Description
This easy custard recipe delivers a silky, creamy dessert that can be enjoyed warm or chilled. Made with a simple combination of heavy cream, whole milk, egg yolks, honey, and vanilla, this custard is gently cooked on the stovetop and thickened naturally for a smooth and luscious texture. Perfect served on its own or drizzled over cakes, pies, and other desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
Custard Base
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 5 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or tapioca flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Heat the cream: Add the heavy cream and whole milk to a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk occasionally until the mixture just starts to simmer, with small bubbles forming along the edges. Then remove from heat to prevent boiling.
- Temper the eggs: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, honey, chosen starch (cornstarch, arrowroot, or tapioca), and vanilla extract. Slowly pour half of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture while continuously whisking to prevent curdling.
- Combine and thicken: Return the tempered egg and cream mixture to the saucepan. Place over medium-low heat and stir constantly for 1 to 3 minutes until the custard slightly thickens. Be careful not to let it boil. The custard will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Serve or chill: Serve the custard warm as a drizzle over cakes, pies, or other desserts. Alternatively, transfer to a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent skin formation. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving cold in individual glasses.
Notes
- Be sure to whisk continuously when heating the custard to prevent curdling or scrambling the eggs.
- Adjust the thickness by cooking slightly longer or adding a bit more starch if desired.
- For a vegan variation, substitute dairy and eggs with plant-based alternatives, although texture may differ.
- The custard can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use plastic wrap directly on the surface of the custard to avoid forming a skin when chilling.
- Use honey as a natural sweetener, but you can substitute with sugar or maple syrup if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 to 5 ounces (about 120-150g)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
