Vanilla Custard

1. Stage

Combine the dry ingredients: In a medium, heat-proof mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.

2. Stage

Whisk in the egg yolks: Add the egg yolks and whisk until the mixture is pale and smooth, about 1 minute. If your mixing bowl doesn’t have a non-slip bottom, place the bowl on a damp towel so it doesn’t slide in the next step. Keep your bowl close by the stove.

3. Stage

Bring the milk and cream to a simmer: In a heavy-bottomed, medium saucepan over medium-low heat bring the milk and cream to a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching. The milk and cream should just come to a simmer with small bubbles along the edges of the pan. Don’t let it reach a rolling boil.

4. Stage

Temper the egg yolks: As soon as the milk and cream come to a simmer, take the pan off the heat. With one hand, slowly pour the hot milk into the yolk mixture a splash at a time, while whisking constantly with your other hand. The damp towel under the mixing bowl should prevent it from sliding around while whisking.

5. Stage

Cook the custard: Pour the custard back into the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until the custard begins to simmer and thickens, about 5 minutes. Once it begins to gently bubble, continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds longer to cook out the starch.

6. Stage

Whisk in the butter: Remove the custard from the heat. Whisk in the butter until melted and completely incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.

7. Stage

Strain and chill: Pour the custard through a fine-mesh strainer into a medium bowl and cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the custard. Refrigerate until cool, at least 2 hours.

8. Stage

Stir, serve, and store: Whisk the custard until smooth before serving. Try serving this creamy homemade custard alongside a slice of pound cake , baked apples or apple crisp , fruit cobbler , or simply with fresh fruit like berries or banana slices. Vanilla Custard will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container covered with plastic wrap directly on the surface. Did you love this recipe? Give us some stars below!