Soft Custard

This classic soft custard is the epitome of old-fashioned comfort food. Unlike firm baked custards, this version is cooked on the stovetop to a delicate, pourable consistency that sets softly in the refrigerator. The base relies on whole eggs for richness, balanced with half-and-half for a luxurious mouthfeel. A pinch of salt elevates the sweetness of the sugar, while a splash of fresh orange juice at the end adds a subtle, bright aroma that cuts through the dairy's richness. It is incredibly versatile: serve it plain over fruit, use it as a base for ice cream, or top it with meringue for a show-stopping floating island dessert. Perfect for weekend brunches or as a nostalgic finale to a simple dinner, this recipe requires only five ingredients and minimal effort.

Cooking Method: Boiling

Cuisine: Global

Courses: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4

Calories: 92.9

Dietary: Gluten-free, Vegetarian

Description

This classic soft custard is the epitome of old-fashioned comfort food. Unlike firm baked custards, this version is cooked on the stovetop to a delicate, pourable consistency that sets softly in the refrigerator. The base relies on whole eggs for richness, balanced with half-and-half for a luxurious mouthfeel. A pinch of salt elevates the sweetness of the sugar, while a splash of fresh orange juice at the end adds a subtle, bright aroma that cuts through the dairy's richness. It is incredibly versatile: serve it plain over fruit, use it as a base for ice cream, or top it with meringue for a show-stopping floating island dessert. Perfect for weekend brunches or as a nostalgic finale to a simple dinner, this recipe requires only five ingredients and minimal effort.

Ingredients

1/4 cup Sugar
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1 1/4 cup Half-N-half or milk
2 tablespoon Orange juice
6 large egg yolks
2 large egg whites

Directions

1
In the top of a double boiler or a heavy saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and salt until well blended and slightly thickened.
2
Gradually whisk in the half-and-half (or milk) until fully incorporated.
3
Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon, about 6 minutes.
4
Do not allow the mixture to boil, as this will cause the eggs to curdle.
5
Remove from heat and immediately stir in the orange juice.
6
Pour the custard into serving dishes or custard cups.
7
Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate until completely cool and set, at least 2 hours.
8
For Floating Island variation: Beat egg whites and 1/8 teaspoon salt until foamy.
9
Gradually add an additional 1/4 cup sugar, beating constantly until stiff peaks form.
10
Spoon mounds of meringue onto the chilled custard.
11
Broil for 1 to 2 minutes just until the tips of the meringue are golden brown.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 92.9kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.8g2%
Saturated Fat 0.5g3%
Cholesterol 1.5mg1%
Sodium 1249.0mg53%
Total Carbohydrate 19.6g7%
Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
Sugars 19.4g
Protein 2.6g6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

**Storage:** Store leftover custard in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not freeze, as the texture may become grainy upon thawing.

**Ingredient Substitution:** If you do not have half-and-half, you can substitute with whole milk for a lighter custard or heavy cream for a richer result. Adjust the amount slightly to match the fat content you desire.

**Cooking Tip:** To ensure a smooth custard, maintain a gentle heat. If using a saucepan instead of a double boiler, use the lowest possible setting and stir frequently to prevent scorching at the bottom.

**Variation:** For a vanilla flavor, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract along with the orange juice.

Keywords: custard, soft custard, dessert, pudding, eggs, milk, half-and-half, orange juice, vanilla, creamy, classic, stovetop, homemade, comfort food, easy dessert, floating island, meringue, citrus, breakfast, brunch

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/soft-custard/