Classic Baked Milk Pudding (Printable)

Silky vanilla custard with golden caramelized finish, made from simple ingredients for comforting dessert experiences.

# What You Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 4 cups whole milk
02 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
03 - 3 large eggs

→ Sweeteners

04 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar

→ Flavorings

05 - 2 tsp vanilla extract
06 - Pinch of salt

→ Optional Topping

07 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar for caramelized top

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 325°F. Lightly butter a 2-quart baking dish or six individual ramekins.
02 - In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream. Heat gently over medium heat until just steaming, not boiling.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and pale.
04 - Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
05 - Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a large jug to remove any cooked egg bits.
06 - Pour the custard into the prepared baking dish or ramekins. Place the dish or ramekins in a large roasting pan and fill the pan halfway with hot water to create a water bath.
07 - Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the pudding is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
08 - Remove from the oven and cool slightly. If desired, sprinkle sugar on top and caramelize with a kitchen torch or under the broiler for a golden finish.
09 - Serve warm or chilled.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The texture is impossibly smooth, like velvet on a spoon
  • It uses ingredients you already have in the kitchen
  • The golden caramelized top creates the most satisfying crackle
02 -
  • Never skip the straining step, it is what makes restaurant quality texture
  • The water level should reach halfway up the baking dish, not higher or lower
  • Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and prevent curdling
03 -
  • Place a kitchen towel in the bottom of the water bath to prevent the ramekins from sliding
  • The custard is done when a knife inserted near the edge comes out clean but the center still wobbles

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