Are you craving a dessert that's both incredibly simple to make and utterly luxurious to eat? Then look no further! This vanilla bean custard recipe is your answer. Forget complicated baking; this recipe relies on the magic of simmering cream, eggs, and the intoxicating aroma of real vanilla bean. It’s the perfect ending to a meal, a delightful breakfast treat, or a sophisticated addition to your next brunch. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this easy recipe will have you whipping up a creamy, dreamy custard in no time. Get ready to experience pure vanilla bliss!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
- 4 large egg yolks
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Get started:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla bean seeds (or vanilla extract). If using a vanilla bean, be sure to scrape the seeds from the pod and add them to the mixture. The pod itself can also be added to infuse even more flavour, but remove it before serving.
Simmer and temper:
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Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's just simmering. Do not boil.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and salt until light and frothy.
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Slowly drizzle about a cup of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent them from scrambling. This slow addition prevents the eggs from curdling.
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Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture.
Cook the custard:
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Cook over very low heat, stirring constantly with a spatula or wooden spoon, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Be patient and stir continuously – this prevents scorching.
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Remove from heat immediately once thickened.
Strain and chill:
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Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove any lumps or vanilla bean pods. This step ensures a perfectly smooth texture.
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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming.
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Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the custard to fully chill and set.
Serving Suggestions & Variations:
This vanilla bean custard is incredibly versatile! Serve it chilled in small bowls, ramekins, or glasses. You can top it with fresh berries, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a few chocolate shavings. For a sophisticated touch, consider adding a few pieces of candied ginger or a crunchy crumble topping.
For a richer custard, increase the amount of egg yolks to 5 or 6. If you prefer a less sweet custard, reduce the sugar to ¼ cup. You can also experiment with different flavor extracts like almond or orange blossom.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Custard:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your custard will depend heavily on the quality of your ingredients.
- Don't overheat: Overheating the custard can cause it to curdle. Maintain a very low heat and stir constantly.
- Tempering the eggs is crucial: This step prevents the eggs from scrambling.
- Strain for a smooth texture: Straining the custard ensures a perfectly smooth and luxurious consistency.
- Chill thoroughly: Allowing the custard to chill completely ensures a set and creamy texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: Approximately 18g
- Protein: Approximately 4g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15g
This vanilla bean custard recipe is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Enjoy the creamy, dreamy result of your homemade cooking!