Simple Homemade Custard Recipe
The cake pictured is a tangy lime flavored cake with a sweet whipped buttercream icing… but wait there’s more! You see the drip? Its a homemade key lime custard… lets get into it!
A couple years ago I tried my hand at making a homemade banana pudding. Not the kind where you use box pudding… but the one you actually bake. Although it was quite labor intensive, it was TO DIE FOR! I tweaked my original stove top pudding/custard recipe to incorporate the lime flavor.
This cake like many things in my life was inspired by my mother, and for my mother. She loves all things lemon or key lime and when her birthday came around I figured this was the perfect opportunity.
A simple box pudding would have sufficed, but hey I like to take the road less traveled. If you’re interested in this fool proof homemade custard recipe, let’s get to it.
All you need are a few simple ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (highly recommended over AP flour)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)
*DISCLAIMER* When working with dairy products such as milk and eggs, it is extremely important not to use high temperatures, or leave the mixture unattended as it may burn!
- In a medium saucepan, combine milk and heavy cream over medium heat. Heat and stir for about 2-3 minutes or until the mixture is warm (but not boiling as the mixture will curdle).
- Once the milk and cream mixture is warm, turn off the heat and set aside.
- In a medium bowl combine lime juice, egg yolks, sugar, salt, cornstarch and lightly mix until the mixture is smooth.
- Slowly pour the egg and sugar mixture into the saucepan while gently whisking. (Careful not to pour too fast and cook the yolks, we want to temper them.)
- Return the saucepan onto the stove and stir on medium heat until thickened, about 6 -8 minutes depending on your stove. At this point it is important to pay attention to the mixture to ensure that it does not burn. I recommend using a rubber spatula.
- Once the mixture has thickened, take it off the heat (it will continue to thicken as it cools).
- Optional: Drop in the tablespoon of butter and stir until it is melted and fully combined, this adds a creamy and rich finish to the custard.
- Transfer into a heat-safe container and cool for 2-4 hours.
- Enjoy with graham crackers, fruit, or by itself!
