Description
Luxuriously smooth and airy custards infused with real vanilla bean, baked gently in a water bath and topped with optional whipped cream for a delicate ‘cloud’ finish. Perfect for elegant occasions or a refined treat at home.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 whole vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- Warm water (as needed for water bath)
- Optional: 1/2 cup whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Position a rack in the center.
- In a saucepan, combine whole milk and heavy cream. Add the split vanilla bean and seeds. Warm over medium heat until steaming, then remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and salt until slightly pale.
- Gradually pour the warm vanilla mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly.
- Strain the custard through a fine sieve into a clean bowl to remove solids and the vanilla pod.
- Place 6 ramekins in a deep baking dish and divide the custard evenly among them.
- Pour warm water into the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the custards are set around the edges but still slightly wobbly in the center.
- Remove ramekins from the water bath and let cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Top with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh vanilla bean for the most intense flavor.
- Avoid overbaking to keep the custards silky and smooth.
- Let the milk cool slightly before mixing with yolks to prevent curdling.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk for both cream and milk.
- Whipped cream topping adds a lovely light contrast to the rich custard.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 custard
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
