Dreamy Warm Baked Custard Recipe

Introduction

Dreamy Warm Baked Custard is a comforting classic dessert that’s smooth, creamy, and gently infused with vanilla and nutmeg. Perfect for any occasion, this custard is simple to make and delicious served chilled, with an optional fresh berry topping.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ground nutmeg, for dusting
• Fresh berries (totally optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and salt until combined but not frothy.
3. Step 3: Warm the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until small bubbles form around the edges. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Step 4: Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while stirring continuously. Stir in the vanilla extract at the end.
5. Step 5: Strain the custard mixture through a wire strainer into a 1½-quart round baking dish. Dust the surface lightly with ground nutmeg.
6. Step 6: Place the custard dish inside a larger roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the outer pan, filling it until it reaches about half an inch up the sides of the custard dish.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for about 55 to 60 minutes. Start checking at 55 minutes by inserting a knife near the center; if it comes out clean, the custard is done. It will still have a slight jiggle when fully cooked.
8. Step 8: Remove the custard dish from the hot water bath and set it on a rack to cool for about 30 minutes. Then refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
9. Step 9: Serve cold, optionally topped with a handful of fresh berries for added freshness and color.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a cinnamon stick to the milk while warming, then remove before mixing with eggs.
• Use half-and-half instead of whole milk for a richer custard.
• Dust with freshly grated nutmeg just before serving to enhance aroma and taste.
• Try stirring in a tablespoon of your favorite liqueur to the custard mixture for an adult twist.

Storage

Store baked custard covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled until ready to serve. When reheating, it’s best enjoyed cold, but you can briefly warm it in the microwave if preferred — just do so gently to avoid changing the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use milk alternatives like almond or soy milk?

While you can substitute milk with plant-based alternatives, the texture and flavor of the custard may be less creamy and a bit different. Whole milk gives the richest result.

Why does my custard have bubbles or a grainy texture?

Bubbles can form if the egg mixture is whisked too vigorously. Graininess often occurs if the custard overheats or is baked too long. Stir gently and monitor baking time closely for smooth custard.

Dreamy Warm Baked Custard Recipe

Print Recipe

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This Dreamy Warm Baked Custard is a classic, smooth, and creamy dessert with a delicate vanilla flavor and a hint of nutmeg. It’s gently baked in a warm water bath to ensure a silky texture and perfect custard consistency. Serve chilled and optionally topped with fresh berries for a refreshing touch.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Custard Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus extra for dusting
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 4 cups whole milk

Optional Topping

• Fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven. Crank your oven up to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the custard.
2. Warm the milk. Pour the whole milk into a small saucepan and warm it on the stove until you see little bubbles forming along the pan’s edges. Remove from heat and let it sit to cool slightly.
3. Mix eggs, sugar, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until combined but not frothy, avoiding incorporating too much air.
4. Combine milk and egg mixture. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while continuously stirring to create a smooth custard base. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract at the end.
5. Strain the custard. Pass the custard mixture through a wire strainer into a 1.5-quart round baking dish to ensure an ultra-smooth texture. Sprinkle the top lightly with ground nutmeg.
6. Prepare a water bath. Place the baking dish inside a larger pan. Carefully pour hot water into the larger pan until the water reaches about half an inch from the rim of the inner dish, creating a water bath to gently bake the custard.
7. Bake the custard. Place the setup on the oven rack and bake for close to an hour, starting to check around 55 minutes. Insert a knife near the center; if it comes out clean, the custard is done. The center should still have a slight jiggle for perfect creaminess.
8. Cool the custard. Immediately remove the baking dish from the water bath and set it on a rack to cool for about 30 minutes.
9. Chill before serving. After cooling, cover and refrigerate the custard until it is thoroughly chilled.
10. Serve with optional berries. When ready to serve, top the custard with a handful of fresh berries if desired for a fresh, vibrant contrast.

Notes

• Be careful not to over-whisk the eggs to avoid air bubbles that can cause a grainy texture.
• Maintaining the water bath temperature is essential to prevent curdling and ensure smooth custard.
• Use whole milk for the richest flavor and creamiest texture; half-and-half or cream can be used for an even richer custard.
• Letting the custard rest and chill improves the flavor and texture.
• Adding freshly grated nutmeg to the top before baking enhances the aroma and flavor.

Keywords: baked custard, classic custard, creamy dessert, vanilla custard, nutmeg custard, water bath custard, chilled dessert