baked egg custard

🍮 Baked Egg Custard

A smooth, comforting custard with a delicate vanilla flavor — simple ingredients, classic dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk
• 3 eggs
• ⅓–½ cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Ground nutmeg or cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven
   • Heat oven to 160°C / 325°F.
2. Warm the milk
   • Heat milk until warm but not boiling.
3. Mix custard
   • Whisk eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt.
   • Slowly pour warm milk into the eggs while whisking gently.
4. Prepare for baking
   • Pour mixture into ramekins or a baking dish.
   • Sprinkle nutmeg or cinnamon on top if desired.
5. Water bath
   • Place dishes in a larger baking tray.
   • Fill tray with hot water halfway up the sides.
6. Bake
   • Bake 35–45 minutes until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly.
7. Cool
   • Let cool slightly or chill before serving.

Tips for silky custard

• Don’t boil the milk
• Avoid overbaking
• Strain the mixture before baking for extra smooth texture

Variations

• Add caramel for a flan-style dessert
• Infuse milk with lemon peel or cinnamon stick
• Use coconut milk for a richer tropical version