This classic English vanilla custard recipe, Creme Anglaise, is very simple and quick to make and the result is absolutely delicious served with dessert! Irresistibly creamy and smooth and infused with vanilla!
Custard serves two basic culinary purposes: Either as a thick pastry cream (crème pâtissière) or a thin dessert sauce for pouring (crème anglaise, French for “English cream” because of its popularity in English desserts). The difference between the two is its thickness and that varies depending on much cornstarch or flour is used. A very thin custard sauce, for example, won’t use either, it simply relies on the egg yolks to provide body.
The egg in custard is sensitive and curdles very easily if the temperature rises even by a few degrees, and for that reason it’s often cooked using a double boiler. However, we’re going to use a regular saucepan on a stove and it works perfectly as long as you’re mindful of the temperature, i.e., do not let it exceed 176 degrees F (80 degrees C). The custard begins setting at 158 degrees F (70 degrees C. The easiest thing to do is use an instant read thermometer but the more you make it you’ll get used to the look and feel of it and instinctively know when to remove it from the heat.
Today we’re going to make a custard dessert sauce, so a thinner consistency that you can use for pouring. A classic example is Spotted Dick, a traditional English steamed pudding served with this vanilla custard sauce.
Extremely versatile and very quick and easy to make, everyone needs to know how to make a vanilla custard sauce!
Vanilla Custard Recipe
Let’s get started!
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth.
Heat the milk, cream and vanilla in a small saucepan just until bubbles form along the edges of the pan.
A traditional custard calls for a vanilla bean that’s been slit open lengthwise so the vanilla flecks and flavor can infuse the sauce. An excellent substitute, and what I use most of the time, is a quality vanilla bean paste. Don’t use vanilla extract, it doesn’t begin to compare with paste for this custard sauce.
Remove 1/2 cup of the hot cream and whisk it into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
Gradually pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the cream mixture, whisking constantly to prevent clumping. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture leaves a path on the back of spoon when you draw your finger across it. DO NOT BOIL.
Thickness will vary depending on how much cornstarch you use (or if you use none at all for a very thin sauce).
Cover and chill.
This custard can be made a day in advance and refrigerated.
For another delicious variation try our Eggnog Custard!
Vanilla Custard (Crème Anglaise)
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon quality vanilla bean paste not extract or one vanilla bean, slit open lengthwise)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth.
- Heat the milk, cream and vanilla in a small saucepan just until bubbles form along the edges of the pan.
- Remove 1/2 cup of the hot cream and whisk it into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Gradually pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the cream mixture, whisking constantly to prevent clumping. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture leaves a path on the back of spoon when you draw your finger across it. DO NOT BOIL.
- Cover and chill. Can be made a day in advance.
Notes
Nutrition
Jennifer says
So delicious. Made this in California to go with the Spotted Dick. Tasted like springtime on a plate :)
Kimberly Killebrew says
Thank you, Jennifer, I’m so glad you made and enjoyed them both! <3
Paul says
I don’t know where you got this recipe from but it is wrong. Creme Anglaise was invented because the chef’s wife was allergic to eggs. So does not include any eggs. I think you may have a recipe for what we English call egg custard. And the rest of Europe simply calls “custard”
Kimberly Killebrew says
That is not correct, Paul. Crème Anglaise and English custard are one and the same. Crème Anglaise is simply the fancier French name for it (translates as “English cream”).
Jim Clapp says
The custard is wonderful. I could happily eat it all up with a big spoon. Sadly, I have to watch my calories and cholesterol, so I have to take my sweets in small servings. How can I keep the custard and pudding fresh long enough for me to consume it before it goes bad. Freeze it?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Thanks so much, Jim, I’m glad you enjoyed it! Freezing it isn’t optimal as it will separate when thawed. Instead I would recommend making half the batch.
JACKIE says
If you make the custard the day before, how do you reheat the custard?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Jackie, reheat it in the saucepan on the stove stirring regularly to prevent a layer of skin from forming on top.
Susan says
You do not reheat custard.
Diane says
I have yet to find another recipe that calls for corn flour in this sauce. It obviously reduces the need for another egg yolk or two and also reduces the rich taste you get without corn flour.
Simon Webb says
This one calls for cornstarch – cornflour will change the taste, as ytou suggest.
Suz P. says
This is a fantastic recipe and it was perfection. I love your photos and appreciate the links for the pan and vanilla paste. Please keep doing this and carry on this wonderful way of sharing your experience and delicious recipes. I found it very helpful and we LOVED it. I couldn’t find currants so I used dried wild blueberries instead. Now a family favorite. Thank you so much for posting and sharing your stories!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Thank you, Suz, I really appreciate your kind feedback and am so thrilled your family enjoyed it! <3
Angie says
Worked well and reminded me of custards when I was a child in England. I live in Australia and 70 yrs old live on my own so buy the little pots of single serve ready made but I tried this and have been eating it for 3 days now and there’s still lots left x♥
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Angie, thanks so much for the feedback!
Kathy Jo Greer says
My husband found this and made it several times now. All our friends absolutely love it! He follows the recipe exactly with no problems :-) He even says how easy this is! He loves to cook and bake so of course I enjoy his work in the kitchen too!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I’m so happy to hear that, Kathy, thanks so much!
RicRocs says
Sounds good. I will be making this when it cools off like in November, because shipping from Amazon now is just too hot for shredded suet here in the desert.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Awesome, RicRocs, I hope you enjoy it when the time comes!
Valerie Luscott says
Try making the custard in your microwave . I have been making it this way for years . It is delicious . Yes I also use cornstarch .
Anonymous says
How do you make it in the microwave? Do you do it all at once?
Frankie says
Could this be frozen, then dipped in a batter and fried? Thinking the frying would result in a warm creamy filling.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Frankie, I haven’t that so I’m not sure how it would turn out. If you try it be sure to let us know!
s says
Recipe looks great. But the price of the vanilla bean paste surprised me. I know the instructions said to not use vanilla extract. Was wondering if the only thing compromised was the thickness? I am serving spotted dick as a joke. Was not keen on spending too many $$ for a joke. Can I use extract, or should I find a different custard recipe? Thanks
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I can understand not wanting to pay a premium price for something that’s just meant for laughs – yes, you can use vanilla extract. I recommend vanilla bean paste because it has a more concentrated, potent flavor (and the bean flecks look nice visually). I doubt using a little extract will significantly impact the thickness and if it does you can always add in a tiny bit more cornstarch (I doubt you’ll have to though).
Ruth Spikes says
I followed the directions very carefully but it never thickened up. I was using it on fruit but it was about the consistency of half and half.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Ruth, this is the standard ratio of liquids to egg yolks and cornstarch. Did you use large egg yolks? Perhaps it just needed to cook a tad longer.
Toffeeapple says
I have never heard of using cornstarch in custard! Usually we use egg yolks, sugar and milk and sometimes add vanilla.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Really, Toffeeapple? It’s pretty standard as a thickener, even in very old British custard recipes. It’s especially necessary if you want a very thick custard. In the UK it’s called cornflour.
Chelcie says
I’ve never used flour or cornstarch in my custard either. It should thicken naturally as it cools. If you have to use a thickener then you have used too much liquid.