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I love a great make-ahead dessert, especially something like a classic vanilla custard that’s easy to put together, affordable to make, and just requires staples I have on hand. The versatility of custard always inspires me. Imagining all the possibilities – fresh berries, a drizzle of caramel, a sprinkle of cinnamon – I knew I had to try creating my own. This Amish-style old fashioned custard recipe is perfect for using up extra milk, and it’s surprisingly easy to make—exactly what I was looking for!

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Why I Love Old-Fashioned Custard (and You Will Too!)

Custards often don’t get the limelight, and that’s a shame! They have a subtle sweetness and a luxuriously creamy texture that’s incredibly satisfying. While I enjoy a decadent dessert now and then, sometimes simple is best.

Living an hour away from the nearest grocery store has turned me into a master of pantry cooking. I love the challenge of creating delicious meals with the ingredients I have on hand. That’s the beauty of this baked custard recipe. It’s a cheap, classic dessert that utilizes ingredients I typically have on hand.

As a homesteader, I cherish the opportunity to use fresh, wholesome ingredients from our own land. Whole milk and eggs are staples in our home, and this creamy custard is a wonderful way to showcase their natural goodness with minimal ingredients. The aroma of vanilla and warm milk fills the kitchen as the custard bakes, creating a comforting and inviting atmosphere.

Special tools

• Individual ramekins (optional, but recommended for individual servings)
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• 9×13 inch baking dish (or other large, oven-safe dish for a water bath)
• Large pan with high sides (for the water bath)

Amish Baked Custard Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 cups whole milk (for a richer custard)

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease individual ramekins or a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk well until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
3. Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches about 120°F (49°C).  Note: You don’t need a thermometer for this. The milk should feel warm to the touch, but not scalding.
4. Tempered Eggs: Slowly drizzle the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. This process is called tempering and prevents the eggs from scrambling.
5. Prepare the Water Bath: Place ramekins or your baking dish inside a larger pan with high sides. Carefully pour the custard mixture into the ramekins or baking dish. Then, gently pour hot water into the larger pan until it comes halfway up the sides of the ramekins or baking dish. The pan of water creates a hot water bath, which helps the custard bake evenly.
6. Bake: Carefully slide the larger pan with the water bath and custard into the preheated oven. The bake time is 40-50 minutes (check at 40 minutes), or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean and there’s only a slight jiggle in the center of the custard.
7. Cool & Chill: Remove the custard from the oven. Afterwards, let it cool slightly in the water bath. Then, remove the ramekins or baking dish from the water bath and let them cool completely at room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap or beeswax wraps and refrigerate for at least several hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the custard to set fully.
8. Serve: Enjoy your chilled custard! The subtle sweetness and creamy texture are even better the next day, allowing the vanilla flavor to meld beautifully.

Serving Tips

The beauty of a classic egg custard lies in its versatility. It’s a blank canvas for countless delicious toppings! Creating a custard bar is a fun way to let your family and guests to add a personal touch to this traditional dessert. Here are some ideas to inspire your topping buffet:

Fresh Fruit Delights:

• Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries add a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color.
• Stone Fruit: Sliced peaches, plums, or nectarines offer a sweet and juicy contrast to the creamy custard.
• Tropical Flair: Mango, pineapple, or kiwi can add an exotic touch.
• Citrus Zest: A sprinkle of lemon or orange zest brightens the custard with a zesty aroma.

Sweet Indulgences:

• Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of rich caramel sauce adds a decadent touch.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Dark, milk, or white chocolate – the choice is yours!
• Maple Syrup: A drizzle of maple syrup adds a warm, comforting sweetness.
• Honey: A swirl of honey provides a natural and delicate sweetness.

Spice & Texture:

• Nutmeg or Cinnamon: A sprinkle of fresh nutmeg or ground cinnamon for a comforting aroma and flavor.
• Toasted Nuts: Chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts provide a delightful crunch.
• Grated Coconut: Adds a tropical flavor and interesting texture.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy topping.

Beyond the Buffet:

• Individual Parfaits: Layer custard with fruit, granola, or crumbled cookies in individual glasses for an elegant presentation.
• Baked Custard with Fruit Compote: Top the baked custard with a warm fruit compote for a comforting dessert.

Chocolate custard Variation

Follow the Recipe: Continue following the original recipe instructions, starting with step 2 (heating the milk).

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, salt, and ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder until well combined. Make sure there are no cocoa powder clumps.

Tips for Chocolate Perfection:

• Cocoa Powder: For the best flavor, use a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give your custard a richer, darker color and flavor.
• Chocolate Intensity: For a more intense chocolate flavor, you can increase the cocoa powder to ¾ cup. Keep in mind that this might slightly alter the texture of the custard.

Serving Suggestions: Chocolate custard pairs beautifully with fresh raspberries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Cost Breakdown

One of the best things about this Amish-style old fashioned custard recipe is how budget-friendly it is! It’s a delicious dessert that doesn’t require expensive ingredients like sweetened condensed milk. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate cost for me to make this recipe, keeping in mind that prices can vary depending on your location and where you purchase your ingredients.

• Vanilla Extract: $0.54 (based on a typical bottle and usage)
• Salt: $0.04 (using Redman’s Real Salt, purchased in bulk)
• Sugar: $0.28
• Eggs: (Cost varies greatly)
• Milk: (Cost varies greatly)

Important Note: Since we have our own chickens and dairy cows (more about us here), the cost of eggs and milk is significantly lower for us. However, I encourage you to calculate the cost of these ingredients based on your local grocery store prices to get a more accurate estimate for your situation.

Total Estimated Cost (excluding eggs and milk): $0.86

Cost Per Serving (based on 6 servings): Less than $0.15 (excluding eggs and milk)

Old Fashioned Custard Recipe

There’s something truly comforting about a classic custard. It’s a taste of simple pleasures, a reminder that the best things in life are often the most uncomplicated. This Amish-style old fashioned custard recipe , with its generous use of fresh eggs and its endless topping possibilities, is an invitation to slow down, savor the moment, and connect with those you cherish. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of warm vanilla fill your kitchen. I hope you enjoy this versatile dessert as much as I do!

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5 from 2 votes

Easy Old-Fashioned Custard Recipe (Amish Style)

This delicious homemade custard is smooth and creamy. The taste of vanilla allows you to top the custard with a variety of options.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword Amish Dessert, amish recipe, Cheap meal, custard

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 269kcal

Cost 5

Equipment

• 6 Ramekins Optional
• 1 Medium Saucepan
• 1 whisk
• 1 9"x13" baking dish or other large, oven-safe dish with high sides for a water bath
• 1 baking dish if not using ramekins

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 cups whole milk for a richer custard

Instructions

• Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease individual ramekins or a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
  6 large eggs, 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ cup granulated sugar
• Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches about 120°F (49°C). Note: You don’t need a thermometer for this. The milk should feel warm to the touch, but not scalding.
  4 cups whole milk
• Temper the Eggs: Slowly drizzle the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. This process is called tempering and prevents the eggs from scrambling.
• Prepare the Water Bath: Place your ramekins or baking dish inside a larger pan with high sides. Carefully pour the custard mixture into the ramekins or baking dish. Then, gently pour hot water into the larger pan until it comes halfway up the sides of the ramekins or baking dish. This creates a water bath, which helps the custard bake evenly.
• Bake: Carefully slide the larger pan with the water bath and custard into the preheated oven. Bake for 40-50 minutes (check at 40 minutes), or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Cool & Chill: Remove the custard from the oven and let it cool slightly in the water bath. Then, remove the ramekins or baking dish from the water bath and let them cool completely at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least several hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the custard to set fully.
• Serve: Enjoy your chilled custard! The subtle sweetness and creamy texture are even better the next day, allowing the vanilla flavor to meld beautifully.

Notes

The beauty of a classic egg custard lies in its versatility. It’s a blank canvas for countless delicious toppings! Creating a custard bar is a fun way to let your family and guests personalize their desserts.