Creamy Lemon Custard Delight
A homemade dessert that never gets old is a true gem. Whether you’re in the mood for something light, refreshing, or comfortingly creamy, this quick and easy silky lemon custard is the answer. Ready in minutes, it offers the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes it impossible to resist.
This custard captures the essence of simplicity — made with everyday ingredients yet tasting like something from a fine patisserie. The combination of creamy milk, zesty lemon, and sweetened condensed milk creates a luxurious flavor harmony that brightens any occasion. Serve it warm for cozy comfort or chilled for a refreshing, summery finish.
Ingredients
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- 400 ml milk
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 40 g sugar
- 15 g cornstarch
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 100 g sweetened condensed milk
- Optional garnish: cinnamon, cocoa powder, grated chocolate, lemon zest curls, or fresh mint leaves
Instructions
1. Infuse the Milk
In a medium saucepan, pour in the milk and add the lemon zest and vanilla sugar. Warm gently over medium heat until the milk begins to steam but not boil. This helps the lemon zest release its natural oils, infusing the milk with a fragrant citrus aroma. Once warmed, remove from heat and set aside for a few minutes to let the flavors deepen.
2. Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Whisk vigorously until the mixture turns pale and creamy. This step ensures the sugar dissolves completely and prevents the custard from becoming grainy later on.
3. Combine and Cook
Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent curdling. Once combined, return the mixture to the saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or whisk, until the custard begins to thicken. This should take about 2–3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
4. Add the Lemon Juice and Condensed Milk
Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the lemon juice and sweetened condensed milk. The lemon juice adds a pleasant tang, while the condensed milk brings smooth sweetness and richness. Stir until the custard is glossy, velvety, and perfectly blended.
5. Serve and Garnish
Spoon the warm custard into individual serving dishes or small glass bowls. You can serve it warm for a cozy dessert, or let it cool to room temperature and refrigerate for at least 1 hour for a chilled, pudding-like texture.
Before serving, sprinkle with a dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder, or decorate with grated chocolate, a slice of fresh lemon, or a sprig of mint. For a more indulgent touch, top with whipped cream or crushed cookies.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Chilling Time (optional): 1 hour
- Total Time: 10–70 minutes (depending on serving preference)
Tips for Perfect Custard
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- Use fresh lemons: The zest and juice of a fresh lemon give the custard its signature brightness. Avoid bottled juice for the best flavor.
- Don’t rush the cooking: Keep the heat low and stir constantly to prevent lumps or curdling.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a more tart dessert, reduce the condensed milk slightly or add a touch more lemon juice.
- Texture control: For a thicker custard, add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch. For a lighter one, use a bit less.
Serving Suggestions
This silky lemon custard can be served in countless ways:
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- Simple elegance: Enjoy it as-is, topped with a pinch of cinnamon or powdered sugar.
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- With fruit: Add a handful of fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a colorful contrast.
- Layered dessert: Spoon custard into dessert glasses, alternating with crushed cookies, cake crumbs, or granola for a parfait-style treat.
- Pastry filling: Use the custard as a filling for tarts, éclairs, or cream puffs — it’s light yet flavorful enough to complement any pastry.
Conclusion
This Creamy Lemon Custard Delight proves that sometimes the simplest desserts are the most satisfying. With its smooth texture, balanced sweetness, and refreshing citrus tang, it’s a dessert that brings comfort and joy in every spoonful.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weekday treat or an elegant ending to a dinner party, this lemon custard will always shine — creamy, bright, and absolutely irresistible. ✨