Indulge in the timeless elegance of this silky smooth egg custard recipe. This classic dessert is a symphony of flavors, with a delicate balance of sweetness and a velvety texture. Perfect for any occasion, this easy-to-follow recipe will elevate your dessert game.
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups whole milk
- Nutmeg, for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the Custard Cups: Fill a baking dish with hot water and place your custard cups inside. This creates a water bath, ensuring even baking.
- Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined and smooth.
- Warm the Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling.
- Combine the Mixtures: Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Strain the Custard: Strain the custard mixture into a pitcher to remove any lumps.
- Pour into Cups: Pour the custard into the prepared custard cups, filling them about three-quarters full.
- Bake: Place the baking dish with the custard cups in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Let the custard cool completely before chilling in the refrigerator. Serve chilled, sprinkled with freshly grated nutmeg.
Tips for Perfect Egg Custard:
- Use Fresh Eggs: Fresh eggs will result in a smoother custard.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can lead to a dry custard.
- Water Bath: The water bath helps to prevent the custard from curdling and ensures even baking.
- Tempering: Slowly adding the hot milk to the eggs helps to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Chill Thoroughly: Chilling the custard allows the flavors to develop and enhances the texture.
Enjoy this delightful dessert and share the joy of homemade goodness with your loved ones!