Grandma May's best homemade egg custard recipe comes from my wonderful mother-in law. She inherited it from her mother. This was always a favorite dish of the entire family. It is rich and delicious.
Egg custard—a rich, silky dessert that feels like a warm hug. It’s a timeless classic that’s both simple and elegant, and it’s the kind of treat that takes you back to childhood with every spoonful.
Eggs are one of those versatile ingredients that I love to use for main courses and desserts. In another post, Egg-Tastic Recipes I provided additional ways to use eggs if you end up with an abundance of eggs. Inthe warmer months we usually need extra ideas for using our eggs. I am not sure why I did not include Grandma May's Best Egg Custard Recipe in that post! It is a family favorite.
Whether you’re serving it as a cozy end to a meal or simply indulging in something sweet, homemade egg custard is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. In this blog post, I’ll share the best homemade egg custard recipe, with tips to help you achieve that perfect creamy texture and delicate flavor.
What is Egg Custard?
Baked egg custard is a creamy, smooth dessert made from eggs, milk (or cream), sugar, and flavorings like vanilla and almond. We use fresh from the farm eggs, but store-bought eggs are fine. Before we had laying hens we used store-bought eggs with no issues.
This makes a sweet custard, yet it is not overly sweet. You can find slightly different versions, but I have only ever used the one I am sharing from my motherin law. When baked the custard thickens to a velvety consistency that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a filling for pies, tarts, and other baked goods. It’s a versatile dessert that can be served warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
Why This is the Best Homemade Egg Custard Recipe
There are plenty of egg custard recipes out there, but this homemade custard recipe stands out because it’s straightforward, uses simple ingredients, and produces a beautifully smooth and rich custard every time. This delicious dessert can be prepared in a short time. Plus, it’s incredibly forgiving, making it perfect for beginners or seasoned bakers. The ingredients are simple and probably will not require a separate trip to the grocery store.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Homemade Egg Custard Recipe
- 4 large whole eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 cups whole milk (or a mix of whole milk and heavy cream for a thicker custard )
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (or lemon)
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- Optional: Nutmeg for sprinkling on top
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). You'll want it at a moderate temperature to ensure the custard cooks evenly without curdling.
Mix the Eggs, Sugar, and Salt
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and salt until the mixture becomes slightly lighter in color and smooth. This will help to dissolve the sugar, preventing any graininess in your custard.
Heat the Milk
In a medium saucepan, heat the milk (and cream, if using) over medium heat until it’s just about to simmer, but not boiling. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on top. You’ll know it’s ready when you see small bubbles forming around the edges of the pan.
Temper the Eggs
To prevent the eggs from scrambling when you add them to the hot milk, you need to temper them. To do this, slowly pour a small amount of the hot milk into the egg and sugar mixture while whisking constantly. This gradually raises the temperature of the eggs, making them less likely to curdle when combined with the rest of the milk.
Once the egg mixture has been tempered, slowly pour the remaining hot milk into the bowl, continuing to whisk the hot milk mixture to combine.
Add the Vanilla and Almond
Now, stir in the vanilla extract and a almond or lemon for added flavor. The vanilla will enhance the richness of the custard, and the salt will help balance out the sweetness.
Strain the Custard (optional)
For an extra-smooth custard, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. This will remove any egg solids or curdled bits that might have formed. I do not always do this.
Bake the Custard
Pour the custard mixture into a baking dish, custard cups, or individual ramekins. I usually sprinkle the nutmeg over the top now, but you can wait until it is baked as well. For a smooth, even cook, place the dish(es) into a larger baking pan and add hot water to the outer pan to create a hot water bath. The water should come halfway up the sides of the custard dish.
Carefully place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes at 325 degrees Fahrenheit, or until the top of the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The gentle heat will provide you with the best end result. You can test doneness by inserting a knife or skewer into the custard—it should come out clean when done.
Cool and Serve
Let the custard cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up. I will sometimes place plastic wrap over the top when I put it into the refrigerator. If you can wait until the next day that is great, but honestly you can't always wait that long! When ready to serve, you can garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg or fresh berries for a festive touch. This is a crowd pleaser and it is simple to assemble and bake.
Tips for the Best Homemade Egg Custard Recipe
- Slow and steady: The key to a smooth egg custard is cooking it gently. Never rush the process, especially when tempering the eggs or baking.
- Use fresh eggs: Fresh eggs will give your custard a richer flavor and smoother texture. We use our farm-fresh eggs and this makes such a difference.
- Don’t overbake: The custard should be set but still a little wobbly in the center. Overbaking can cause it to become too firm or curdled.
- Serve warm or chilled: Egg custard is delicious both ways, so feel free to serve it as a warm dessert or chill it for a refreshing treat.
Final Thoughts on the Best Homemade Egg Custard Recipe
Baked custard is one of those timeless desserts that never goes out of style. It's the perfect dessert. It’s a simple custard, comforting, and versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or paired with other treats like fresh fruit or a buttery shortbread. You could easily turn this into a custard pie by placing the mixture into a pie crust.
You will be surprised the first time you make it at how simple it is to prepare. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can create a rich, velvety custard that will impress your friends and family, making it the perfect go-to dessert for any occasion. You often get the best results from old recipes that have stood the test of time.
So go ahead, try this recipe, and treat yourself to a serving of the best homemade egg custard recipe. You’ll be glad you did!
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