Vanilla custard, two versions
Homemade custard, rich and vanilla-scented, is made with milk, egg yolks, and sugar, in two possible variations.
Custard is a sweet sauce that accompanies many desserts, such as the “île flottante” (floating island). Here are two recipes, one lighter and one sweeter.
Ingredients and directions
- Prep time15 min
- Cook time15 min
- Resting1 hr
- Total1 hr 30 min
- DifficultyMedium
- CostBudget
- Calories608 kcal/serving
- Cooking methodgentle cooking
- Estimated cost$7.94 $1.99 / serving Estimated price; varies by store. Converted from euros at the ECB rate of October 7, 2026.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Ingredients
people
Lightweight version
- $0.50
- $1.94
- $0.14
- $3.29
A sweeter version
- $0.50
- $1.29
- $0.23
- $0.05
For both versions
Prices from US supermarkets for 5 of 8 ingredients; Belgian prices for the rest.
Directions
- Boil the milk with a pinch of salt and the vanilla pod (or vanilla sugar). You can split the pod and extract the seeds.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar together (reserve the egg whites). The mixture should become pale and smooth and thick – it’s often described as ribbon-like.
- Stop cooking the milk, remove the vanilla pod, and then gradually pour the hot milk into the mixing bowl, mixing well with the sweetened egg yolks.
- Now, stir everything together in the pot and cook over low heat, constantly stirring with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking to the bottom. Be careful not to let it boil, as the cream will curdle. When it thickens and coats the spoon, it’s ready.
- Let the cream cool. Never place it directly in the refrigerator while it’s still warm: wait until it has reached room temperature.
The bill
Vanilla custard, two versions
- ½ liter of milk$0.50
- 6 egg yolks$1.94
- 125 grams of sugar$0.14
- 1 vanilla bean$3.29
- ½ liter of milk$0.50
- 4 egg yolks$1.29
- 200 grams of sugar$0.23
- 1 vanilla bean or 1 packet of vanilla sugar$0.05
Total$7.94
that's $1.99 per person
Estimated price; varies by store.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 608 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 17.3 g |
| Saturated fat | 7.3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 96.3 g |
| Sugars | 95.9 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Protein | 16.7 g |
| Salt | 0.25 g |
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