Amish Baked Custard is a comforting and simple dessert made with a rich, smooth custard base and baked until it’s set to perfection. It’s a traditional dish that’s creamy, sweet, and subtly spiced with nutmeg.
Here’s a recipe for Amish Baked Custard:
Amish Baked Custard Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for added richness)
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or butter a 9-inch pie dish or 8×8-inch square baking dish.
2. Prepare the Custard Base:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture is smooth. Add the vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt, and mix again.
- Slowly add the warm milk to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
3. Bake the Custard:
- Pour the custard mixture into the prepared baking dish. If you like, you can dot the top of the custard with small bits of butter for extra richness.
- Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg evenly over the top of the custard for flavor and decoration.
4. Water Bath (Optional, but Recommended for Even Cooking):
- To ensure the custard bakes evenly and doesn’t curdle, place the baking dish into a larger pan. Fill the larger pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the custard dish. This water bath will help regulate the heat and cook the custard gently.
5. Bake:
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the custard is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The custard should be firm but still have a slight jiggle in the center when you gently shake the dish.
6. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the custard to cool at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to the fridge to cool completely.
- Serve chilled, with an extra sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon on top for garnish.
Tips:
- Water Bath: If you don’t have a large pan to make a water bath, you can skip it, but using it helps create an even texture and prevents the custard from cracking or curdling.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The custard can be served cold or at room temperature.
- Variations: You can add a little cinnamon to the custard mixture for a different flavor, or even use a bit of brown sugar for a richer taste.
This Amish Baked Custard is a simple, nostalgic dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings or any time you’re craving something comforting and homemade!