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Fail-Proof Classic Baked Egg Custard: Silky Smooth Dessert

Close-up of a silky egg custard in a white fluted ramekin, featuring a beautifully torched, caramelized top dusted with cocoa powder.
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This is a simple, old-fashioned egg custard recipe designed to guarantee a silky-smooth texture. We use the water bath technique to prevent cracking, making this a no-fail dessert for any home cook.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 2/3 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Gather a 1.5-quart baking dish or several individual ramekins.
  2. Bring the milk just to a simmer on the stovetop, then remove it from the heat. Do not let it boil.
  3. In a separate bowl, lightly whisk the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt until just combined. Avoid creating excessive foam.
  4. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly and gently. This slow addition helps temper the eggs.
  5. Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl or measuring cup. This step removes any unmixed bits and ensures a smooth texture.
  6. Pour the strained mixture into your prepared baking dish or ramekins.
  7. Prepare a water bath: Place the custard dish inside a larger roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until the water reaches halfway up the sides of the custard dish.
  8. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when gently nudged.
  9. Carefully remove the custard from the water bath. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.

Notes

  • For the silkiest texture, do not over-whisk the eggs; mix only until the yolks and whites are incorporated.
  • The water bath technique is essential for even cooking and preventing bubbles or cracks in your egg custard.
  • If you are using ramekins, you may need to reduce the baking time slightly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://littlekitchendiary.com/fail-proof-egg-custard-silky-smooth-dessert/