The Creamiest Custard Recipe for Sweet Dessert Dreams

Creamy custard dances between delicate sweetness and rich comfort, promising a dessert that melts on your tongue.

Silky textures whisper memories of grandmother’s kitchen and cozy afternoons.

Eggs, milk, and sugar combine in a magical culinary ballet that delights every palate.

Each spoonful carries a gentle warmth reminiscent of home-baked love.

Simple ingredients transform into a luxurious treat that speaks directly to your soul.

Smooth and velvety, this classic dessert invites you to savor every delectable moment.

Why wait?

Grab a whisk and let the custard adventure begin!

Why Delia Smith Custard Is a Timeless Classic

• Craft with Ease: No advanced culinary skills needed, making this custard perfect for beginners wanting to explore dessert preparation.
• Versatile Delight: Serves multiple purposes from standalone dessert to accompaniment for pies, cakes, and fruit dishes, expanding your recipe repertoire.
• Quick Comfort: Requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, delivering a creamy, satisfying treat in a short preparation time.
• Adaptable Temperature: Enjoy warm or chilled, providing flexibility for different preferences and serving occasions like family gatherings or elegant dinner parties.

Ingredients for Making Delia Smith Custard

• Heavy Cream: A rich dairy ingredient that provides a smooth and luxurious texture to the custard.
• Egg Yolks: Golden components that help thicken and add a creamy richness to the custard.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the custard's structure.
• Cornflour: A fine powder that ensures the custard reaches a smooth and silky consistency.

• Vanilla: A classic flavoring that brings a warm and aromatic depth to the custard.

How to Prepare Delia Smith Custard Smoothly

Step 1: Warm The Cream

Gently heat the cream in a saucepan until it’s steaming and just about to boil. Keep stirring the cream continuously to prevent scorching and ensure an even temperature throughout.

Step 2: Blend Egg Mixture

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the egg yolks, sugar, cornflour, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a silky, smooth consistency with no lumps.

Step 3: Temper The Eggs

Carefully stream the hot cream into the egg mixture while whisking vigorously. This technique, called tempering, prevents the eggs from scrambling and creates a smooth base for the custard.

Step 4: Thicken The Custard

Transfer the combined mixture back to the saucepan over low heat. Continuously whisk the liquid, allowing it to gradually thicken and develop a luxurious, velvety texture. The custard is ready when it coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Cool And Store

Transfer the custard to a clean jug or serving bowl. Place a piece of cling film directly on the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Allow the custard to cool at room temperature or serve immediately while warm.

Step 6: Reheat With Care

If the custard has cooled and you want to serve it warm, gently reheat by placing the container over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally to maintain its smooth consistency.

Tips for the Creamiest Delia Smith Custard

• Prevent Curdling: Gradually add hot cream to egg mixture while whisking constantly to avoid scrambling eggs.
• Smooth Consistency: Use a fine-mesh strainer to strain custard, removing any potential lumps for silky texture.
• Storage Hack: Press cling film directly onto custard surface to prevent skin formation when cooling.
• Flavor Boost: Experiment with different extracts like almond or orange to create unique custard variations.
• Temperature Control: Use low heat and stir continuously to achieve perfect thickness without burning.

Creative Spins on Delia Smith Custard

• Chocolate Custard: Replace vanilla with cocoa powder and melted dark chocolate for a rich, indulgent version.
• Coconut Custard: Swap cream for coconut milk and add coconut extract for a tropical flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk or oat milk instead of cream, and choose a plant-based thickener like arrowroot.
• Vegan Custard: Substitute egg yolks with cornstarch or cashew cream, and use maple syrup as a sweetener alternative.

Perfect Pairings for Delia Smith Custard

• Pair with Warm Apple Crumble: The rich, velvety custard complements the crunchy, spiced apple crumble perfectly. Its smooth texture balances the crisp topping, creating a delightful dessert experience.
• Match with Shortbread Cookies: Delicate, buttery shortbread provides a crisp contrast to the creamy custard. The subtle sweetness of the cookies enhances the vanilla notes in the custard.
• Serve with Berries: Fresh strawberries or raspberries add a bright, tangy burst that cuts through the custard's richness. The fruit's natural sweetness creates a balanced and refreshing dessert combination.

How to Store Delia Smith Custard Properly

• Store custard in an airtight container with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent skin formation. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Pour cooled custard into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
• Warm custard slowly in a double boiler or heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring continuously to maintain smooth texture. Avoid direct high heat to prevent curdling.
• Reheat in short 15-second intervals, stirring between each burst to distribute heat evenly and prevent separation.

Delia Smith Custard FAQs

• Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, you can use whole milk, but the custard will be less rich and creamy compared to using heavy cream.

• How do I prevent lumps in my custard?

Whisk constantly while adding hot cream to egg mixture and when cooking over low heat to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture.

• What if my custard is too runny?

Continue cooking over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to your desired consistency. It will also thicken slightly as it cools.

• Is it safe to reheat custard?

Yes, gently reheat over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain a smooth texture.

Custard Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy French custard delights taste buds with its silky smooth texture and rich vanilla essence. Classic dessert perfection promises a luxurious moment of pure culinary pleasure you will savor completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 large egg yolks
• 570 milliliters (19.3 fluid ounces) double cream, single cream, or milk
• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) golden caster sugar

Flavoring:

• 1 dessertspoon (2 teaspoons) pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Gently warm the cream in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat until it reaches a near-boiling point, stirring consistently to prevent scorching.
2. In a separate mixing bowl, combine egg yolks, sugar, cornflour, and vanilla extract, whisking vigorously until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Gradually stream the hot cream into the egg mixture, continuously whisking to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth incorporation.
4. Transfer the combined liquid back into the saucepan, positioning it over low heat and stirring constantly for approximately 3-4 minutes until the custard thickens and develops a luxurious, velvety texture.
5. Remove from heat and immediately transfer the custard into a clean serving jug or bowl, pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
6. Allow the custard to cool at room temperature or serve immediately while warm. If reheating is necessary, use a gentle double-boiler method, stirring periodically to maintain its creamy consistency.

Notes

• Prevent curdling by continuously whisking the mixture and maintaining low heat during cooking.
• Ensure smooth consistency by straining the custard through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any potential lumps.
• Customize flavors by experimenting with different extracts like almond, coconut, or adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
• Store custard in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, creating a delightful make-ahead dessert option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 262
• Sugar: 7.5 g
• Sodium: 35 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 8.2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 4.4 g
• Cholesterol: 195 mg