25 Minutes To [Heaven]: Easy Egg Yolk Custard Recipe (2024)

The easy egg yolk custard recipe is crazy quick and simple. This 4 egg yolk custard pudding recipe can be used as a pastry, pie, or banana cream cake filling or served on its own.

You can easily cook the custard with leftover egg yolks in a saucepan on the stove at medium-high heat so, there is no need to cook it over a double boiler.

Only a few custard ingredients are required for making this most yellow, creamy, thick, and perfectly sweet 3 egg yolk custard recipe.

Table of Contents

What Is Egg Yolk Custard?

Creme Anglaise, or egg yolk custard, is a smooth and creamy dessert sauce made with egg yolks, sugar, and milk mixture or cream. It has a mild flavor and is frequently flavored with vanilla.

Custard can vary in consistency from a thin pouring sauce to a thick pastry cream.

What Recipe Egg Yolk Custard Is Used For?

6 egg yolk custard is a versatile dessert sauce that can be used in various ways. It’s most commonly used as a topping or accompaniment for desserts like cakes, pumpkin pies, tarts, and fresh fruits.

The smooth and creamy texture of the custard lends richness and taste to these desserts. It can also be used to fill pastries such as éclairs and profiteroles.

Furthermore, custard recipe egg yolk can be used as a base for other sweets such as crème brûlée or bread pudding, adding a creamy and rich touch to these delectable treats.

What Is The Difference Between Pudding And Creamy Custard?

The primary distinction between pudding and custard is found in their texture and ingredients. Pudding is often used to describe a thicker, more substantial dessert.

It is commonly created by heating milk, sugar, and starch such as cornstarch or flour. The starch thickens the banana pudding and gives it a smooth, pudding-like consistency.

Puddings can be flavored with various substances such as chocolate, vanilla, or fruit. Baked Custard, on the other hand, is a dessert sauce with a smooth and creamy texture.

It is produced by blending egg yolks, sugar, milk mixture or cream, and vanilla extract. The mixture is slowly heated until it thickens, yielding a smooth custard. Custards recipes easy are frequently flavored with vanilla, although they can also be flavored with spices or liqueurs.

So, while both pudding and custard are sweet sweets, the distinction is in their consistency and ingredients. Pudding is heavier and usually contains starch, whereas custard is a silky sauce created from egg yolks.

Easy Egg Yolk Custard Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 and 2/3 cups whole milk
  • 3 and 1/2 tbsp cornstarch or corn flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar, divided
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1 oz unsalted soft butter
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Pour milk and half of the sugar in a large pot and boil. Set heat to medium flame.
  2. Keep the milk at low flame. Beat eggs yolks in a bowl. Take another bowl and mix cornstarch and sugar. Add egg yolks to the cornstarch and sugar mixture and stir to combine. Mix the egg yolks, cornstarch, and sugar when the milk starts to boil. Do not add them too far in advance.
  3. Combine 1 cup from the hot milk and mix it carefully. Now, add the mixture to the remaining warm milk and cook on low heat. Keep stirring for about 3-5 minutes with a wooden spoon or until the custard thickens.
  4. Turn off the flame and then, add butter. Butter will make the custard thick once it cools down. Combine the vanilla extract and mix it again, then remove it from the stove.
  5. Shift to a bowl and cover with a plastic wrap tightly. Cool down at room temperature.
  6. Keep easy egg yolk custard recipe in the refrigerator before serving.

25 Minutes To [Heaven]: Easy Egg Yolk Custard Recipe (1)

4 Egg Yolk Custard Recipe Toppings

Custard recipe with egg yolks is a delicious topping for a wide range of desserts. Its creamy, silky texture provides a luxurious touch to various sweet delights.

Drizzling egg yolk custard over cakes, pies, and tarts is a common way to use it as a topping. It can also be used to improve the flavor of fresh fruits such as berries or sliced bananas.

Furthermore, the simple egg yolk custard recipe without cornstarch is frequently used as a luxurious finishing touch for desserts like crème caramel, bread pudding, and rice pudding. It’s silky richness and delicate flavor make it a versatile and delectable topping option.

How To Store Simple Egg Custard Recipe?

There are a few rules to remember when storing baked custard with egg yolks:

  • Cool to room temperature

Allow the best egg yolk custard recipe without cornstarch to cool entirely at room temperature before storing. This keeps condensation from accumulating inside the storage container, which could result in a watery texture.

  • Select appropriate containers

Transfer the custard to airtight containers or jars that can be sealed. Custards can be stored in glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.

  • Refrigeration

To keep the custard fresh, keep it in the refrigerator. Place the containers in the refrigerator’s coldest portion, such as the rear or bottom shelf, where the temperature is most stable.

  • Cover properly

Make sure the containers are tightly sealed or wrapped in plastic wrap to reduce air exposure and absorb any undesirable scents from other foods in the refrigerator.

  • Use within a few days

Custard is best eaten within 2-3 days of making it. Afterward, the quality may decline, and it may become harmful to consume.

  • Reheating

To reheat the custard, use short bursts of low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring regularly to prevent burning.

Why Is My Easy Egg Yolk Custard Recipe Watery?

There could be several reasons why your best egg yolk custard recipe may be watery:

  • Undercooking

If the egg yolk custard is not cooked for an adequate amount of time, it will not thicken correctly, resulting in a runny consistency. Cook the custard, stirring constantly, over low heat until it reaches the required thickness and coats the back of a wooden spoon.

  • Overheating

Overheating the custard might cause the eggs to curdle and release water, resulting in a watery texture. It is critical to cook the custard and avoid using high heat gently.

  • Incorrect ingredient ratio

The ratio of eggs, sugar, and milk or cream is critical for creating the desired consistency. The easy egg yolk custard recipe might become watery if there is too much liquid in proportion to the number of egg yolks or sugar. Recheck the recipe to ensure that the ingredients are correctly balanced.

  • Incorrect tempering

Tempering the eggs slowly when adding hot milk or cream to the egg yolks is critical to avoid curdling. A broken or watery custard might happen if the hot liquid is added too quickly or without proper whisking.

  • Inadequate cooling time

After cooking the custard, it must be adequately refrigerated to set and thicken further. It may still be liquid if you do not allow enough time to chill and set it in the refrigerator.

25 Minutes To [Heaven]: Easy Egg Yolk Custard Recipe (2)

What Is The Temperature At Which Custard Recipe Egg Yolk Sets?

This is for thickened custards with cornstarch. If you are unsure whether your custard is done, use a pastry thermometer.

Making custard is a tricky process. Overcooking and curdling occur when the temperature rises by 3-6 degrees Celsius (5-10 degrees Fahrenheit).

A fully cooked starch-thickened custard should be around 185 °F, although it starts setting at 70 °C (160 °F). Cook for a minute at 185 F, but no longer, or the custard will overcook and become watery.

Why My 4 Egg Yolk Custard Pudding May Not Thicken?

Here are a few reasons why custard may not thicken:

  • Inadequate cooking time

Custard must be cooked slowly over low heat for enough time for the eggs and starch (if added) to thicken. The custard may remain thin if not cooked long enough.

  • Inadequate heat

To thicken correctly, custard requires gentle and steady heat. The custard may not reach the desired thickness if the heat is too low. If the heat is too high, the eggs will curdle, resulting in a lumpy or runny custard.

  • The improper ratio of ingredients

The correct proportions of eggs, sugar, and thickening agents like cornstarch or flour are critical for achieving the desired consistency. The custard may not thicken appropriately if the ratio is incorrect, such as using too little thickening agents or too much liquid.

  • Not tempering the eggs properly

When adding hot liquid to the eggs, temper them gently by progressively mixing the hot liquid while whisking continually. If the warm liquid is added too quickly or not well whisked, the eggs may curdle, preventing the custard from thickening.

  • Inadequate chilling time

Custards need time to cool and set in the refrigerator after cooking. It may not attain the desired thickness if not given enough time to chill.

If your custard does not thicken as expected, cook it for a little longer, adjust the heat, or add a little more thickener while ensuring appropriate incorporation. To get the correct consistency, meticulously follow the recipe directions and watch the custard during the cooking process.

How To Serve Simple Egg Custard Recipe?

Custard can be served in various ways, depending on personal preference and the specific dessert or cuisine it is paired with. Here are some popular ways to serve easy egg yolk custard recipe:

  • Standalone

You can eat custard on its own as a simple and elegant dessert. Serve chilled in small dessert bowls or ramekins. For extra vanilla flavor and visual appeal, top with a sprinkling of ground cinnamon, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a few fresh berries.

  • Topping

Custard is frequently used as a topping for various desserts. It complements cakes, apple pie, tarts, and fruit sweets. Drizzle or spoon a generous amount of custard over each serving of dessert.

  • Filling

Custard can be used to make a filling for pastries and baked items. It gives éclairs, cream puffs, and Danish pastries a creamy and savory touch. Using a piping bag or a wooden spoon, fill the pastries with cold custard.

  • Sauce

Warm custard can be used as a sauce for a variety of desserts. Warm the sweet custard gradually, stirring constantly, until it is thoroughly warmed, and then pour it over warm desserts such as butterscotch pudding, pancakes, or puff pastry waffles or red velvet waffles. The warm custard gives the dish a rich and delicious touch.

  • The base for layered desserts

12 egg yolk custard recipe can be used as the foundation for layered desserts such as trifles or parfaits. In a glass or a dessert dish, layer it with fruits, cake or cookie crumbs, and whipped cream. Repeat the layers as needed to make a visually pleasing and tasty dessert.

Remember to take into account the temperature preferences and desired presentation for the particular custard dish you’re presenting. Custard, whether chilled, warm, or as a sauce, gives a creamy and pleasant touch to a variety of desserts.

What Is The Best Method For Chilling 8 Egg Yolk Custard Recipe?

Waiting is often the most difficult part of any recipe. However, cooling the traditional custard recipe allows it to finish setting for a velvety smooth texture.

Wrap the custard with plastic wrap, wax paper, or greased parchment right on the surface. This creates an airtight seal and avoids the formation of skin. Then, chill the large bowl in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.

Using an ice bath to chill custard speeds up the cooling process. Place the covered vanilla custard recipe bowl in a bigger bowl filled with ice water and cool for 30 minutes before transferring it to the refrigerator.

25 Minutes To [Heaven]: Easy Egg Yolk Custard Recipe (3)

Troubleshooting Tips For Making Egg Yolk Custard

While making easy custard recipe with egg yolks is a delightful culinary endeavor, it can sometimes be tricky. Here are some troubleshooting tips to ensure your egg yolk dessert turns out perfect every time:

  1. Gradual Temperature Increase: Avoid turning your custard into scrambled eggs by gradually increasing the temperature. Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to custard-making.
  2. Constant Vigilance: Custard demands attention! Keep a watchful eye on the stove, and don’t be tempted to rush the process. Patience is the key to a velvety-smooth custard using egg yolks.
  3. Use A Water Bath: To prevent the edges from curdling, bake your custard from egg yolks in a water bath. This gentle cooking method ensures even heat distribution, resulting in a perfectly set custard.

How To Prevent Your Custard From Turning Into Scrambled Eggs?

The horror of watching your custard egg yolk turn into scrambled eggs can be avoided with a few simple steps:

  1. Gentle Heat: Always cook custard over low to medium heat. High temperatures can cause the eggs to curdle, leading to a less-than-ideal texture.
  2. Stir Constantly: Keep that spoon moving! Stir the custard mixture continuously to distribute the heat evenly and prevent any unwanted clumps from forming.
  3. Strain if Necessary: If, despite your best efforts, some small bits of egg have formed, don’t panic. Strain the custard before chilling to achieve that velvety consistency.

Variations On Easy Egg Yolk Custard Recipe

Now that you’ve mastered the basic egg yolk custard recipe, let’s elevate your culinary prowess with exciting variations:

  • Citrus Zest Twist: For a refreshing twist, incorporate citrus zest—lemon, orange, or even a hint of lime—to infuse your custard with egg yolks with a burst of citrusy goodness.
  • Caramel Swirls: Elevate your custard’s sweetness with a luscious caramel swirl. Drizzle caramel into the custard cups before baking for a delightful surprise.

How Do You Know When Simple Egg Yolk Custard Recipe Is Done?

Determining when egg custard is done involves observing specific visual cues and performing tests. Here are some indicators that your easy egg yolk custard recipe is properly cooked:

1. Coating The Back Of A Spoon

One classic method is to dip a spoon into the custard. If the custard coats the back of the spoon and holds a clear line when you run your finger through it, it’s likely done.

2. Temperature

Using a thermometer, check the temperature of the custard. A fully cooked custard should reach around 185 °F (85 °C). However, it starts setting at a lower temperature, around 160 °F (71 °C).

3. Visual Cues

The custard should have a smooth and creamy texture without any visible curdles or lumps. It should appear set around the edges but still have a slight jiggle in the center.

4. Jiggle Test

Gently jiggle the custard dish. If the center is slightly wobbly but the edges are set, it’s done. The residual heat will continue to set the custard as it cools.

5. Knife Test

Insert a knife into the center of the egg yolk custard. If it comes out clean or with minimal residue, the custard is done. Be cautious not to overcook; a slight residue is acceptable as it will continue setting during cooling.

6. Timer And Recipe Guidelines

Follow the recommended cooking time in your 12 egg yolk custard recipe. Custard recipes with egg yolks usually provide an estimated cooking duration. Use this as a guide, but also pay attention to visual and textural cues.

Remember that custard will continue to set as it cools, so it’s essential not to overcook it during the heating process.

The exact time needed for your custard may vary based on your specific recipe, the thickness of the custard, and the type of dish used for baking.

With a bit of practice, you’ll develop a feel for when your custard is perfectly done.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is The Difference Between Egg White And Egg Yolk In Custard?

Egg whites are primarily made up of water and protein, while egg yolks are primarily made up of water, fat, and protein. Egg yolks also contain vitamins, minerals, and lecithin, which is an emulsifier that helps to bind fat and water together.

In custard, egg whites and egg yolks play different roles. Egg whites help to thicken the custard and give it a light and fluffy texture. Egg yolks add richness, flavor, and creaminess to the custard.

2. What Is The Purpose Of Adding Egg Yolk To A Custard?

Egg yolks are added to custard to provide richness, flavor, creaminess, and structure. The fat in the egg yolks helps to thicken the custard, while the protein helps to coagulate and set the custard. The lecithin in the egg yolks also helps to emulsify the custard and prevent it from curdling.

3. Should You Use Whole Eggs Or Egg Yolks For Custard?

You can use either whole eggs or egg yolks for custard, but the results will be different. Custard made with whole eggs will be thicker and more set, while custard made with egg yolks will be smoother and creamier.

4. Is The Egg Yolk In Custard Raw?

The egg yolk in custard is cooked, but it is not cooked to the same temperature as other cooked eggs, such as fried eggs or scrambled eggs. This is because the egg yolk in custard is cooked in a low-heat environment, such as a double boiler or a low oven.

5. What’s The Difference Between Custard And Egg Custard?

Custard is a dessert sauce that is made with milk, eggs, and sugar. Egg custard is a type of custard that is made with egg yolks, milk, and sugar.

6. Why Does My Custard Taste Eggy?

There are a few reasons why your custard might taste eggy. One possibility is that you are using too many egg yolks. Another possibility is that you are not cooking the custard long enough. Finally, it is also possible that you are not using fresh eggs.

7. Will Custard Thicken Without Cornstarch?

Yes, custard will thicken without cornstarch, but it will take longer. The eggs in the custard will eventually coagulate and set, but it will take a few hours. To speed up the thickening process, you can add a small amount of cornstarch to the custard.

8. Can You Overcook Custard?

Yes, you can overcook custard. Overcooked custard will be curdled and grainy. To avoid overcooking custard, cook it over low heat and stir it constantly.

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25 Minutes To [Heaven]: Easy Egg Yolk Custard Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why is my egg yolk custard not thickening? ›

Varying Your Cooking Time or Preparation Method

If you've tried a few recipes and your custard is still runny, thicken your custard by increasing the stovetop cooking time (instead of adding a thickening agent). Follow your recipe stovetop cooking time, right up until the custard starts bubbling.

What does adding extra egg do to custard? ›

Vanilla: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the custard. Eggs: Four eggs ensure a creamy, thick, and velvety texture.

What temperature should egg yolk custard be? ›

Generally, a fully cooked custard should not exceed 80 °C (~175 °F); it begins setting at 70 °C (~160 °F). A water bath slows heat transfer and makes it easier to remove the custard from the oven before it curdles.

How do you fix custard that didn't set? ›

The first option is to mix two tablespoons of flour with four tablespoons of cold water for every cup of custard you've made. Mix the flour into the water well, then whisk it into your custard mixture as it cooks on the stove. You can follow the same steps with cornstarch instead of flour if you prefer as well.

How do you thicken egg yolk custard? ›

For a thick, hot custard you need to add cornflour (cornstarch) as a thickener. The custard needs to come up to boiling point to thicken and to loose the taste of the uncooked starch, but the cornflour stabilizes the egg yolks so that they can tolerate higher temperatures without scrambling.

What happens if you use whole eggs instead of egg yolks in custard? ›

When adapting a custard recipe to use whole eggs, adjustments must be made to prevent the custard from becoming too loose or overly firm. The change also affects the richness of the custard, as the fat content in yolks is a crucial element in achieving the traditional taste and mouthfeel of custard.

Can you overcook egg custard? ›

Here's how to avoid one of the worst kitchen mishaps: overcooking. Egg-based puddings and custards can curdle if cooked beyond 185 degrees. We take crème anglaise off the heat when the mixture registers 175 to 180, but when making the base for ice cream we push the temperature to 180 to 185 for maximum thickness.

What's the difference between custard and egg custard? ›

Egg custard is a variation on cream custard. Egg custurd is a tick rich creamy sweet or savory dessert, made mixtures of eggs or egg yolks, milk or cream, flavorings (vanilla, nutmeg, etc.) and optionally, sweeteners (sugar, honey). Basic custards are thickened and set by eggs alone.

Can you use frozen egg yolks to make custard? ›

Freezing yolks is less satisfactory; it causes the yolk to become thick and syrupy so it will not flow like an unfrozen yolk or blend very well with the white or other ingredients. To freeze yolks, mix four yolks with a pinch of salt and one and half teaspoons of sugar or corn syrup.

Is it OK to use whole eggs in custard? ›

To achieve the ideal texture and flavor balance, use whole eggs and milk. Custards made with egg yolks and cream are too eggy and rich in taste and too thick and creamy in texture; they lack the subtleties that make a custard great.

How do you keep egg custard from curdling? ›

Overheating the custard can cause it to curdle or separate. To prevent this, cook the custard over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. Do not let the custard boil. When adding eggs to the custard mixture, add them slowly while whisking continuously.

What does sugar do in custard? ›

Sugar as an anticoagulant – when it's heated, sugar delays the coagulation of proteins (or the change to a more semi-solid state), which is useful for products such as baked custards and other desserts.

Should you temper the eggs for custard? ›

Custard, soup, or sauce recipes often require cooks to temper eggs. Tempering eggs means slowly combining cold beaten eggs with a hot liquid to produce a silky, thick texture.

Why is my egg custard watery? ›

Whenever I make an eggy dish, such as custard or bread pudding and sometimes scrambled eggs it always gets watery. What am I doing wrong? You are probably cooking your egg dishes too hot for too long.

Why is my custard not hardening? ›

In order for a successful gelling of a starch in the recipe, the enzyme has to be killed by cooking the custard almost to boiling (a little less than 212 degrees F). Otherwise the left-over enzymes digest all of the nice firm starch gel and your custard is nothing but liquid.

Why is my custard pie not setting? ›

This is because custards rely on the coagulation of egg proteins to thicken and set. If the custard is not cooked long enough or at the right temperature, the egg proteins may not have time to set and will remain in a liquid form.

How do you thicken pre made custard? ›

To thicken your custard, place your store-bought custard in a medium saucepan with the vanilla bean paste. In a separate bowl, combine cornflour with 1tbsp water, and mix until well-combined. Add to the custard, and simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

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