Description
Discover the rich and creamy Amish Baked Custard with our easy-to-follow guide. A traditional dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients List
For the Custard:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Ground nutmeg (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare a water bath by filling a deep baking dish with hot water.
- Whisk the Eggs and Sugar:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved.
- Heat the Milk:
- In a saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat until it is just about to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Temper the Eggs:
- Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to combine. This process, known as tempering, prevents the eggs from cooking too quickly and curdling.
- Add Vanilla:
- Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
- Pour and Bake:
- Pour the custard mixture into 6 individual custard cups. Place the cups in the prepared water bath, ensuring the water reaches halfway up the sides of the cups. Sprinkle the tops with a light dusting of ground nutmeg if desired.
- Carefully transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the custards are set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the custard cups from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. For a chilled dessert, refrigerate the custards for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Additional Tips and Notes
- Smooth Texture: To achieve an extra smooth custard, you can strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before pouring it into the custard cups. This step removes any bits of cooked egg or other solids, ensuring a perfectly silky consistency.
- Flavor Variations: For a different twist, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a tablespoon of your favorite liqueur (like Amaretto or Grand Marnier) to the custard mixture before baking.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the custard chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for extra warmth and flavor.