To make a thick custard cream, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 cups of milk
– 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
– 4 large egg yolks
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
To begin, pour the milk into a saucepan and heat it over medium heat until it starts to steam. Do not let it boil. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until they are well combined and slightly pale in color. Gradually add the cornstarch to the egg yolk mixture, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps.
Next, slowly pour the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly. This process is called tempering and helps prevent the eggs from curdling. Once all the milk has been incorporated, pour the mixture back into the saucepan.
Now, place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the custard, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or a whisk. As it heats up, the custard will thicken. Be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the saucepan to prevent the custard from sticking and forming lumps.
Continue stirring and cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the custard reaches a thick . It should coat the back of a spoon and leave a distinct trail when a finger is run through it. Be careful not to overcook the custard, as it can become too thick and lumpy.
Once the custard has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and add the vanilla extract. Stir well to incorporate the vanilla throughout the custard. At this point, you can also add other flavors such as chocolate, fruit puree, or spices to enhance the taste of the custard.
To prevent a skin from forming on the custard, cover it with plastic wrap. Allow the custard to cool at room temperature for a few minutes, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. This chilling time will further thicken the custard and improve its texture.
After the custard has cooled and thickened, it is ready to use as a filling or topping for your desserts. You can spoon it into tart shells, layer it between cake layers, or pipe it onto cupcakes. The possibilities are endless!
In conclusion, making a thick custard cream is not as difficult as it may seem. By following the steps above and using quality ingredients, you can create a velvety and luscious custard cream that will enhance all your desserts. So don’t be afraid to experiment and enjoy the process of creating delicious desserts with your homemade custard cream!