Strawberry Custard
A delightful strawberry custard combining fresh strawberries and creamy vanilla, perfect for a light dessert or summer treat for family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the egg until frothy in the top of a double boiler.
- Combine sugar, flour, and salt; gradually add to the egg, beating until thick.
- Place milk and pureed strawberries in a saucepan; cook over low heat until thoroughly heated, do not boil.
- Gradually stir about one-fourth of hot milk into the egg mixture; add the remaining milk, stirring constantly.
- Bring water in the double boiler to a boil. Reduce heat to low.
- Cook for 10 to 20 minutes or until the mixture thickens and coats a metal spoon.
- Stir in vanilla.
- Pour custard into a bowl and chill.
- To serve, place 1/2 cup strawberries in each of 4 stemmed glasses.
- Drizzle 1/4 cup chilled custard over each serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother custard, ensure your egg mixture is fully combined before adding it to the warm milk. You can substitute non-dairy milk for a lactose-free version or use honey instead of sugar for a healthier option. Fresh or frozen strawberries can be used interchangeably, just ensure to thaw the frozen ones before pureeing. If you like a hint of spice, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful strawberry custard in elegant stemmed glasses for a beautiful presentation. It pairs beautifully with Curried Rice-Bean Salad for a light meal. Consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream for added flair. This dessert is perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing treat after dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover custard in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain its creamy texture, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling, as it may cause the custard to separate. The strawberries can also be stored separately to keep them fresh.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry Custard contains roughly 808 calories, with 10g protein, 162g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (46% of the Daily Value), calcium (40% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2171mg per serving (94% 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 make this custard ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the custard a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, covered, until you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes for an easy, ready-to-serve dessert for any occasion.
What can I use instead of strawberries?
If strawberries aren't available, you can substitute with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. Each will bring a unique flavor to the custard while maintaining a similar texture. Just adjust the sugar level based on the sweetness of the chosen fruit.
Is it possible to add flavors to the custard?
Absolutely! You can enhance the custard by adding vanilla extract or a splash of almond extract for a nutty flavor. For a tropical twist, try incorporating a little coconut milk with the strawberries. Experimenting with flavors can create a delightful variation of this classic dish.
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).