Delightful Fruit Custard: A Creamy and
Colorful Dessert
Fruit
custard is a delightful and creamy dessert that brings together the richness of
smooth custard with the vibrant freshness of assorted fruits. It’s a classic
treat enjoyed by people of all ages and is perfect for special occasions,
family gatherings, or just a sweet indulgence after dinner. In this blog, we’ll
take you through a step-by-step guide to preparing this mouthwatering dessert,
including tips and variations to make it your own!
Ingredients:
For the
Custard Base:
- 4 cups full-fat milk
- 4 tablespoons custard powder
(vanilla flavor)
- ½ cup sugar (adjust to
taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
(optional)
For the
Fruit Mix:
- 1 cup diced apples
(preferably red, for sweetness)
- 1 cup ripe mango cubes (or
any seasonal fruit)
- ½ cup banana slices
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- ½ cup green or black grapes,
halved
- ½ cup diced pineapple
- ¼ cup chopped strawberries
(optional)
- A handful of cherries for
garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Base
1. Pour 3½
cups of milk into a heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil over
medium heat.
2. In a
separate bowl, mix the custard powder with ½ cup of cold milk to form a smooth,
lump-free slurry.
3. Once the
milk starts boiling, lower the heat and add sugar. Stir well until the sugar
dissolves completely.
4. Gradually
pour the custard slurry into the boiling milk, stirring continuously to prevent
lumps.
5. Keep
stirring and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the custard thickens to a
creamy consistency.
6. Add
vanilla extract and mix well. Turn off the heat and let the custard cool to
room temperature.
Step 2: Chill the Custard
1. Cover the
custard with plastic wrap to avoid a skin forming on the surface.
2. Refrigerate
for at least 1-2 hours or until completely chilled.
Step 3: Prepare the Fruits
1. While the
custard chills, wash and chop all the fruits into bite-sized pieces.
2. Keep the
fruits refrigerated until ready to use to maintain freshness.
Step 4: Assemble the Fruit Custard
1. Once the
custard is chilled, take it out of the refrigerator and give it a quick whisk
to ensure smoothness.
2. Add the
chopped fruits to the custard and gently fold them in, ensuring they are well
coated.
3. Transfer
the fruit custard to serving bowls or a large dessert dish.
4. Garnish
with cherries and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for a colorful presentation.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the fruit custard
chilled as a refreshing dessert.
- You can also layer it with
jelly or top it with whipped cream for added indulgence.
- Accompany it with crispy
wafers or a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat.
Tips and Variations:
1. Use
Seasonal Fruits: Customize
the custard by adding seasonal fruits like kiwis, oranges, or berries.
2. Healthier
Alternatives:
Substitute sugar with honey or maple syrup for a healthier option.
3. Dairy-Free
Option: Use
almond or soy milk and dairy-free custard powder.
4. Flavor
Twist: Add a
pinch of cardamom or a dash of rose water for an aromatic touch.
5. Nutty
Delight: Sprinkle
chopped nuts like almonds, pistachios, or cashews on top for added texture.
Storage Tips:
Fruit
custard can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2
days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh to keep the fruits from becoming soggy.