🍮✨ Old-Fashioned Vanilla Baked Custard
A timeless, silky-smooth dessert with a delicate vanilla flavor and lightly caramelized top—simple, comforting, and elegant.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
4 cups (1 liter) whole milk
4 large eggs
1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
Ground nutmeg (for topping, optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 160°C (325°F)
Place 4–6 ramekins or a baking dish inside a larger roasting pan - Heat the Milk
Warm milk in a saucepan until hot but not boiling - Mix Custard Base
In a bowl, whisk:
eggs
sugar
salt
Slowly pour in warm milk while whisking (tempering the eggs)
Stir in vanilla - Strain (Optional but Recommended)
Strain mixture through a sieve for extra smooth texture - Fill & Water Bath
Pour custard into ramekins
Fill roasting pan with hot water halfway up the sides (bain-marie) - Bake
Bake for 35–45 minutes
Custard should be set but slightly jiggly in the center - Cool & Serve
Remove from water bath
Let cool, then chill for at least 2 hours
Sprinkle nutmeg on top before serving
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Serve chilled or slightly warm
Top with fresh berries 🍓
Add whipped cream or caramel drizzle
🔥 Tips for Success
Don’t boil milk—prevents curdling
Water bath ensures gentle, even cooking
Avoid overbaking to keep it silky
Strain for a restaurant-quality texture