Silky Smooth Vanilla Custard Recipe

This classic vanilla custard is rich, creamy, and incredibly smooth. It’s perfect on its own or as a base for other desserts.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups whole milk  
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt  
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Heat the Milk:
    • In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, half of the sugar (1/4 cup), and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the milk is hot and steaming, but not boiling.
  2. Whisk Egg Yolks:
    • In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, the remaining sugar (1/4 cup), and the cornstarch until smooth and pale yellow.
  3. Temper the Egg Yolks:
    • Slowly pour a small amount (about 1/2 cup) of the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly. This process, called tempering, gradually raises the temperature of the yolks to prevent them from curdling.
    • Continue to slowly add another 1/2 cup of the hot milk to the egg mixture while consistently whisking.
  4. Combine and Cook:
    • Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot milk.
    • Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a spatula or whisk, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 5−10 minutes.
    • It is very important to keep stirring, to avoid the custard from burning, and sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  5. Add Vanilla Extract:
    • Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  6. Strain and Chill:
    • Pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps or cooked egg pieces.
    • Cover the surface of the custard directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
    • Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until completely cold and set.  
  7. Serve:
    • Serve the chilled custard in individual bowls or glasses. You can garnish with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.

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