Creamy Custard Creme Anglaise Recipe

Indulge in the velvety goodness of Custard Creme Anglaise, a recipe that elevates any dessert to new heights. This homemade delight is a pure vanilla bean sensation that will have you ditching the boxed versions for good. With just a handful of ingredients and under 20 minutes, you can create a luxurious custard that will steal the spotlight at any gathering.

The magic begins with real vanilla beans, infusing your kitchen with a sweet aroma that tantalizes the taste buds. The heavy cream lends a decadent touch, turning simple dishes into extraordinary treats. Whether drizzled over pancakes, layered in trifles, or paired with a warm apple crumble, this Custard Creme Anglaise adds a touch of luxury to every bite. Keep a stash of vanilla beans handy, as this recipe is bound to become a cherished family tradition that leaves everyone craving more.

Quick Benefits

Smooth and silky texture that coats your spoon perfectly
Packed with authentic vanilla flavor from real vanilla beans
Luxurious feel from the heavy cream adds a touch of indulgence
Versatile – can be used to upgrade any dessert, breakfast item, or fruit dish

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Custard Creme Anglaise Recipe Recipe

Authentic Vanilla Flavor: The custard is packed with genuine vanilla goodness, thanks to the use of real vanilla beans, giving it a rich and aromatic taste that store-bought versions can’t match.
Silky, Smooth Texture: The custard is described as smooth and silky, coating your spoon perfectly and adding a luxurious feel to any dessert it accompanies.
Homemade Goodness: Made without shortcuts or cornflour fillers, this recipe offers pure, egg-thickened goodness that elevates any dish it’s paired with.
Versatile: Transform humble pies, cakes, fresh berries, pancakes, waffles, trifles, and more into extraordinary desserts with just a drizzle or dollop of this custard.
Family Favorite: Perfect for family gatherings, this custard is sure to be a hit and might even steal the show, as it did at a family dinner, becoming a beloved tradition.
Easy and Quick: Whip up this decadent custard in under 20 minutes, making it a convenient yet impressive addition to any dessert spread.
Upgrade Any Dessert: Elevate any dessert with a touch of this custard—be it apple crumble, bread pudding, or even a simple slice of cake, turning ordinary treats into extraordinary delights.

Ingredients for Creamy Custard Creme Anglaise Recipe

3 egg yolks
1 vanilla bean
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup white sugar
1 cup heavy cream

Pro Tips for Creamy Custard Creme Anglaise Recipe

Pro Tip 1: Using real vanilla beans truly elevates the flavor of this custard, making it extra special and aromatic. The effort of scraping out the seeds is worth it for the authentic taste it brings. Keep a stash of vanilla beans in your pantry to always have them on hand for this recipe.

Pro Tip 2: The heavy cream is essential for creating that luxurious texture in this custard. It adds richness and creaminess that can’t be replicated with lighter alternatives. Don’t skimp on the heavy cream if you want to achieve that velvety smooth consistency that makes this custard so irresistible.

Pro Tip 3: Don’t limit yourself to just pouring this custard over desserts. Get creative with how you use it – try it on breakfast dishes like pancakes or waffles for an indulgent start to your day, or layer it in trifles for an extra decadent touch. Experiment with flavor variations like adding almond extract, crushed raspberries, or a pinch of cinnamon to customize the custard to your taste preferences.

How to Make Creamy Custard Creme Anglaise Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla

Using a knife, split the vanilla bean in half and scrape out the seeds.

Step 2: Warm the Cream Up

Combine milk, cream, vanilla seeds, and vanilla bean shell in a small pot. Heat gently until almost bubbling, then let sit for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Mix Yolks and Sugar

In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until lightened in color, about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Blend Milk and Yolks

Remove the vanilla pod and discard. Gradually pour the warm milk-cream into the egg mixture, stirring constantly. Return the combined mixture to the pot.

Step 5: Thicken the Custard

Place the pot over low heat. Stir occasionally for 3 minutes, then continuously for approximately 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy enough to coat a spoon.

Step 6: Wrap Things Up

Remove from heat. For extra smoothness, strain the mixture before using.

Storage Tips

To store the Custard Creme Anglaise, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The custard can be kept for up to 3 days, during which time it will thicken further while chilling. Before using the stored custard again, remember to give it a good stir to smooth out the texture and ensure it’s ready to be enjoyed.

When reheating the custard, do so gently over low heat, adding a small splash of milk to help bring back the perfect consistency. This warming process will ensure that the custard regains its silky smooth texture for pouring over desserts or indulging in as a standalone treat. By following these storage and reheating tips, you can continue to enjoy the luxurious and flavorful Custard Creme Anglaise even after the initial serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have a vanilla bean on hand, you can substitute it with 2-3 teaspoons of vanilla extract for a similar flavor profile. While the vanilla bean adds a special touch, the extract is a convenient alternative that still provides a delicious vanilla essence to the custard.

For a lighter version of this Custard Creme Anglaise, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. The texture may be slightly less rich, but it will still be creamy and flavorful. Adjust the amount of milk to your preference to achieve the desired consistency while maintaining a silky smooth finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this velvety Custard Creme Anglaise over a warm apple crumble for the perfect combination of creamy and crunchy textures. The contrast between the hot crumble and chilled custard is truly delightful and will have your guests coming back for seconds.

For a breakfast that feels like a decadent treat, pour this homemade custard over hot pancakes or waffles. The rich and luxurious flavor will elevate your morning meal and make you feel like you’re indulging in a fancy brunch at a restaurant.

FAQs for Creamy Custard Creme Anglaise Recipe

Can I substitute vanilla extract for the vanilla bean in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute vanilla extract for the vanilla bean in this recipe. While using a vanilla bean gives a more pronounced and authentic vanilla flavor, vanilla extract is a suitable alternative if you don’t have vanilla beans on hand.

How long can I store this custard creme anglaise in the fridge?

You can store this custard creme anglaise in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days. It will thicken more as it chills, so make sure to stir it before using to smooth out the texture.

How can I reheat leftovers of this custard creme anglaise?

To reheat leftovers of this custard creme anglaise, warm it gently on low heat with a tiny splash of milk to bring back the perfect consistency. Avoid overheating as it can cause the custard to curdle.

Are there any variations I can try with this custard creme anglaise?

Yes, you can customize this custard creme anglaise by adding a drop of almond extract for a nutty twist, mixing in crushed raspberries for pretty swirls, or adding a pinch of cinnamon for a warm flavor. Feel free to experiment with different flavors to suit your preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Custard Creme Anglaise is a true game-changer in the world of desserts. Its velvety texture and rich flavor elevate even the simplest of treats to gourmet status. Whether you’re pouring it over pancakes for a decadent breakfast or drizzling it on a fruit trifle for a show-stopping dessert, this custard is sure to impress even the most discerning of taste buds.

So, go ahead and treat yourself to the luxury of homemade Custard Creme Anglaise. With just a few basic ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create a dessert sauce that will have your friends and family begging for more. Once you experience the magic of this silky-smooth custard, you’ll never look at store-bought versions the same way again. Happy cooking and indulging in the deliciousness of Custard Creme Anglaise!

Creamy Custard Creme Anglaise Recipe

Indulge in silky, homemade Custard Creme Anglaise with real vanilla bean luxury—transform any dessert into a velvety, rich delight in under 20 minutes.

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Prep Time5 Minutes

Cook Time15 Minutes

Total Time20 Minutes

CuisineFrench

Skill LevelEasy

Servings5 Servings (1 1/3 cups custard)

Ingredients

3 egg yolks
1 vanilla bean
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup white sugar
1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

Prepare the Vanilla: Using a knife, split the vanilla bean in half and scrape out the seeds.
Warm the Cream Up: Combine milk, cream, vanilla seeds, and vanilla bean shell in a small pot. Heat gently until almost bubbling, then let sit for 5 minutes.
Mix Yolks and Sugar: In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until lightened in color, about 2 minutes.
Blend Milk and Yolks: Remove the vanilla pod and discard. Gradually pour the warm milk-cream into the egg mixture, stirring constantly. Return the combined mixture to the pot.
Thicken the Custard: Place the pot over low heat. Stir occasionally for 3 minutes, then continuously for approximately 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy enough to coat a spoon.
Wrap Things Up: Remove from heat. For extra smoothness, strain the mixture before using.