Time Needed
- Prep Time: 15 minutesCustard making course
- Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
- Cooling Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
- Serves: 6 custard cups
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon saltOld Fashioned cocktails
- Ground nutmeg, for topping
- Butter, for greasing the ramekins
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Ramekins
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly butter six small ramekins or custard cups and place them inside a deep baking dish. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Custard Base
In a bowl, gently whisk the eggs until smooth. Add the sugar, salt, and vanilla, mixing just until combined.
Vanilla bean paste
Try not to whisk too hard—too much air can cause bubbles and give the custard a rough surface.
Step 3: Warm the Milk
Heat the milk in a saucepan until it’s hot to the touch but not boiling. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly as you go. This step helps prevent the eggs from scrambling.
Step 4: Fill and Water Bath
Pour the custard mixture evenly into the prepared ramekins. Sprinkle a light dusting of nutmeg over the top.
Place the baking dish on the oven rack, then carefully pour hot water into the dish until it comes halfway up the sides of the ramekins
Step 5: Bake Gently
Bake for 40–45 minutes. The custard is ready when the edges are set but the center still has a gentle jiggle when you move it.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove the ramekins from the water bath right away and let them cool for about 20 minutes.
You can enjoy the custard warm for a softer texture or refrigerate it for a few hours if you prefer it chilled and firm.
Helpful Tips
- Keep the oven temperature low for best resultsBaking ingredient kits
- Always use a water bath for smooth custard
- Don’t overbake—custard should jiggle slightly
- Fresh nutmeg adds the best flavor
Serving Ideas
- Serve plain for a classic touch
- Add fresh berries or sliced fruit
- Top with a little whipped cream
- Enjoy with tea or coffee
Simple Variations
- Citrus Twist: Add lemon or orange zestGroceries
- Coconut Custard: Swap 1 cup of milk for coconut milk
- Less Sweet: Reduce sugar to ½ cup
Final Thoughts
This old-fashioned vanilla baked custard proves that simple desserts are often the most satisfying. It’s creamy, comforting, and full of familiar flavors that never go out of style.
If you’re craving a dessert that feels homemade, heartfelt, and timeless, this custard is always a good choice.
