Old-Fashioned Vanilla Baked Custard — Silky, Elegant, and Timelessly Comforting
Maya ChenThere’s something deeply soothing about Old-Fashioned Vanilla Baked Custard—a dessert that requires no flour, no buttercream, no fancy techniques. Just eggs, milk, vanilla, and gentle heat transformed into a silky, trembling spoonful of nostalgia.
Baked in a water bath until just set, then dusted with fragrant nutmeg, this custard is the epitome of simple luxury. It’s what grandmothers made for Sunday supper, what French chefs call crème renversée, and what your soul craves on a quiet evening.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🥄 Silky-smooth texture—no curdling, no graininess
⏱️ 10-minute prep, then hands-off baking
💰 Pantry staples only—eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla
❤️ Nostalgic & elegant—feels special without effort
🌿 Naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable
“It’s not dessert—it’s a moment of calm in a ramekin.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 6)
3 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
4 large eggs, room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
½ tsp salt
Ground nutmeg, for topping
Butter, for greasing ramekins
💡 Pro Tip: Use whole milk—low-fat versions can make custard watery.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Simple & Foolproof):