Name: How to make vanilla custard recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: Makes:
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 vanilla pod; 570ml whole milk and double cream (half and half, or use all milk); 4 egg yolks; 2tbsp caster sugar

By Amy Hunt

published 12 April 2021

This recipe for vanilla custard is our go-to recipe for the perfect custard every time.

Vanilla custard is so easy to make and can be used as a topping on all of your favourite desserts - from cakes to crumbles. This recipe requires just four ingredients - a vanilla pod, whole milk, eggs and caster sugar - so you’re more than likely to already have everything you need in your cupboard or fridge. We’ve kept this custard recipe super simple but if you wanted to add a little something extra, it would also work with cocoa powder for a chocolatey finish. Although pretty versatile, vanilla custard is classically paired with apple crumble, spotted dick or chocolate brownies.

Ingredients

1 vanilla pod
570ml whole milk and double cream (half and half, or use all milk)
4 egg yolks
2tbsp caster sugar

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Method

Split the vanilla pod in half and add to a saucepan with the milk and cream. Warm until almost at boiling point.
In a bowl whisk together the egg yolks and sugar.
Remove the vanilla pod, then briskly whisk the warm milk and cream into the egg yolks and sugar.
Pour the mixture back into the saucepan. Stir over a low heat until thickened (this will take around 5 minutes). It’s ready once the custard coats the back of a wooden spoon. Serve immediately.

Tips for making vanilla custard:

If you find that your custard has curdled and formed lumps, quickly blitz it with an immersion blender. A couple of pulses should do the trick and restore the desired creamy texture.

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Amy is Senior Digital Writer across Woman & Home, GoodTo and Woman, writing about everything from celebrity news to health, fashion and beauty features. When she isn't obsessing over the latest dress drop from Marks & Spencer, you'll most likely find Amy out running, or with a cup of tea in hand ready to dive into a gripping new Netflix series.