Vanilla Custard

Vanilla Custard

Beat the custard powder with a little of the cold milk into a smooth paste and stir into the sweetened milk and simmer until thickened. Add a good splash of vanilla extract to the dish and serve warm or chilled as you like.

Vanilla custard is eggless by default when prepared with custard powder because the cornflour thickens the milk without the need for eggs. This is one of the easiest and most accessible eggless custard variations to make.

You don't need an oven for vanilla custard; this is made on the stovetop by simmering milk, sugar, and custard powder until it thickens. Now this can be served warm or cold from the fridge.

You will need milk, sugar, custard powder or cornflour to thicken, and vanilla extract or vanilla-flavored custard powder to give it its characteristic flavor. Sometimes it is sprinkled with a light dusting of nutmeg.

Vanilla custard will keep fresh for about two to three days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When ready to serve, stir the custard well, as a thin skin may form on top when it is chilled.

Generally, lumpy vanilla custard is made by adding custard powder directly into hot milk, not by dissolving it in cold milk. The mixture can also thicken unevenly if it is cooked at too high a temperature.

Cornflour or custard powder is used to give vanilla custard its smooth, pourable texture, unlike puddings, which often use eggs or gelatin. The texture is lighter and silkier, and flavoring can be easily added to suit the dish.

Vanilla custard is a classic, comforting combination for any occasion. Serve it warm over fruit crumble, cool it as a base for a trifle layered with cake and fruit, or pour it over stewed fruit.

A dark or milk chocolate shaving or drizzle adds a visual contrast and richness without overpowering the delicate, all-too-recognizable vanilla flavor of vanilla custard.

If you use a good brand of vanilla custard powder, you will end up with a smooth and lump-free product. Also, any milk or dark chocolate you use to garnish should be from a reliable brand that is known for clean, even melting.