Custard For One Recipe

Introduction

This simple custard for one is a quick and comforting dessert that feels indulgent yet light. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a creamy, vanilla-flavored treat perfect for solo indulgence or a small snack.

Ingredients

• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 large egg yolk
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk until tiny bubbles form around the edges, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir often to prevent scorching.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, stir the egg yolk and sugar together until well combined. Add the cornstarch and stir until smooth.
3. Step 3: Slowly pour the hot milk into the bowl with the egg mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly. This keeps the egg from cooking too quickly.
4. Step 4: Once fully combined, pour the mixture back into the saucepan.
5. Step 5: Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thick and smooth, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla.
6. Step 6: Pour the custard into a bowl. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface, then refrigerate for about 2 hours.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer custard, substitute half of the milk with cream.
• If you want a flavored twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest into the mixture before cooking.
• Whisk constantly to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.

Storage

Store the custard covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep plastic wrap pressed against the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Reheat gently over low heat or enjoy chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use skim milk instead of whole milk?

Yes, you can use skim milk, but the custard will be less rich and creamy. Whole milk gives the best texture.

What can I do if my custard gets lumpy?

If lumps form, strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve while still warm to smooth it out, then chill as directed.

Custard For One Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 79 reviews

This creamy homemade custard for one is a perfect single-serving dessert that is rich, smooth, and bursting with vanilla flavor. Made with simple ingredients like whole milk, egg yolk, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract, it is easy to prepare on the stovetop and chilled to set, providing a classic and comforting treat in just a few steps.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 22 minutes
• Yield: 1 serving 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Custard Ingredients

• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 large egg yolk
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Warm the Milk: In a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk until tiny bubbles form around the edges, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir often to prevent scorching.
2. Combine Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a medium bowl, stir the egg yolk and sugar together until well combined. Add the cornstarch and stir until smooth.
3. Temper the Egg Mixture: Slowly pour the hot milk into the bowl with the egg mixture, one tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly to prevent the egg from cooking too quickly.
4. Cook the Custard: Once fully combined, pour the mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the custard is thick and smooth, about 4 to 5 minutes.
5. Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
6. Chill the Custard: Pour the custard into a serving bowl. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming, then refrigerate for about 2 hours until fully set and chilled.

Notes

• Use whole milk for the best texture and creaminess, but you can substitute with 2% milk if desired.
• Be sure to whisk constantly while cooking to avoid lumps and scorching on the bottom of the pan.
• Tempering the egg yolks by gradually adding hot milk prevents curdling and ensures a smooth custard.
• Pressing plastic wrap directly on the custard surface is key to stopping a skin from forming as it cools.
• This custard is best enjoyed within 2 days of making it.

Keywords: custard, single serving custard, vanilla custard, easy dessert, stovetop custard, creamy custard