Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further! This easy pumpkin custard recipe is perfect for cozy nights in, holiday gatherings, or any time you need a little sweetness in your life. It’s a delightful blend of creamy, spiced pumpkin goodness that's surprisingly simple to whip up, even for beginner cooks. This healthy and quick dinner alternative is a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this fantastic recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or individual ramekins. This simple step prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt until completely smooth and well combined. A smooth batter is key to a creamy custard.
Step 3: Bake: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Place the dish in a larger baking pan. Pour enough hot water into the larger pan to come about halfway up the sides of the smaller dish (this creates a water bath, which helps prevent cracking).
Step 4: Bake to Perfection: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. The custard should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 5: Cool & Chill: Remove the baking dish from the water bath and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the custard to set completely. This chilling step enhances the overall taste and texture.
Cooking Tips for the Best Pumpkin Custard:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and milk helps create a smoother batter and prevents the custard from curdling.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry custard. Start checking for doneness around 45 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Water Bath: The water bath helps create a gentle, even baking environment, resulting in a smoother, less cracked custard.
Variations:
- Spiced it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of warmth.
- Sweet & Nutty: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts before baking.
- Boozy Delight: Add 1/4 cup of bourbon or rum for an adult twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200
- Fat: Approximately 8g
- Protein: Approximately 5g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25g
This easy pumpkin custard recipe is a delicious and simple dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this healthy, homemade treat! It's a quick dinner idea alternative that's sure to become a family favorite. The best recipes are often the simplest, and this one proves that point perfectly.