salt, and cornstarch (if using), and whisk until fully dissolved.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth mixture.
- Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove any egg solids for an ultra-smooth texture.
- Bake the Custard:
- Pour the custard mixture into the prepared dish.
- Place the dish in a larger baking tray and fill the tray with hot water halfway up the sides of the custard dish—this water bath ensures gentle, even cooking.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Slice and Serve:
- Once chilled, slice into neat squares using a sharp knife.
- Wipe the knife between cuts for clean edges.
- Garnish with powdered sugar, saffron strands, or chopped pistachios for added flair.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
