Indulge in the silky-smooth perfection of homemade Soft Custard, a classic dessert that’s both comforting and elegant. Made with just five simple ingredients—whole milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and a touch of salt—this timeless recipe creates a luscious, creamy treat that’s perfect served warm or chilled. The secret to its velvety texture lies in the gentle cooking technique, carefully tempering the eggs and stirring continuously to achieve that flawless, spoon-coating consistency. Whether paired with fresh fruit, layered into trifles, or enjoyed on its own, this quick and easy dessert is a versatile favorite that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for home cooks of all levels, Soft Custard delivers satisfying flavor and a touch of nostalgia in every bite.
In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until just steaming, but do not let it boil. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, salt, and eggs until fully combined and slightly frothy.
Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture a little at a time, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
Once all the milk is incorporated, pour the mixture back into the saucepan and place it over low heat.
Cook the custard, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-safe silicone spatula, until it thickens and coats the back of the spoon. This should take about 10-12 minutes. Do not let the mixture boil, as this can cause curdling.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
If desired, strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve to remove any small lumps for an ultra-smooth texture.
Let the custard cool slightly, then transfer it to a bowl or serving dishes. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving, or serve warm if preferred.
Calories |
779 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.9 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.8 g | 69% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 617 mg | 206% | |
| Sodium | 694 mg | 30% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 90.8 g | 33% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 91.1 g | ||
| Protein | 34.8 g | 70% | |
| Vitamin D | 8.4 mcg | 42% | |
| Calcium | 685 mg | 53% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 948 mg | 20% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.