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French Custard

Makes: 2 1/2 cups (triple the recipe for 15 large (3-3.5") cream puffs)
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Author: Sharon Carroll
Servings: 5
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Print Recipe

Ingredients  

  • cup white sugar
  • 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 1 large egg yolk (beaten)
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream (or 1 cup whipped)

Instructions: 

  • Separate the egg yolk into a mug, beat it, then set it aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt.
  • Gradually stir in the milk.
  • Over medium heat, heat and stir until the mixture thickens and boils.
  • Stirring constantly, cook for 2-3 minutes longer. Remove from heat.
  • Temper the egg yolk. (While whisking constantly, slowly spoon the hot mixture into the egg yolk.)
  • Then, whisking constantly, slowly pour the egg yolk mixture into the saucepan.
  • Whisking constantly, over med/low heat, bring just to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
  • Pour into a bowl, cover the entire surface with plastic wrap (prevents a scum from forming) and cool.
  • While the custard is cooling, beat the cream into whipped cream.
  • When the custard is cooled, beat it smooth then fold in the whipped cream.

Notes:

Make Ahead: You can easily make this ahead of time and just store it in the fridge.
This can be served as is or it can be used as a filling for cream puffs or other pastries.