Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for this incredible Vanilla Custard! Here are four irresistible reasons why it’s about to become your new favorite:

Silky Smooth Perfection: Imagine a dessert that melts in your mouth with every spoonful. This vanilla custard delivers an unbelievably luxurious, velvety texture that’s pure bliss. No grainy surprises here, just creamy dreams!
Rich & Authentic Vanilla Flavor: We’re not talking about a subtle hint; this recipe celebrates the true depth and aromatic beauty of vanilla. It’s warm, comforting, and utterly delicious, making every bite a delightful escape.
Guilt-Free Indulgence: Yes, you read that right! This isn’t just a treat; it’s a wonderfully healthy option. Low in carbs, sugar-free, and packed with good fats, it’s a keto-friendly dream come true that supports your wellness goals without sacrificing flavor.
Versatility at Its Best: Whether you’re craving a simple, elegant dessert served in individual jars or a sophisticated filling for your favorite tarts and pastries, this vanilla custard adapts beautifully. It’s the perfect canvas for your culinary creativity!

Unleash Your Inner Dessert Wizard with This Healthy Vanilla Custard!

Ever dreamt of a dessert so divinely creamy, so intensely vanilla, that it feels like a warm hug in a bowl, yet is delightfully healthy? Stop dreaming, because your culinary genie just granted your wish! We’re diving headfirst into the world of homemade Vanilla Custard, but with a twist – it’s low-carb, sugar-free, and utterly guilt-free. Forget those bland, sugary imposters. This is the real deal: silky, sweet, rich, and bursting with authentic vanilla flavor, designed to make your taste buds sing without derailing your healthy eating journey. Get ready to whisk, simmer, and chill your way to a dessert masterpiece that’s so good, you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life!

Ingredients for Your Dreamy Vanilla Custard

Gather your magic potion ingredients! You’ll need just a handful of simple items to create this luscious Vanilla Custard.

🥛 1 cup heavy whipping cream (240 ml)
🥛 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (480 ml)
🥄 2-3 tsp gelatin powder
💧 2 tbsp water (30 ml)
🥚 8 large egg yolks
🧁 1/2 cup Allulose, Erythritol, or Swerve (100 g)
🧈 1 stick unsalted butter (115 g)
🍦 1 tbsp sugar-free vanilla extract

Detailed Step-by-Step Directions to Vanilla Custard Perfection

Ready to create some magic? Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be enjoying the most exquisite Vanilla Custard in no time!

Warm the Milks: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy whipping cream and unsweetened almond milk. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture just begins to simmer gently. You’ll see tiny bubbles forming around the edges. Be careful not to let it boil vigorously.
Bloom the Gelatin: While your milk mixture heats, sprinkle the gelatin powder over 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small, heatproof bowl. Let it sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes. This process, called “blooming,” allows the gelatin granules to absorb the water and swell, preparing them for dissolution.
Whisk the Yolks & Sweetener: In a separate large, heatproof bowl, whisk the 8 large egg yolks together with your chosen sweetener (Allulose, Erythritol, or Swerve) until the mixture becomes visibly pale and slightly thickened. This usually takes 2-3 minutes of vigorous whisking.
Temper the Eggs: This is a crucial step to prevent scrambling your eggs! Slowly, in a thin, steady stream, ladle about half of your hot milk mixture into the whisked egg yolk and sweetener mixture, whisking constantly and vigorously. This gradually raises the temperature of the egg yolks without cooking them.
Combine & Cook: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot milk. Return the saucepan to medium-low heat. Cook, stirring constantly with a whisk or rubber spatula, ensuring you scrape the bottom and sides of the pot. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens slightly and reaches 70°C (160°F) on an instant-read thermometer. At this temperature, the custard will coat the back of a spoon. Do not boil.
Dissolve Gelatin: Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Add the bloomed gelatin to the hot custard mixture. Whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the gelatin is completely dissolved and no granules remain. The residual heat from the custard will melt the gelatin.
Add Butter & Vanilla: Stir in the unsalted butter until it’s fully melted and incorporated, making the custard even richer and glossier. Finally, mix in the sugar-free vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
Chill to Perfection: Pour the warm Vanilla Custard into individual serving jars, ramekins, or a larger dish. Allow it to cool slightly at room temperature, then cover loosely and refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours, or ideally overnight, until it is fully set and firm.

Delightful Ways to Present and Serve Your Vanilla Custard

Once your exquisite Vanilla Custard is perfectly set, it’s time for the grand reveal! This versatile dessert can be presented in myriad ways to suit any occasion.

Elegant Jars: The simplest and often most charming way is to serve it chilled in small, individual glass jars. This makes for easy portion control and a beautiful presentation.
Berry Bliss: Top your custard with a handful of fresh, low-carb berries like raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries. The tartness of the fruit perfectly complements the rich sweetness of the custard.
Whipped Cream & Shavings: A dollop of sugar-free whipped cream and a sprinkle of sugar-free chocolate shavings or a dusting of cinnamon can elevate the visual appeal and add another layer of texture and flavor.
Layered Parfait: For a more elaborate dessert, layer the custard with sugar-free granola or crumbled keto cookies and berries in a tall glass.
Fruit & Nut Extravaganza: A sprinkle of toasted slivered almonds or chopped pecans can add a delightful crunch. Consider a small sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color.
Dessert Filling: Use the set custard as a decadent, creamy filling for your low-carb tarts, keto pie crusts, or even as a base for trifles. It holds its shape beautifully once chilled.

Storing Your Heavenly Vanilla Custard

Once you’ve made a batch of this glorious Vanilla Custard, you’ll want to make sure it stays fresh and delicious! Proper storage is key.

Refrigeration is Essential: Always store your vanilla custard in an airtight container or individual jars with lids in the refrigerator. This prevents it from absorbing odors from other foods and keeps it fresh.
How Long Does It Last? When stored correctly in the refrigerator, your homemade vanilla custard will remain fresh and delightful for up to 3-5 days. Beyond this, the quality might start to decline, though it may still be safe to eat.
Serving Temperature: This custard is best served chilled, straight from the refrigerator. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods, especially during warmer weather, as dairy-based products can spoil quickly.
Freezing (Not Recommended): While you can technically freeze custard, it’s generally not recommended for gelatin-set custards. The freezing and thawing process can cause the texture to become watery or grainy, diminishing its silky smooth quality. Enjoy it fresh!

Vanilla Custard FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered!

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying this fantastic Vanilla Custard:

Q: What makes this Vanilla Custard “healthy” or “keto-friendly”?
A: This recipe uses sugar-free sweeteners (Allulose, Erythritol, Swerve) instead of refined sugar, and unsweetened almond milk and heavy cream for healthy fats, keeping the carb count very low. It’s designed to fit into a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle.
Q: Can I use different sweeteners?
A: Yes, you can use other granulated sugar-free sweeteners like Monk Fruit blend, but adjust the quantity according to the specific sweetener’s potency and your taste preferences. Always check the conversion ratios for your chosen sweetener.
Q: What if I don’t have almond milk? Can I use another type of milk?
A: You can substitute unsweetened coconut milk (from a carton, not canned) for a slightly different flavor profile. If not strictly keto, regular whole milk could be used, but it will increase the carb count significantly.
Q: Why do I need gelatin in this recipe? Can I skip it?
A: The gelatin is crucial for achieving the firm, yet silky, set texture of this custard, especially since it’s a low-carb version without starches. If you skip it, your custard will likely be more of a thick pudding consistency rather than a firm, sliceable custard.
Q: Why do I need to cook the mixture to 70°C (160°F)?
A: Cooking to this temperature helps to pasteurize the egg yolks for safety and allows the custard to thicken properly through the coagulation of the egg proteins. It’s also the ideal temperature for the gelatin to dissolve perfectly without boiling the mixture.
Q: Can I use whole eggs instead of just egg yolks?
A: While technically possible, using only egg yolks gives this Vanilla Custard its incredibly rich, creamy texture and beautiful yellow hue. Using whole eggs would result in a lighter, less custardy consistency.
Q: My custard didn’t set properly. What went wrong?
A: Common reasons include: not enough gelatin, gelatin not fully dissolved, not cooking the mixture to the correct temperature (which affects thickening and gelatin activation), or not chilling it long enough. Ensure you measure precisely and allow adequate chilling time.
Q: Is this recipe dairy-free if I use coconut cream instead of heavy cream?
A: Substituting unsweetened full-fat canned coconut cream for heavy whipping cream (and ensuring almond milk is used) would make this recipe dairy-free. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Q: Can I add other flavors to this Vanilla Custard?
A: Absolutely! Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon, a hint of orange or lemon zest, a tablespoon of sugar-free coffee extract, or even a tiny amount of sugar-free rum extract for a different twist.
Q: Is this Vanilla Custard good for meal prepping?
A: Yes, it’s excellent for meal prepping! Since it requires a long chilling time, it’s perfect to make ahead. Store individual servings in small jars, and you’ll have a delightful, healthy dessert ready to grab and enjoy throughout the week.

Vanilla Custard

Silky, creamy, sweet, and rich with vanilla flavor, delightfully healthy.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 8

Total Time 8 15

Servings 8 servings

Calories 284 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 cups unsweetened almond milk
2-3 tsp gelatin powder
2 tbsp water
8 large egg yolks
1/2 cup Allulose, Erythritol, or Swerve
1 stick unsalted butter
1 tbsp sugar-free vanilla extract

Instructions

Heat the heavy cream and almond milk in a saucepan until simmering.
Soak gelatin in cold water for 2-3 minutes.
Whisk egg yolks with sweetener until pale.
Gradually add hot milk mixture to eggs, whisking constantly.
Return mixture to the pot, cook until 70°C (160°F).
Dissolve gelatin in the hot mixture, then remove from heat.
Stir in butter and vanilla, then refrigerate until set.
Serve chilled in jars or use as dessert filling.

Notes

Serve chilled in jars or use as dessert filling.

Nutrition per serving: Calories: 284 kcal, Total Carbs: 2.5 g, Net Carbs: 2.3 g, Fats: 28.1 g, Protein: 4.5 g

Best Creamy Vanilla Custard Recipe – Quick & Easy!