Description
Silky smooth egg custard from French culinary traditions promises pure comfort in each delightful spoonful. Creamy vanilla-infused custard delivers classic dessert magic that melts perfectly on palates, inviting you to savor sophisticated simplicity.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 5 large eggs
Sweeteners and Flavoring:
- ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Dairy and Seasoning:
- 4 cups (960 milliliters) 2% or whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Nutmeg for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 350°F and gently coating an 8×8-inch dish with a thin layer of grease.
- Combine eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform texture.
- Gently heat milk in a small saucepan, reaching approximately 180°F – be cautious not to allow the liquid to boil.
- Create a delicate stream of hot milk into the egg mixture, continuously whisking to prevent potential curdling. Continue blending for an additional minute to ensure smooth integration.
- Transfer the custard into the prepared baking dish, optionally sprinkling a delicate dusting of nutmeg across the surface for enhanced aromatic depth.
- Establish a water bath by positioning the custard dish inside a larger container, filling the outer dish with roughly one inch of water to ensure even, gentle heating.
- Carefully slide the nested dishes into the preheated oven, allowing the custard to bake for 45-50 minutes. The custard is perfectly cooked when a knife inserted centrally emerges clean, with a subtle, elegant wobble remaining.
- Extract from the oven and allow natural cooling. Serve at preferred temperature – either warmly inviting or refreshingly chilled – complemented by whipped cream, fresh fruit, or additional aromatic spices. Store any remaining portions in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Crafting a perfect custard requires gentle heat and constant whisking to prevent egg curdling.
- Use fresh, high-quality eggs and whole milk for the richest, most luxurious texture and flavor.
- The water bath technique ensures even, slow cooking, creating a silky smooth custard without cracking.
- Check doneness by inserting a knife near the center – it should come out clean with a subtle wobble.
- Customize your dessert by adding nutmeg, cinnamon, or topping with fresh berries and whipped cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and food safety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 202
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 136 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 186 mg