If you’re craving something sweet, smooth, and comforting but don’t have much time, this Easy Custard Recipe for Busy Days is exactly what you need. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a classic homemade custard that works beautifully as a dessert on its own or as a topping for pies, cakes, and fruit.
This version uses a stovetop method, cooks in less than 15 minutes, and never fails when you follow the simple steps below.
⭐ Ingredients
2 cups (475 ml) milk – whole milk gives the best richness
3 large egg yolks
1/3 cup (65 g) sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch (for thicker custard; optional but recommended)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp butter (optional for extra creaminess)
Pinch of salt
⭐ Instructions
1. Heat the Milk
In a medium saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat until it’s steaming but not boiling.
2. Mix Yolks, Sugar & Cornstarch
In a bowl, whisk together:
egg yolks
sugar
cornstarch
salt
Whisk until smooth and pale.
3. Temper the Eggs
Slowly pour half of the hot milk into the yolk mixture while whisking constantly.
This prevents the eggs from scrambling.
4. Cook the Custard
Pour the tempered mixture back into the saucepan.
Cook over medium-low heat, stirring nonstop with a whisk or rubber spatula.
Within 3–5 minutes, it will thicken into silky custard.
5. Add Flavor
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and butter.
The butter adds shine and smoothness.
6. Strain (Optional)
For ultra-smooth custard, strain through a fine sieve.
⭐ Serving Ideas
Use it for:
Fruit parfaits
Pie filling
Layered trifles
Cake filling
Over berries or bananas
As a warm dessert with cinnamon
⭐ Tips for Perfect Custard Every Time
✔ Don’t boil it! High heat causes curdling.
✔ Stir constantly—custard thickens fast.
✔ Use whole milk for the creamiest texture.
✔ If it gets lumpy: blend it or strain it.
✔ For thicker custard: increase cornstarch to 3 tbsp.
⭐ Variation Ideas
Vanilla Bean Custard
Add scraped vanilla bean or paste for a stronger flavor.
Chocolate Custard
Whisk in 1/2 cup chopped chocolate while still hot.
Cinnamon or Nutmeg
Perfect for fall flavors—add 1/2 tsp cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg.
Coconut Custard
Replace 1 cup of milk with coconut milk.
⭐ Storage
Refrigerate up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Place plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
(Not recommended for freezing.)