This recipe for vanilla custard is our go-to recipe for the perfect custard every time.
Vanilla custard is so easy to make and can be used as a topping on all of your favourite desserts - from cakes to crumbles. This recipe requires just four ingredients - a vanilla pod, whole milk, eggs and caster sugar - so you’re more than likely to already have everything you need in your cupboard or fridge. We’ve kept this custard recipe super simple but if you wanted to add a little something extra, it would also work with cocoa powder for a chocolatey finish. Although pretty versatile, vanilla custard is classically paired with apple crumble (opens in new tab), spotted dick (opens in new tab) or chocolate brownies (opens in new tab).
Ingredients
- 1 vanilla pod
- 570ml whole milk and double cream (half and half, or use all milk)
- 4 egg yolks
- 2tbsp caster sugar
WEIGHT CONVERTER
Method
- Split the vanilla pod in half and add to a saucepan with the milk and cream. Warm until almost at boiling point.
- In a bowl whisk together the egg yolks and sugar.
- Remove the vanilla pod, then briskly whisk the warm milk and cream into the egg yolks and sugar.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan. Stir over a low heat until thickened (this will take around 5 minutes). It’s ready once the custard coats the back of a wooden spoon. Serve immediately.
Tips for making vanilla custard:
If you find that your custard has curdled and formed lumps, quickly blitz it with an immersion blender. A couple of pulses should do the trick and restore the desired creamy texture.
You might also like…
Baked egg custard (opens in new tab)
Low fat custard (opens in new tab)
Chocolate custard (opens in new tab)
Amy is Senior Digital Writer across Woman & Home, GoodTo and Woman, writing about everything from celebrity news to health, fashion and beauty features. When she isn't obsessing over the latest dress drop from Marks & Spencer, you'll most likely find Amy out running, or with a cup of tea in hand ready to dive into a gripping new Netflix series.
-
Video recipe! Smoked trout pate
goodtoknow has lots of easy Christmas recipes like Smoked Trout Mousse. Check out our easy step-by-step guide to making these Christmas starters with our new baking video below.
By GoodtoKnow • Published
-
Video recipe: Phil Vickery's ginger biscuits
These ginger biscuits look lovely and festive hanging from the tree at Christmas and they taste great too! Follow along in our easy step-by-step video recipe visit goodtoknow.co.uk/recipes
By Phil Vickery • Published
-
Pancake pudding
Turn your pancake batter into a hearty dessert with this easy recipe from Great British Bake Off star Ruth Clemens - great for leftovers this Pancake Day!
By Octavia Lillywhite • Published
-
Vegan basil pesto courgetti with tomatoes and chilli
It takes just four ingredients to make this simple, healthy courgette recipe infused with pesto...
By Jessica Dady • Published
-
Vegan chilli pesto tagliatelle
A really simple dish to whip up for lunch or dinner using just five store cupboard ingredients...
By Jessica Dady • Published
-
Vegan tomato pesto chickpea salad
It takes just 30 minutes to make this vibrant, filling salad with a rich tomato pesto sauce...
By Jessica Dady • Published
-
When is the Great British Bake Off Christmas special on?
All you need to know about Channel 4's Great Christmas Bake Off special and when it will air...
By Selina Maycock • Published
-
When does autumn start? First day of autumn 2022
If you're wondering when does autumn start in the UK, we reveal the official date and month that marks the end of summer and the beginning of autumn
By Ellie Hutchings • Last updated
-
When does Great British Menu 2023 start?
All you need to know ahead of series 18 of the culinary BBC Two show
By Selina Maycock • Published