Ultimate Thick Set Custard

• 總時間: 9 minutes

食材

3 large egg yolks

¼ cup + 1 tbsp granulated sugar (60 g)

3 tbsp cornstarch (25 g)

1¼ cups whole milk (300 ml)

1 tsp vanilla paste

Zest of ½ lemon or ½ orange (or a combination)

步驟

Infuse the milk

Combine the milk, vanilla paste, and citrus zest in a small saucepan.

Heat over medium heat until steaming and just below a simmer.

Remove from the heat, cover, and let infuse for 5-10 minutes.

Prepare the yolk mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until smooth and slightly lighter in color.

Whisk in the cornstarch until completely smooth and lump-free.

Temper the yolks

Strain the infused milk to remove the zest.

Slowly pour the warm milk into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly.

Continue until all the milk has been incorporated.

Cook the pastry cream

Return the mixture to the saucepan.

Cook over medium-low heat, whisking continuously, making sure to reach the corners and bottom of the pan.

As the mixture nears a simmer, it will begin to thicken rapidly.

Once it starts bubbling, continue cooking for about 1–2 minutes, whisking constantly. If needed, move the pan briefly on and off the heat to prevent overheating while maintaining a gentle simmer.

The cream should become thick, smooth, and glossy.

Cool

Immediately transfer the pastry cream to a clean bowl.

Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.

Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.

Optional

For a richer, silkier cream, whisk in 1 tbsp unsalted butter after removing from the heat.

Yield

About 1½ cups pastry cream, enough for a small tart, cream puffs, éclairs, or cake filling.