Prepare to be transported to a world of pure comfort and nostalgia with this incredibly simple yet irresistibly smooth Baked Vanilla Custard. Passed down from a loving dad's kitchen, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dessert that will have everyone begging for seconds. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you'll create a silky-smooth custard that melts in your mouth and fills your home with an intoxicating vanilla aroma that screams pure homemade happiness!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Ground nutmeg (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature for baking the custard.
- In a medium saucepan, heat 2 cups of milk over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from scorching on the bottom. You want it to be warm but not boiling.
- While the milk is heating, in a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of sugar, 3 eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk to beat the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Once the milk is warm, gradually pour it into the egg mixture while continuously whisking. This helps to temper the eggs and prevents them from curdling. Make sure to mix thoroughly until everything is well blended.
- After the mixture is fully combined, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup or bowl. This step helps to remove any lumps or curdled bits, resulting in a smoother custard.
- Prepare your baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray. You can use a 9-inch pie dish or a similar-sized baking dish.
- Pour the custard mixture into the prepared baking dish. If desired, you can sprinkle a little ground nutmeg on top for added flavor and aroma.
- Place the baking dish in a larger baking pan. Carefully pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the custard dish. This water bath will help cook the custard evenly and prevent it from cracking.
- Place the entire setup in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the custard is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the custard from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Then, refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving to allow it to firm up further.
- To serve, you can enjoy the custard chilled or at room temperature. Optionally, sprinkle a little more ground nutmeg on top for garnish. Slice into portions and serve on individual plates.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use room temperature eggs to ensure smooth mixing and prevent curdling.
- Strain for Smoothness: Don't skip straining the custard mixture - this removes any potential egg lumps and guarantees a perfectly silky texture.
- Water Bath Wisdom: The water bath (bain-marie) is crucial for even cooking and preventing the custard from cracking. Use hot water and be careful when placing in the oven.
- Doneness Test: The custard is ready when it's set but still slightly jiggly in the center. A knife inserted should come out clean.
- Chill Out: Allowing the custard to cool and set in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours will improve both its texture and flavor.
- Nutmeg Nuance: The ground nutmeg isn't just a garnish - it adds a warm, subtle depth that elevates the entire dessert.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 154kcal
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 103mg
