Description
Grandma’s simple vanilla custard recipe delights with creamy richness and classic comfort. Smooth vanilla notes and silky texture invite you to savor each delectable spoonful of this timeless dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 egg yolks (large)
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) honey
- 2 tsp (10 ml) cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or tapioca flour
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
Instructions
- Cream Preparation: Gently heat heavy cream and whole milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisking intermittently to prevent burning. Watch for delicate bubbles forming around the edges, signaling the liquid is approaching a soft simmer.
- Egg Mixture Creation: In a separate bowl, blend egg yolks, honey, arrowroot powder, and vanilla extract until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Tempering Process: Carefully stream half of the heated cream mixture into the egg blend, whisking continuously to prevent curdling. Maintain a slow, steady pour to ensure gradual temperature integration.
- Custard Development: Return the tempered mixture to the original saucepan, stirring consistently over medium-low heat for 1-3 minutes. Monitor the transformation as the custard gradually thickens to a luxurious, velvety texture.
- Finishing and Serving: Remove from heat, recognizing that the custard will continue to set during cooling. Choose your serving preference: enjoy warm for immediate drizzling or chill for a refreshing dessert. If refrigerating, transfer to a bowl and cover directly with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight, then present in elegant serving glasses for a sophisticated touch.
Notes
- Prevent Curdling: Slow and steady tempering is crucial to prevent egg scrambling. Pour hot cream gradually while whisking to maintain smooth texture.
- Heat Management: Watch temperature closely during cooking. Remove from heat when small bubbles appear to avoid boiling, which can cause separation and grainy consistency.
- Thickness Control: Custard continues thickening after removing from heat. Cook for 1-3 minutes only, aiming for a silky, coating-like texture that isn’t too runny or stiff.
- Storage Tip: Cover custard directly with plastic wrap when chilling to prevent skin formation. Refrigerate up to 4 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture development.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 301
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 51 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 186 mg