Introduction
A homemade dessert that never gets old is a true gem for any dessert lover. Whether you’re craving something refreshing or comforting
this quick and easy recipe promises to be the perfect treat. In just five minutes, you’ll have a silky, sweet dessert that’s both creamy and tangy.
with a touch of citrus to awaken your taste buds. This lemon-flavored custard is simple to prepare and can be customized with various toppings.
making it an ideal choice for busy days or moments when you want a satisfying homemade dessert without much effort.
repertoire.
Ingredients
400 ml of milk
Zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon of vanilla sugar
2 egg yolks
40g of sugar
15g of cornstarch
Juice of 1 lemon
100g of sweetened condensed milk
Optional for decoration: cinnamon, cocoa powder, or chocolate shavings
Instructions
Begin by heating the milk in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the lemon zest and vanilla sugar, stirring gently to combine the flavors. While the milk is warming.
whisk the egg yolks and sugar together in a separate bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. In another small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of cold milk until smooth.
Once the milk reaches a simmer, remove it from the heat and slowly pour a bit of the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
Gradually add the rest of the warm milk to the egg mixture while continuing to whisk. Return the combined.
mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency.
Add the lemon juice and sweetened condensed milk, stirring until fully incorporated. The lemon juice will balance.
the sweetness of the condensed milk and provide a lovely tang to the custard. Once thickened, remove the pan from the heat.
Pour the custard into small serving dishes, allowing it to cool slightly. For a smoother texture, you can strain the custard through a fine sieve to remove any small bits of egg or zest.
If desired, decorate your custard with a sprinkle of cinnamon, cocoa powder, or chocolate shavings for added flavor and presentation.
Allow the dessert to chill for a few minutes before serving, or enjoy it warm for a comforting treat.
How to Make
Making this lemon custard dessert is incredibly easy and quick, requiring only a few simple steps.
First, prepare all your ingredients by measuring the milk, zesting the lemon, and separating the egg yolks. The preparation of these ingredients will help streamline the process.
Next, carefully heat the milk on the stove while infusing it with lemon zest and vanilla sugar. Stir regularly to ensure the milk doesn’t burn. The key here is to keep the heat low to avoid any curdling of the milk.
Once the milk has reached a warm simmer, temper the eggs by slowly adding some of the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture.
which prevents them from scrambling. This step is crucial to achieving that smooth, creamy texture.
The next stage involves returning the combined milk and egg mixture to the saucepan and cooking it over low heat.
Stir it constantly, ensuring the custard thickens gradually. Patience is important in this step to ensure the custard doesn’t break.
Once it thickens, add the lemon juice and sweetened condensed milk, and continue stirring.
The lemon juice helps to cut through the richness of the sweetened condensed milk and adds that wonderful tanginess.
Finally, pour the custard into serving dishes and let it cool. You can strain it for an extra-smooth texture or leave it as is. Add your preferred topping, and you’re all set for a delightful dessert.
Variations
While this dessert is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it. For a different twist.
you could replace the lemon with orange zest and juice for a bright, citrusy alternative. The same recipe can be used to create a creamy orange custard.
For those who prefer a bit of extra sweetness, you could try adding a spoonful of honey or maple syrup to the milk mixture before heating. This will infuse the custard with an additional layer of flavor.
Another variation would be to replace the vanilla sugar with a bit of ground cinnamon or nutmeg. This will give your dessert a cozy.
spiced warmth, perfect for colder months. You could also add a pinch of ginger for an extra zing.
For a more indulgent treat, you can layer this custard in between crushed cookies or graham crackers.
creating a parfait-like dessert. Top with whipped cream or even a scoop of ice cream for a richer experience.
If you prefer a dairy-free version, you could substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative, such as almond or coconut milk.
You might also want to replace the sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream for a different texture and flavor.
For chocolate lovers, consider adding cocoa powder to the custard mixture for a chocolate-lemon custard fusion.
The addition of dark chocolate shavings as a garnish will add an extra layer of decadence to the dish.
For an extra tangy twist, try adding a little lime juice in place of lemon juice. The acidity of lime, paired with the creamy custard, offers a unique flavor combination that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Tips
When making this dessert, be sure to whisk the egg yolks and sugar thoroughly to ensure the mixture is smooth and fluffy before combining with the milk. This will help create the ideal custard texture.
Keep the heat low while cooking the custard, as high heat can cause it to curdle or burn. Stir constantly to avoid any lumps. The slower you heat it, the smoother the custard will turn out.
To achieve the perfect consistency, remember that the custard will thicken further as it cools. If it becomes too thick
you can always whisk in a small amount of warm milk until you reach your desired consistency.
If you prefer a smoother custard, don’t hesitate to strain the mixture before serving. This will remove any tiny bits of egg or zest, leaving you with a velvety-smooth texture.
You can prepare the custard ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge. This makes it a great option for meal prep or for serving to guests. Simply give it a quick stir before serving.
For a fancy touch, use small mason jars or decorative cups to serve the custard. These add a rustic charm to the presentation and are perfect for individual servings.
Decorating your custard with toppings like fresh fruit, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cinnamon not only enhances the flavor but also gives it an appealing visual contrast.
Conclusion
This homemade dessert is the ultimate go-to for satisfying your sweet cravings without spending much time in the kitchen.
Its balance of flavors and creamy texture make it a treat that’s both indulgent and refreshing. With endless variations and simple steps, it’s a dessert you’ll want to make again and again.
Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, this custard will always be a comforting, easy dessert option for any occasion. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll likely find yourself returning to it time and time again, never tiring of its delicious simplicity.