Fruit Custard
A refreshing and creamy fruit custard featuring tender pear slices and citrus segments, perfect for light desserts or summer gatherings. Sweet, tangy, and visually appealing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain fruit, reserving syrups.
- Cut pears in half lengthwise.
- Measure syrups to make 1 1/2 cups.
- Combine fruit syrups, lemon juice, salt, and cornstarch in a small saucepan.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly.
- Add Sweet 'n Low.
- Add a small amount of hot mixture to well-beaten egg and blend thoroughly.
- Return the mixture to the hot saucepan and add grated lemon peel. Cool.
- Place a small amount of lemon custard in the bottom of 4 sherbet glasses.
- Arrange 4 pear slices, spoke fashion, in the custard. Divide remaining custard over pears.
- Garnish with 2 orange segments.
- Chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter custard, consider using ripe pears or adding a touch of honey instead of Sweet 'n Low. If you want to make it dairy-free, substitute the egg with silken tofu blended until smooth. For a thicker custard, increase the cornstarch slightly. Stir constantly while cooking to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fruit custard chilled for a refreshing dessert. It pairs beautifully with Just The Best Cookies for a delightful contrast in texture. Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream on top or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor. This dessert is perfect for gatherings or as a light end to a meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fruit custard in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until just warmed through, as the custard can separate if heated too quickly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit Custard contains roughly 11 calories, with 0g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 488mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different fruits in this custard?
Absolutely! You can substitute Bartlett pears with any of your favorite fruits, such as peaches, berries, or apples. Just keep in mind that different fruits may alter the flavor and sweetness of the custard, so adjust the Sweet 'n Low accordingly.
Is it possible to make this custard without eggs?
Yes, you can make an eggless version of this custard by using cornstarch as a thickener and incorporating silken tofu for creaminess. Blend the tofu until smooth and combine it with the cooked fruit syrup mixture for a delicious alternative.
How can I make this dessert more colorful?
To add vibrant colors, mix in a variety of fruits such as strawberries, kiwi, or blueberries along with the pears and orange segments. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a range of flavors to the custard.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).