About the Recipe
Indulge in a luscious and elegant dessert experience with this delightful recipe for vanilla custard with mixed berries. This dessert is a harmonious marriage of creamy custard infused with fragrant vanilla, paired with an assortment of vibrant mixed berries that add a burst of freshness and natural sweetness to each spoonful. Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations, this dessert is sure to captivate your taste buds and leave a lasting impression.
The journey to creating this delectable treat begins with a velvety smooth custard base, made from wholesome ingredients like whole milk, egg yolks, sugar, and a touch of cornstarch for a silky texture. As the custard gently cooks on the stove, the kitchen fills with the warm aroma of vanilla, creating an inviting ambiance that sets the stage for a memorable dessert experience.
Once the custard reaches its perfect consistency—thick enough to coat the back of a spoon—it is infused with pure vanilla extract, adding a rich and aromatic flavor that elevates the dessert to new heights. The custard is then lovingly chilled until it reaches a luxurious creaminess, ready to be spooned into individual serving bowls or glasses.
But the magic doesn't stop there. This dessert truly shines with the addition of mixed berries, a medley of nature's finest treasures. Juicy strawberries, plump blueberries, and tart raspberries come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures that complement the smoothness of the custard perfectly.
Each spoonful of this dessert is a celebration of contrasts—the creamy richness of the custard juxtaposed with the vibrant burst of freshness from the mixed berries. For an extra touch of visual appeal and freshness, a garnish of fresh mint leaves adds a pop of color and an invigorating aroma.
Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a moment of indulgence, this vanilla custard with mixed berries is a dessert that promises to delight your senses and leave you craving more. So, embrace the sweetness of life with this exquisite dessert creation and savor every spoonful of this heavenly combination.
Ingredients
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) for serving
Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Prepare the Custard Base:
In a saucepan, heat the whole milk over medium heat until it's warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined.
Temper the Eggs:
Slowly pour a small amount of the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. This prevents them from curdling when added to the hot milk later.
Gradually add the remaining warm milk to the egg mixture, whisking continuously until smooth.
Cook the Custard:
Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan and return it to the stove over medium heat.
Cook the custard mixture, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk, until it thickens and coats the back of the spoon. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Do not let it boil.
Flavor with Vanilla:
Once the custard has thickened, remove it from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a delightful aroma and flavor to the custard.
Chill the Custard:
Transfer the custard to a clean bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, making sure the wrap touches the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming.
Chill the custard in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until completely cooled and set.
Serve with Mixed Berries:
To serve, spoon the chilled vanilla custard into individual serving bowls or glasses.
Top the custard with a generous amount of mixed berries, such as sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
Garnish and Enjoy:
Garnish the dessert with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and added freshness, if desired.
Serve the vanilla custard with mixed berries immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
This dessert is a delightful combination of creamy vanilla custard and vibrant mixed berries, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and freshness. It's an elegant and refreshing treat that's sure to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet cravings. Enjoy!
God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees, flowers, clouds, and stars. - Martin Luther