This Golden Baked Milk Custard is a timeless dessert that evokes warmth, nostalgia, and elegance in every bite. With its silky-smooth interior and gently browned top, it’s the kind of dish that feels both rustic and refined. Whether served warm from the oven or chilled for a firmer texture, this custard offers a delicate sweetness and a melt-in-your-mouth consistency that’s hard to resist.
The recipe is built on humble ingredients—milk, eggs, sugar, and a touch of flour or cornstarch for structure. It’s gently baked until the top forms a golden crust while the inside remains creamy and tender. The result is a sliceable custard that holds its shape yet yields effortlessly to the fork.
This dessert is ideal for family gatherings, tea-time treats, or quiet evenings when you crave something soothing. It’s easy to prepare, requires no fancy equipment, and can be flavored with vanilla, cardamom, or citrus zest to suit your mood. Serve it plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of honey, or fresh fruit on the side.
🧾 INGREDIENTS:
- 4 cups whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for a gluten-free version)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: zest of 1 lemon or ½ tsp ground cardamom
- Butter (for greasing the baking dish)
🥣 INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat and prepare:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a square or rectangular glass baking dish with butter. This helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle richness to the edges.
2. Warm the milk:
In a saucepan, gently heat the milk over medium-low heat until warm but not boiling. This step helps the custard set more evenly and prevents curdling.
3. Mix the custard base:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until pale and slightly frothy. Add the flour (or cornstarch), salt, and any optional flavorings like vanilla, lemon zest, or cardamom. Whisk until smooth and lump-free.
4. Temper and combine:
Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent scrambling. This creates a smooth, pourable custard base.
5. Strain (optional but recommended):
For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl. This removes any egg threads or flour clumps.
6. Bake:
Pour the custard into the prepared baking dish. Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The custard should be set but still slightly jiggly in the middle.
7. Cool and slice:
Allow the custard to cool in the dish for at least 30 minutes. It will firm up as it rests. Slice into squares and serve warm or refrigerate for a chilled version.
🍽 SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
- Dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon before serving.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.
- Serve with fresh berries or stewed fruit for contrast.
- Pair with chai, coffee, or a light herbal tea.