This Simple Amish Baked Custard is a comforting and timeless dessert that’s easy to make and packed with rich, creamy flavors. Made with just a few simple ingredients like sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and vanilla, it’s an indulgent yet simple treat that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. The custard is baked to perfection and topped with a hint of nutmeg, making it a satisfying, velvety dessert. Whether served warm or chilled, it’s a reminder of how beautiful simplicity can be in a homemade dish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

• 4 cups hot water

• 6 eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• Nutmeg, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

2. Mix the Milk and Water: In a large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk with the hot water, mixing until well combined.

3. Whisk the Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until light and fluffy.

4. Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the eggs, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking. Gradually add the rest of the milk mixture to the eggs.

5. Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

6. Prepare for Baking: Pour the mixture into individual ramekins or a 2-quart baking dish. If using ramekins, place them in a baking pan and add hot water around them, filling about halfway up the sides.

7. Bake: Bake for 1 hour or until the custard is set and a knife inserted comes out clean. If using a larger baking dish, bake for about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

8. Cool and Serve: Let the custard cool for about 1 hour, then sprinkle with nutmeg and serve warm or chilled.

Nutrients (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 200 kcal

• Fat: 12g

• Carbohydrates: 20g

• Protein: 6g

• Sugar: 17g

The Ingredients: Simple and Wholesome

What makes this custard so special is the simplicity of its ingredients. All you need is sweetened condensed milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The sweetened condensed milk provides a rich, creamy base that gives the custard its smooth texture and subtle sweetness. Eggs help to thicken the custard as it bakes, while vanilla extract adds depth of flavor and warmth. A touch of salt enhances the overall taste, balancing out the sweetness of the custard.

These ingredients come together to create a dessert that’s not only simple but also comforting. The custard bakes into a delicate, velvety consistency that melts in your mouth, and the subtle flavor of nutmeg sprinkled on top adds a warm, aromatic finish to every bite.

Making the Custard: Quick and Easy

The process of making Amish Baked Custard is straightforward and requires minimal effort. First, you combine sweetened condensed milk with hot water, mixing them well until the milk dissolves completely. This creates the base of the custard, and the hot water helps to dilute the richness of the condensed milk, making the custard lighter and more balanced.

Next, you whisk the eggs until they’re light and fluffy, which helps to incorporate air into the mixture and results in a smooth, creamy texture once baked. The key to a smooth custard is tempering the eggs. This involves slowly pouring a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the eggs while whisking constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs. Once the eggs are tempered, you can gradually add the rest of the milk mixture to them.

After the eggs are fully incorporated with the milk mixture, vanilla extract and salt are added, enhancing the flavor and making the custard even more delicious. The mixture is then poured into individual ramekins or a larger baking dish, ready to be baked.

Baking the Custard: Perfectly Set and Velvety

The custard is baked at 325°F (165°C) until it’s set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If you’re using individual ramekins, they will bake in about 1 hour, while a larger baking dish may take closer to 1 hour and 40 minutes. The hot water bath, if using ramekins, helps to ensure even baking and prevents the custard from overcooking or cracking. The result is a perfectly smooth, silky custard with a custard-like texture that holds together without being too firm.

As the custard bakes, it will develop a slight golden color on top, and the aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait to serve. Once it’s done, let it cool for about an hour before serving.

Garnishing and Serving: Warm or Chilled

Once the custard has cooled, it’s time to garnish it with a dusting of nutmeg. Nutmeg adds a warm, spicy note that complements the creamy custard beautifully, making it the perfect finishing touch. You can serve the custard warm or chilled, depending on your preference.

If you prefer a warm dessert, serve it right after it’s cooled slightly, and enjoy its comforting richness. If you prefer a chilled treat, let it cool completely before refrigerating it for a few hours. The custard is just as delicious served cold, and the flavors seem to develop even more after it has chilled.

This dessert is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.

Why Simple Amish Baked Custard is a Great Dessert Choice

This Simple Amish Baked Custard is ideal for many occasions. The recipe is easy enough for a weeknight dessert, but it’s also special enough to serve at a family gathering or holiday meal. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it a great option for those who enjoy homemade desserts without the need for complicated baking techniques.

The custard is versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes. You can swap out the nutmeg for cinnamon or allspice, or even try adding a splash of almond extract or citrus zest for a unique twist on the classic flavor. It’s also a great make-ahead dessert, as it can be prepared in advance and chilled, saving you time on the day of your gathering.

The balance of sweetness, creaminess, and subtle spice makes this custard a comforting, satisfying treat that appeals to all ages. Whether you enjoy it warm or cold, it’s a dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Simple Amish Baked Custard contains approximately 200 calories. With 12 grams of fat, including 7 grams of saturated fat, it’s a rich dessert, but the portion size is moderate, making it a great indulgence without going overboard. The dessert also contains 20 grams of carbohydrates and 17 grams of sugar, coming mainly from the sweetened condensed milk, making it a sweet and satisfying treat.

Each serving provides 6 grams of protein, thanks to the eggs, and 2 grams of fiber, which helps support digestive health. The sodium content is about 158mg per serving, which is fairly low for a dessert, and the custard also provides a good amount of calcium, thanks to the milk and eggs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Simple Amish Baked Custard is a deliciously rich, creamy dessert that’s as simple to make as it is comforting to eat. The blend of sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and vanilla creates a silky custard, and the addition of nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic finish. Whether served warm or chilled, this dessert is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any occasion when you want something sweet and indulgent. Its timeless appeal, easy preparation, and creamy texture make it a dessert that will continue to delight for years to come.