Ingredients
Custard Base
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 8 egg yolks
Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean
Finishing
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Heat Milk: Heat the whole milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it is hot and just begins to simmer, but do not let it boil.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: While the milk heats, combine the sugar and cornstarch in a mixing bowl and whisk thoroughly to blend.
- Whisk Egg Yolks: Using an electric mixer, whisk the egg yolks into the sugar and cornstarch mixture until the mixture lightens to a pale yellow color.
- Add Flavorings: Whisk in the orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract or scraped vanilla bean to the egg mixture, combining well.
- Temper the Eggs: Remove the hot milk from the heat. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the hot milk into the egg mixture a little at a time to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
- Cook Custard: Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan and place over medium heat. Whisk continuously for about 5 minutes until the custard thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
- Add Butter: Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the unsalted butter until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Chill: Pour the finished custard into a large bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent skin formation. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving to allow it to set and develop flavor.
Notes
- Be careful not to boil the milk to avoid scorching or curdling the custard.
- Tempering the egg yolks with hot milk is essential to prevent scrambling.
- Pressing plastic wrap on the surface prevents a skin from forming on the custard while chilling.
- Using fresh orange juice and zest provides the best bright citrus flavor.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh orange slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an elegant presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
