Craving something sweet, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Let me introduce you to the magic of a sweetened condensed milk custard recipe—a dessert that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Growing up, my family used to make this simple treat for special evenings and rainy afternoons. There’s just something comforting about the creamy texture and caramel notes that always bring people together.
If you’re new to making custard or just want a foolproof way to impress your loved ones, you’re in the right place. Stick with me and I’ll walk you through each step, sharing my favorite tips so you can master this classic, cozy dessert at home. For another easy and delicious treat, try this condensed milk pound cake, perfect for sharing and just as comforting.
What is Sweetened Condensed Milk Custard?
Sweetened condensed milk custard is a creamy, velvety dessert that’s both simple and satisfying. It’s made by blending eggs, sweetened condensed milk, and a touch of vanilla, then gently baking until set. What sets this custard apart is the richness and natural sweetness the condensed milk brings—no extra sugar needed! In many homes, especially across South Asia, custard with sweetened condensed milk is a go-to treat for family gatherings or a quick fix when you crave something special.
Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven or chilled straight from the fridge, this custard never fails to comfort and delight. For another sweet treat, check out this condensed milk pound cake—easy to make and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients for Sweetened Condensed Milk Custard Recipe
To make this sweetened condensed milk custard recipe, you only need a few pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ¼ cups of hot water
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Equipment and Tools
You don’t need fancy gadgets to make a custard with sweetened condensed milk recipe—just a few basics found in most kitchens. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Strainer
- Baking dish or ramekins
- Large pan for water bath
Cooking Time and Serving People
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6 People
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Custard Recipe
Making custard with sweetened condensed milk is as easy as it gets—even if you’re new in the kitchen. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a smooth and creamy custard every time:
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place your baking dish or ramekins inside a large, deep pan so you’re ready for a water bath.
Step 2: Mix the Milk Base: In a bowl, combine 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk with 1 ¼ cups of hot water. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
Step 3: Whisk the Eggs: In another bowl, beat 3 large eggs with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overbeat.
Step 4: Combine and Strain: Slowly pour the milk mixture into the eggs, stirring gently the whole time. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into your prepared baking dish or ramekins to catch any lumps and make your custard extra smooth.
Step 5: Set Up the Water Bath and Bake: Place the filled baking dish or ramekins into the large pan. Carefully pour hot water into the pan, about halfway up the sides of the dish. Put everything in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, until the custard is set but still a little wobbly in the center.
Step 6: Cool, Chill, and Serve: Take the pan out of the oven. Let the custard cool in the water bath for about 15 minutes. If you want it chilled, place it in the fridge for 2 hours. You can also enjoy it warm if you like!
Serving Ideas for Sweetened Condensed Milk Custard Recipe
Looking for ways to make your custard even more special? Here are some easy and tasty ideas to try:
1. Classic Style: Serve the custard plain, either warm or cold. A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg on top can add a lovely aroma.
2. With Fresh Fruits: Add sliced strawberries, mango, or bananas for a burst of freshness and color. Seasonal fruits work great and add a natural sweetness.
3. As a Custard Pie: Pour your custard into a baked pie shell and chill. This turns your custard into a simple custard pie recipe with sweetened condensed milk—perfect for family dinners or celebrations.
4. Layered Parfaits: Make easy parfaits by layering custard with crushed biscuits, cookies, or cake pieces. Top with whipped cream for an extra treat.
5. Festive Garnishes: Sprinkle toasted coconut, chopped nuts, or dried fruit on top for crunch and extra flavor. This enhances your dessert, making it perfect for festivals or family gatherings. Try it with the Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake for a truly festive treat.
6. Drizzled with Caramel: Elevate your dessert by adding a spoonful of caramel sauce or a drizzle of honey on top, giving each bite extra sweetness and a rich, indulgent finish.
7. Mini Custard Cups: Serve your custard in small cups or ramekins for easy, single servings. They’re perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or as individual desserts, making presentation simple yet elegant while keeping portions just right.
Tips for Making Custard with Sweetened Condensed Milk
Making the perfect custard with sweetened condensed milk is easy if you keep a few handy tips in mind. Here are some beginner-friendly pointers to help you get the best results every time:
1. Use Fresh Eggs: Fresh eggs give your custard a smoother texture and richer taste.
2. Mix Gently: Beat the eggs just until combined. Mixing too hard can make the custard bubbly instead of silky.
3. Strain the Mixture: Always strain the custard mixture before pouring it into the baking dish. This step removes any eggy bits and keeps your custard smooth.
4. Baking in a Water Bath: Place your dish inside a bigger pan with hot water before baking. The steam helps the custard cook evenly and stops it from drying out or cracking.
5. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your custard near the end. The edges should look firm, but the center should still jiggle a little. Overbaking can make the custard tough.
6. Cool Gradually: Let your custard cool in the water bath after baking. This stops it from shrinking or splitting. For a chilled treat, move it to the fridge after it cools.
7. Try Fun Flavors: Want to change things up? Mix in a little ground cardamom, lemon zest, or even a sprinkle of nutmeg before baking.
8. Easy Serving: Custard is great warm or cold, so serve it however your family likes best.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for Custard Recipes
Keeping your sweetened condensed milk custard fresh and tasty is easy with a few simple tricks. Here’s how to store and plan:
1. Refrigerate Leftovers: Once your custard has cooled, cover it with plastic wrap or a lid and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
2. Serve Chilled or Warm: You can enjoy custard straight from the fridge or gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.
3. Avoid Freezing: Custard doesn’t freeze well. The texture can turn grainy after thawing, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
4. Make Ahead: Custard with sweetened condensed milk is a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it the day before and let it chill overnight. This actually makes the flavor richer and the texture smoother.
5. Individual Portions: For easy serving, bake custard in small ramekins. This way, you can cover and chill them individually—great for lunchboxes or parties.
6. Prevent Skin: If you don’t like the thin skin that sometimes forms on top, place a piece of plastic wrap right on the surface before chilling.
Sweetened Condensed Milk Custard Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Strainer
- Baking dish or ramekins
- Large pan for water bath
Ingredients
- 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ¼ cups hot water
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place your baking dish or ramekins inside a large, deep pan so you’re ready for a water bath.
- Mix the Milk Base: In a bowl, combine 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk with 1 ¼ cups of hot water. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
- Whisk the Eggs: In another bowl, beat 3 large eggs with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overbeat.
- Combine and Strain: Slowly pour the milk mixture into the eggs, stirring gently the whole time. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into your prepared baking dish or ramekins to catch any lumps and make your custard extra smooth.
- Set Up the Water Bath and Bake: Place the filled baking dish or ramekins into the large pan. Carefully pour hot water into the pan, about halfway up the sides of the dish. Put everything in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, until the custard is set but still a little wobbly in the center.
- Cool, Chill, and Serve: Take the pan out of the oven. Let the custard cool in the water bath for about 15 minutes. If you want it chilled, place it in the fridge for 2 hours. You can also enjoy it warm if you like!
Video
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs and good-quality sweetened condensed milk make a big difference in taste and texture.
- Strain for Smoothness: Always strain your custard mixture before baking for the creamiest, lump-free result.
- Water Bath Matters: The water bath helps the custard bake evenly and stay silky. Don’t skip this step!
- Check for Jiggle: Your custard is done when the edges are set and the center still has a gentle jiggle.
- Flavor Variations: Try adding cardamom, nutmeg, citrus zest, or even a little instant coffee for a twist.
- Serving Ideas: Top with fresh fruit, caramel, or nuts to make it extra special.
- Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the fridge and enjoy within 3 days. Avoid freezing, as texture can suffer.
- Make Ahead: This custard tastes even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight—perfect for parties or meal prep.
FAQs about Custard with Sweetened Condensed Milk
Making custard with sweetened condensed milk is simple, but you might still have a few questions. Here are detailed answers to the most common ones, so you can feel confident every time you bake!
Can I make custard with condensed milk?
Yes, you can make custard with sweetened condensed milk. In fact, it’s a popular shortcut that gives custard a rich, creamy texture and perfect sweetness. All you need to do is mix it with eggs and a bit of hot water, then bake gently. The result is a smooth, delicious dessert that’s easy to prepare, even for beginners.
What can I make with a can of sweetened condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is super versatile! You can make classic custard, caramel flan, tres leches cake, fudge, kulfi, Vietnamese iced coffee, or even no-churn ice cream. It adds creaminess and sweetness to drinks and desserts. From puddings to pies, it’s a handy ingredient that brings delicious results to any sweet treat you want to whip up.
Sweetened condensed milk pudding recipe?
To make an easy pudding, mix 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, 2 cups whole milk, 3 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Pour into a baking dish, place in a water bath, and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 40 minutes. Chill before serving for a creamy, dreamy dessert that’s a hit with everyone—simple, rich, and delicious!
Can you make custard with condensed milk?
Absolutely! Condensed milk custard is simple and quick. By using condensed milk, eggs, and hot water, you get a smooth, creamy custard with just the right amount of sweetness. It saves time and delivers great taste. It’s a perfect recipe for both everyday desserts and special occasions when you want something easy and impressive.
Can you use condensed milk in custard?
Yes, condensed milk is ideal for making custard. It gives a silky, rich texture and adds the right level of sweetness, so you don’t need extra sugar. Just mix it with eggs and bake. This method is loved in many cultures because it’s simple and produces delicious results every time.
Can I freeze sweetened condensed milk custard?
It’s not recommended to freeze custard made with sweetened condensed milk. Freezing can change the texture, making it watery or grainy after thawing. Custard is best stored in the fridge and enjoyed within three days for the creamiest texture and best taste.
Can I use low-fat sweetened condensed milk?
Yes, you can use low-fat sweetened condensed milk for custard. The result will be a little less rich, but it will still taste good and be creamy. Keep in mind that full-fat versions tend to give a silkier texture, but low-fat is a good option if you want to cut some calories.
Could you make this a lemon custard by adding lemon juice?
You can add lemon zest for fresh flavor, but adding lemon juice directly may curdle the custard. For lemon custard, mix in lemon zest or use a recipe designed to balance acidity. If you want a true lemon custard, look for a baked lemon custard recipe that blends eggs, condensed milk, and lemon for the best results.
Is condensed milk the same as custard?
No, condensed milk is not the same as custard. Condensed milk is a sweet, thick milk used as an ingredient in desserts, while custard is a dessert made by baking or cooking eggs and milk (sometimes with condensed milk) until thickened. Condensed milk helps make custard, but they’re not interchangeable.
What can I use to flavor the custard?
You can flavor custard with vanilla, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, or citrus zest. For a richer twist, try adding cocoa, instant coffee, or even a splash of almond or coconut extract. Fresh fruits, caramel, or toasted nuts also make tasty toppings and bring extra personality to your homemade custard!
Conclusion
Sweetened condensed milk custard is one of those desserts that warms the heart and satisfies the sweet tooth—all with just a few simple ingredients. It’s creamy, rich, and easy to make, even if you don’t bake often. Once you master this custard base, you can play around with flavors like vanilla, citrus, or warm spices. Make it ahead, chill it, or serve it warm—whatever feels right in the moment. Give this recipe a try soon, share it with friends, and don’t forget to enjoy every spoonful.
Want inspiration for how others are serving custard or twists people are doing? Check out this Pinterest board full of ideas: CookUpp Recipes Pinterest
[…] Check for Lumps: Straining your custard is key to a silky texture. Don’t skip the fine mesh strainer—it catches any bits of cooked egg or […]