Vanilla Custard
This homemade vanilla custard is smooth, rich, and infused with real vanilla, making it the perfect match for fresh fruit, layered desserts, or as a base for creamy fillings. It’s a classic staple that elevates everything from cakes to pastries.
Ingredients
- 8 egg yolks
- ½ cup sugar (1 dl)
- 2 vanilla pods or 1.5 tsp vanilla sugar or vanilla extract
- 3⅓ cups milk (8 dl )
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (15 g)
Instructions
Make the custard base
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together: 8 egg yolks, 1 dl (½ cup) sugar, Seeds from 2 vanilla pods (or 1.5 tsp vanilla sugar or vanilla extract), 8 dl (3⅓ cups) milk, 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Add the split vanilla pods to the pan for extra flavor.
Cook gently and stir constantly
- Place the saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk constantly (preferably with a spatula to get into the edges) until the custard thickens—this may take 10–15 minutes. Do not let it boil, or it may split. Once thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, remove from heat.
Cool and finish
- Pour the hot custard into a bowl set over cold water to cool quickly. Stir occasionally to prevent lumps.
- Once cool, cover and refrigerate until needed. Remove vanilla pods before serving.