BIG RECIPE: RICH VANILLA CUSTARD CREAM

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INTRODUCTION

This rich vanilla custard cream is a silky, luxurious dessert made from simple ingredients—milk, eggs, cream, sugar, and vanilla. It has a thick, pudding-like texture that holds beautifully in glasses or a large container. Serve it chilled for a smooth, comforting dessert that tastes like classic pastry cream upgraded into a full dessert.

INGREDIENTS

For the Custard Base

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 4 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract (or 1 whole vanilla bean)
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1 cup whipped cream (folded in for extra lightness)
  • Zest of 1 lemon (for freshness)
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (for deeper flavor)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Heat the Milk & Cream
    In a large pot, combine milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium until hot but not boiling.
  2. Whisk Egg Yolks & Dry Ingredients
    In a mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until thick and pale.
  3. Temper the Eggs
    Slowly pour half of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This prevents scrambling.
  4. Cook the Custard
    Pour the tempered mixture back into the pot. Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk or rubber spatula, until it thickens into a smooth, creamy pudding.
  5. Add Butter & Vanilla
    Remove from heat. Immediately add butter and vanilla. Stir until smooth and glossy.
  6. Strain for Extra Smoothness
    Optional but recommended: strain through a fine sieve into a large bowl.
  7. Cool & Chill
    Cover the surface with plastic wrap so it touches the custard. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture.
  8. Optional: Fold in Whipped Cream
    For a lighter mousse-like cream, fold in 1 cup of whipped cream before serving.

METHODS

  • Stovetop method: Best for control and smooth texture.
  • Double boiler method: Keeps eggs from overheating if you are new to custards.
  • Electric mixer method: After chilling, whip custard for a fluffier finish.

HISTORY

Custard dates back to medieval Europe where it was originally used as pie filling. Over centuries it evolved into pastry cream, pudding, and crème pâtissière. Today, it’s a foundational dessert in French, Italian, and Middle Eastern cuisine.

BENEFITS

  • High in protein from eggs
  • Calcium-rich from milk and cream
  • Comforting, easy-to-digest dessert
  • Versatile base for many sweets

FORMATION (HOW IT FORMS)

Egg yolks and cornstarch thicken the milk mixture when heated, forming a gel-like cream structure. Butter adds richness, and chilling helps the custard set into a thick, stable dessert.

NUTRITION (Approx. per 1 cup serving)
Calories: 380–450
Fat: 25g
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Calcium-rich and contains essential vitamins from egg yolks.

LOVERS (WHO WILL LOVE THIS)

  • Custard lovers
  • Vanilla dessert fans
  • Kids
  • People who love soft, creamy desserts
  • Anyone who enjoys bakery-style pastry cream

CONCLUSION

This rich vanilla custard cream is a classic, velvety dessert that’s simple yet luxurious. Whether served in cups or a large dish, it’s versatile, comforting, and guaranteed to impress. Customize it with fruit, cookies, caramel, or whipped cream to create endless variations.

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