This Old-Fashioned Custard is a smooth, creamy dessert made with simple pantry ingredients. Lightly flavored with vanilla and baked until perfectly set, it’s a timeless comfort dessert that’s delicious served warm or chilled with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2½ cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Ground nutmeg, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Place six 6-ounce ramekins or a 1½-quart baking dish inside a large roasting pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and salt until smooth.
- Warm the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
- Slowly whisk the warm milk into the egg mixture a little at a time to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly into the ramekins or baking dish.
- Sprinkle the tops lightly with ground nutmeg.
- Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggles in the center.
- Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let cool for 15 minutes.
- Serve warm or refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving chilled.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Chill Time (Optional)
2 hours
Total Time
55 minutes (or 2 hours 55 minutes if chilled)
Servings
6 servings
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 185
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 18g
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Tips
- Use whole milk for the richest, creamiest texture.
- Avoid boiling the milk to prevent curdling.
- Bake in a water bath to ensure a silky-smooth custard.
- Garnish with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.