Description
This Sugar-Free Old-Fashioned Amish Baked Custard is a smooth, creamy, comforting dessert made with simple ingredients. Gently baked in individual ramekins using a water bath, it develops a silky, tender texture with delicate vanilla flavor and a light dusting of warm nutmeg. Serve it chilled for a firm, creamy finish or slightly warm for a cozy, homestyle dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar-free sweetener
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, for topping
- Hot water, as needed for the water bath
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place six 6-ounce ramekins or custard cups inside a deep baking dish.
- Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until hot and steaming, but do not let it boil. Remove from the heat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar-free sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- For an extra-smooth custard, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any cooked egg bits.
- Divide the custard mixture evenly among the ramekins.
- Sprinkle a small amount of ground nutmeg over each custard.
- Carefully pour hot water into the baking dish until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers still jiggle slightly when gently shaken.
- Carefully remove the ramekins from the water bath and allow them to cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving, or serve slightly warm if preferred
Notes
- Use whole milk for the richest and creamiest texture.
- Heat the milk until steaming but never boiling to help prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Whisk constantly while adding the warm milk to the eggs.
- Do not skip the water bath; it helps the custard cook gently and evenly.
- The custard is ready when the edges are set but the centers still have a slight jiggle.
- Strain the custard mixture before baking for an especially silky texture.
- Chill for at least 1 hour for the best texture and flavor.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For variations, try adding cinnamon or replacing some or all of the vanilla with almond, coconut, or maple extract.
- Serve with fresh berries, sugar-free whipped cream, or sugar-free caramel sauce.
- For a dairy-free version, unsweetened almond, coconut, or oat milk can be substituted, although the texture will vary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 custard
- Calories: 170
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
Keywords: Sugar-Free Old-Fashioned Amish Baked Custard