Description

Amish Baked Custard is a smooth, creamy dessert featuring a delicate blend of sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and vanilla. Baked gently in a water bath, this custard has a silky texture and is traditionally garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg. It can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making it a comforting treat year-round.

Ingredients

Scale

Custard Mixture

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
4 cups hot water, plus extra for water bath
6 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Garnish

Nutmeg for garnish

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it’s ready for gentle baking of the custard.
Prepare Milk Mixture: In a large glass or metal bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk with 4 cups of hot water, mixing well to blend completely.
Beat Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they are light in color and fluffy in texture, which helps make the custard smooth and airy.
Temper Eggs: Slowly pour a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the beaten eggs while whisking to temper and prevent curdling, then combine this egg mixture fully with the rest of the milk mixture.
Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt thoroughly to enhance and balance the flavor of the custard.
Prepare Ramekins: Pour the custard mixture into individual ramekins or a 2-quart baking dish.
Set Up Water Bath: Place the ramekins on a baking pan with high sides. Fill a separate pan with about half an inch of hot water and place the baking pan or larger baking dish inside this water bath. Alternatively, place a pan of water on another oven shelf if the custard dish does not fit inside another pan.
Bake Custard: Bake in the oven for 1 hour if using ramekins, or for 1 hour and 40 minutes if using a larger baking dish, until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the custard is set.
Cool and Serve: Remove custard from the oven and allow it to cool for 1 hour. Sprinkle the top with nutmeg before serving. Enjoy warm or refrigerate and serve chilled.

Notes

Be sure to temper the eggs slowly to avoid scrambling them when mixing with the hot condensed milk mixture.
Using a water bath ensures gentle and even cooking, preventing the custard from cracking or curdling.
Serving the custard chilled can enhance its texture and flavor, but it is also delicious warm.
You can use individual ramekins for portion control or a larger dish for a single family-style serving.
Adjust the amount of nutmeg garnish to taste, or substitute with cinnamon if preferred.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour for ramekins or 1 hour 40 minutes for larger dish
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Amish

Keywords: Amish baked custard, baked custard recipe, creamy custard dessert, traditional Amish dessert, water bath custard