Ingredients
Custard base
- 4 cups milk (1 liter, full fat best)
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional but extra creamy)
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for firmer set)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
Caramel top
- 1/3–1/2 cup sugar
Step 1 – Heat the Milk
In a saucepan:
Add:
- Milk
- Cream
- Butter
Heat gently until warm (not boiling).
This helps everything mix smoothly later.
Step 2 – Mix the Custard
In a bowl whisk:
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Flour
- Vanilla
- Salt
Whisk until smooth and lump-free.
No streaks of egg.
Step 3 – Temper the Eggs
Slowly pour warm milk into egg mixture while whisking.
Do this gradually.
If you add hot milk too fast → scrambled eggs 😅
Whisk continuously.
Now pour everything back into the pot.
Step 4 – Cook Until Thick
Cook on medium-low heat.
Stir constantly.
After 5–8 minutes it will:
- Thicken
- Become creamy
- Coat the spoon
Texture should look like thick pudding.
Turn off heat.
Step 5 – Bake
Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F).
Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.
Place dish inside a larger pan with hot water (water bath).
This makes the custard extra smooth and creamy.
Bake 35–45 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in center.
Cool completely.
Then refrigerate 2–3 hours minimum.
Cold custard = perfect texture.
Step 6 – Caramelize the Top
Sprinkle sugar evenly on top.
Now you have two options:
Option 1 (best)
Use kitchen torch → melt sugar until golden and crispy
Option 2
Broiler in oven for 2–3 minutes (watch carefully)
Sugar melts → bubbles → turns amber → hardens
Let sit 2 minutes to crisp.
Step 7 – Serve
Break through that caramel crust with a spoon…
You’ll hear the crack 😍
Scoop and serve.
So creamy it almost melts.
Texture & Flavor
You’ll get:
- Silky smooth custard
- Rich vanilla cream flavor
- Slight buttery notes
- Crunchy caramel top
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture
It’s light but luxurious.
Sweet but not heavy.
Pro Tips
Stir constantly while cooking
Prevents lumps
Water bath is key
Makes texture silky
Chill completely
Warm custard is too soft
Thin sugar layer only
Too thick = hard candy
Delicious Variations
Coconut
Replace some milk with coconut milk
Chocolate
Add melted chocolate to custard
Coffee
Add instant coffee
Lemon
Add zest for fresh flavor
Cheese style
Add cream cheese for cheesecake texture
No eggs
Use only cornstarch + milk
Storage
Fridge:
Up to 3 days
Don’t freeze
Caramelize just before serving for best crunch
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super creamy
- Elegant look
- Simple ingredients
- Budget friendly
- Crowd favorite
- Make ahead dessert
- Restaurant quality
It tastes like something from a fancy café… but you made it at home.
Final Thoughts
If you love creamy desserts like flan or crème brûlée, this baked custard pudding will steal your heart. That contrast between crunchy caramel and silky custard? Absolute perfection.