Among the many classic desserts out there, custards are one of the most pleasing. They’re easy to eat and have a richness that no pudding can touch thanks to a generous amount of eggs in the mix. Not surprisingly this type of dessert is often referred to as an egg custard, but it’s also called an Amish custard. The Amish are well known for their decadent desserts and made-from-scratch delicacies, as you’ll know if you’ve ever bought any Amish treats in your travels. But, this was once a popular dish all across the country- particularly in farming areas where fresh eggs were plentiful.
This recipe is simple, but produces a spot-on custard every time.
To begin making this recipe you’ll need to combine a can of sweetened condensed milk and some hot water. Then temper the eggs by adding a little bit of the hot milk mixture into the beaten eggs. Repeat a few times and then you can combine both bowls fully.
Only after the eggs have been tempered should you add in some vanilla extract. Then pour the mixture into ramekins to bake or use a 2-quart pan and then dish out individual servings at dessert time.
You can, of course, add some whipped cream or berries on top of your custard. But, this simple and elegant dessert needs nothing but a sprinkle of nutmeg on top to be wonderfully delicious. Use freshly grated nutmeg if you can since that gives the most delightful flavor.
This luscious custard is so creamy and so filled with vanilla flavor that it’s no wonder people have been loving it for generations. It can be a nostalgic treat for many and well worth the bake time to recreate a dessert that holds such fond memories.
INGREDIENTS
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 cups hot water
•
1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 eggs
• nutmeg for garnish
PREPARATION
1 Preheat oven to 325°F. Combine condensed milk and hot water in a large glass or metal bowl. 2 In a separate bowl beat eggs until light in color and fluffy in texture. Pour a bit of the hot
milk mixture into eggs to temper, then combine them fully. Stir in vanilla and salt. Pour into ramekins and place on baking pan with high sides. Or use a 2-quart baking dish instead. 3 Fill separate pan with half inch of hot water and place ramekins in water bath to bake. If
using larger pan for custard that won’t fit in another pan you may set a pan of water on another shelf of the oven during baking. Bake for 1 hour or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. If using larger baking dish bake for 1 hour 40 minutes.
4 Allow custard to cool for 1 hour. Sprinkle with nutmeg and serve warm or refrigerate to serve chilled.