Fruited Almond Custard
Fruited Almond Custard offers a creamy, sweet treat with fresh fruit and toasted almonds, perfect for a light dessert or brunch to delight family and guests alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a heavy saucepan, mix 1/4 cup of the sugar, the salt, and the cornstarch.
- Stir in the milk.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until slightly thickened.
- Beat egg yolks until thick, then stir in a small amount of the hot mixture.
- Stir the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan and cook, stirring, until the sauce bubbles up.
- Remove from heat and pour into a bowl.
- Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
- Allow to cool.
- Distribute fruit evenly in a shallow 1 1/2-quart lightly buttered baking dish.
- Cover with cooled custard.
- Beat egg whites until almost stiff, then gradually add remaining sugar, beating until stiff.
- Spoon the meringue lightly over the custard.
- Sprinkle with toasted, slivered almonds.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer custard, consider using whole milk instead of 2%. If you want to reduce sugar, substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, adjusting to taste. Ensure to whisk the egg yolks well to avoid lumps. If you have leftovers, you can use them in a fruit parfait or as a base for a trifle, similar to how you might use the custard in It Is Really Better Than Sex? Cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fruited almond custard warm or chilled, perfect as a light dessert after a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside a slice of Apple-Pear Pie or with toasted nuts for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent curdling. Avoid reheating in the oven, as the meringue topping may become overly dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruited Almond Custard contains roughly 607 calories, with 3g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value) and iron (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1848mg per serving (80% 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 for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can customize the fruit according to your preference. Berries, such as strawberries or blueberries, work well, or try tropical fruits like mango or pineapple. Just ensure that the fruits are ripe to enhance the flavor of the custard.
How do I prevent the custard from curdling?
To prevent curdling, temper the egg yolks by gradually adding a small amount of the hot milk mixture to them before combining everything in the saucepan. This helps them adjust to the heat without cooking too quickly. Stir continuously while cooking to maintain an even texture.
Can I make this custard ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the custard in advance! Just follow the recipe until step 8, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, continue with the fruit and meringue steps. This can save time, especially if you're planning to serve it at a gathering.
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).