Craving something creamy and comforting like vanilla custard? Here are 15 easy and delicious vanilla custard recipes you can make at home.
There’s something timeless and comforting about vanilla custard. Its smooth, creamy texture and subtle sweetness make it a dessert everyone loves. Whether you’re enjoying it warm or chilled, it’s a simple treat that brings a touch of elegance to any occasion.
I still remember the first time I made vanilla custard—it was magical. With just a few basic ingredients like milk, eggs, and vanilla, I transformed my kitchen into what felt like a professional patisserie. That first spoonful reminded me how easy and rewarding homemade recipes can be.
Making custard might sound tricky, but it’s surprisingly simple if you follow the right steps. From classic stovetop custards to frozen delights, there’s a recipe for every skill level. With my guidance, you’ll soon be creating silky desserts that rival any bakery.
Each recipe here is tailored to be easy, foolproof, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re pouring it over warm bread pudding or enjoying it straight from the fridge, these custards are sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the world of creamy, dreamy vanilla custard!
1. Homemade Vanilla Custard Recipe
This creamy homemade vanilla custard is made with simple ingredients like egg yolks, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla, and takes just 20 minutes to cook on the stove. After chilling for a few hours, it turns into a smooth, rich dessert that’s perfect for family treats or dinner parties.
Read the Recipe: Homemade Vanilla Custard Recipe
2. Simple Custard
Whisk together eggs, sugar, and cornstarch, then slowly combine them with simmered milk, vanilla, and butter until it thickens into a smooth, silky custard. Serve it warm for comfort or chilled for elegance—either way, it’s a delightfully easy treat.
Read the Recipe: Simple Custard
3. Basic Vanilla Custard
This vanilla custard is quick and easy, ready in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients like milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla. Just heat the milk until it’s bubbling, slowly whisk a bit into the beaten eggs, then cook until thickened — perfect to enjoy on its own or pour over peaches, guavas, or bread pudding!
Read the Recipe: Basic Vanilla Custard
4. Homemade Vanilla Custard
Homemade vanilla custard is a silky, gently sweet dessert made from egg yolks, milk, cream, and a touch of vanilla—ready in minutes on the stovetop. Use it to elevate fruit, cakes, or waffles, or enjoy it by the spoonful straight from the fridge!
Read the Recipe: Homemade Vanilla Custard
5. Homemade Vanilla Custard {Easy}
This easy homemade vanilla custard is smooth, thick, and creamy, made from simple ingredients like milk, sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla. Perfect to enjoy on its own or as a filling in cakes, pies, and tarts, it comes together quickly by heating milk, mixing in a custard mixture, and refrigerating until set.
Read the Recipe: Homemade Vanilla Custard {Easy}
6. Vanilla Custard
This rich and creamy vanilla custard gets its silky texture from egg yolks and heavy cream, making it a perfect match for fresh fruit, cakes, or trifles. With just a little stovetop stirring and a chill in the fridge, you’ll have a dreamy dessert that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Read the Recipe: Vanilla Custard
7. Vanilla Custard (Made With Extract or Vanilla Bean)
Vanilla custard is a simple-to-make, creamy dessert sauce that takes just about 10 minutes using common ingredients, and it can be flavored with vanilla extract, vanilla bean, or vanilla bean paste. Whether you enjoy it warm over cake or chilled with fruit, this versatile treat can also fill éclairs and cream puffs for a delicious experience.
Read the Recipe: Vanilla Custard (Made With Extract or Vanilla Bean)
8. Proper English Vanilla Custard
This creamy, sweet vanilla custard is made with just egg yolks, milk, and cream, and it’s ready in minutes—perfect for pouring over your favorite pudding. Just follow a few simple steps like gentle heating and constant whisking, and you’ll have a smooth, rich custard that’s way better than anything from the store.
Read the Recipe: Proper English Vanilla Custard
9. Vanilla Frozen Custard
Whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, salt, egg yolks, and vanilla extract on the stovetop until thickened, then chill the mixture overnight. Pour into an ice cream machine, freeze until creamy, and enjoy a rich and smooth custard that’s perfect on hot summer days!
Read the Recipe: Vanilla Frozen Custard
10. How to Make Vanilla Bean Custard
This creamy, dreamy vanilla bean custard comes together in just ten minutes with simple ingredients like milk, cream, egg yolks, and a real vanilla bean for rich flavor and those signature specks. Enjoy it warm or chilled, on its own or as a luscious filling for cakes, pies, trifles, and more!
Read the Recipe: How to Make Vanilla Bean Custard
11. Custard
This creamy and comforting custard is a breeze to whip up, made with simple ingredients like egg yolks, milk, and a touch of vanilla for a smooth, luscious finish. Enjoy it warm drizzled over cake or chilled with fruit on top—either way, it’s a sweet treat you’ll make again and again.
Read the Recipe: Custard
12. Vanilla Custard [thegourmetlarder.com]
Creamy homemade vanilla custard is quick and simple to prepare using just a few common ingredients, making it a delicious upgrade from store-bought versions. It has a silky texture and can be enjoyed hot or cold, perfect for pouring over desserts like tarts or eating on its own.
Read the Recipe: Vanilla Custard [thegourmetlarder.com]
13. Homemade Vanilla Custard [cook.me]
Whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla over gentle heat to create a smooth and velvety custard that’s perfect with fresh fruit or on its own. The key is adding the hot milk slowly into the eggs so they don’t scramble—then voilà, dessert magic in just 25 minutes.
Read the Recipe: Homemade Vanilla Custard [cook.me]
14. Creamy Vanilla Custard
Creamy Vanilla Custard is a luscious dessert made with full-fat milk, egg yolks, and real vanilla for a silky smooth texture and subtle flavor. Perfect on its own or topped with fruit, it’s a versatile treat that’s easy to make and simply irresistible.
Read the Recipe: Creamy Vanilla Custard
15. Frozen Vanilla Custard
Enjoy a rich and creamy French-style ice cream by cooking a sweet mixture of sugar, egg yolks, heavy cream, milk, and vanilla, then cooling it completely. Freeze the custard until firm enough to scoop, and you’ll have a delicious treat perfect for hot days!
Read the Recipe: Frozen Vanilla Custard