Description
Silky smooth creamy egg custard whispers comforting memories of grandma’s kitchen. Classic French dessert lovers will savor each spoonful of this delicate, rich pudding that melts effortlessly on your palate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups 2% or whole milk
- 5 large eggs
Sweeteners and Flavorings:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Ground nutmeg for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F and coating an 8×8-inch baking dish with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
- Craft a silky base by vigorously blending eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a uniform, glossy composition.
- Carefully warm the milk in a saucepan, monitoring the temperature until it reaches approximately 180°F, taking care to prevent boiling and scorching.
- Create a harmonious custard by slowly introducing the heated milk into the egg mixture, continuously whisking to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, integrated texture.
- Transfer the lustrous custard into the prepared baking dish, then delicately dust the surface with a generous sprinkle of ground nutmeg for an aromatic enhancement.
- Establish a gentle water bath by positioning the custard dish within a larger pan, then carefully pouring hot water around the dish, ensuring it reaches one inch up the sides without infiltrating the custard.
- Bake the custard for 45–50 minutes, watching for a subtle jiggle and testing doneness by inserting a knife near the center—it should emerge clean, indicating perfect consistency.
- Allow the custard to rest and cool for 10–15 minutes after removing from the oven, then serve either warm or chilled, optionally garnishing with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh seasonal fruit for added elegance.
Notes
- Always use room temperature eggs to ensure smooth, even mixing and prevent curdling during the custard preparation.
- Create a silky texture by tempering the milk slowly into eggs, stirring constantly to distribute heat evenly and prevent scrambling.
- Position the water bath rack in the middle of the oven for consistent, gentle heat distribution that helps the custard cook uniformly without cracking.
- Customize the dessert by experimenting with flavor variations like adding cinnamon, lavender, or replacing vanilla with almond extract for unique taste profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes (including roasting squash)
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg