1 Delicious Way to Make Custard Powder.
Creating custard powder at home is straightforward and involves just a few basic ingredients. The main components are cornstarch, milk powder, and a flavoring agent such as vanilla sugar or vanilla extract. Start by sifting together 2 cups of cornstarch, 1/2 cup of milk powder, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla sugar (or an equivalent amount of vanilla extract). To achieve the classic yellow color, add a small amount of yellow food coloring. Whisk the ingredients until they are well mixed, then store the mixture in an airtight container. This homemade custard powder can be used to make a rich, creamy custard by combining it with milk and sugar and heating until it thickens.
1 Delicious Way to Make Custard Powder
1 Delicious Way to Make Custard Powder.
Creating custard powder at home is a fantastic way to ensure a natural and preservative-free product tailored to your tastes. The process is straightforward, requiring just a few basic ingredients likely already in your pantry. Here’s a comprehensive guide on making custard powder from scratch, including variations and tips for optimal results.
Ingredients
The essential components for homemade custard powder include:
Cornstarch is the primary thickening agent.
Milk powder adds richness and a creamy flavor.
Sugar: Provides sweetness.
Vanilla sugar or vanilla extract: for flavoring.
Food Coloring: Optional, for the classic yellow custard hue.
Basic Recipe
Cornstarch: 2 cups
Milk Powder: 1/2 cup (choose skim or full cream based on your preference)
Sugar: 1/2 cup (adjust according to desired sweetness)
Vanilla Sugar: 2 teaspoons (or a suitable amount of vanilla extract)
Yellow Food Coloring: A small amount (optional)
Instructions
Sift Ingredients: Sift the cornstarch, milk powder, and sugar into a large mixing bowl to ensure there are no lumps and the ingredients are well combined.
Add Flavor: If using vanilla sugar, add it to the sifted dry ingredients. For vanilla extract, mix it with the dry ingredients in a food processor or blender to ensure even distribution. Note that vanilla extract might cause slight clumping, which is normal.
Coloring: For traditional yellow custard, add a few drops of yellow food coloring. Whisk or blend until the color is uniformly distributed.
Storage: Transfer the custard powder to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place. If using vanilla extract or vanilla beans, use the powder within a month for freshness. Vanilla sugar-based powder will last as long as the milk powder’s expiration date.
Making Custard from the Powder
To prepare custard using homemade custard powder:
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of custard powder
2 tablespoons of sugar
2 cups of milk (whole milk for creamier custard, or skim milk for a lighter version)
Method:
Mix the custard powder and sugar with a small amount of cold milk in a saucepan to form a smooth paste.
Gradually add the remaining milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the custard reaches desired thickness.
Tips for Best Results
Consistency: Add more milk for a thinner custard; use less milk or more custard powder for a thicker consistency.
Flavor Variations: Enhance your custard with flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder.
Sweetness: Adjust the sugar in the custard powder to your taste, or sweeten the milk separately when preparing the custard.
Benefits of Homemade Custard Powder
Control Over Ingredients: Ensure the quality and type of ingredients, avoiding preservatives and artificial additives.
Customization: Adjust sweetness, flavor, and color to your liking.
Cost-Effective: More economical than buying pre-made mixes.
Freshness: Typically fresher and more flavorful than store-bought options.
Conclusion
Homemade custard powder is a simple, rewarding process. With a few ingredients and steps, you can create a versatile mix for rich, creamy custard in minutes. Whether you prefer traditional vanilla or want to try different spices, homemade custard powder offers endless possibilities. Store it in an airtight container, ensuring you always have a convenient dessert option ready.
- For The Homemade Custard Powder:
- 1 cup milk powder (120g/4.2oz)
- ½ cup corn flour (US cornstarch)
- ¼ teaspoon powdered yellow food colouring
- 1 ½ tablespoons (6 teaspoons)
- To Turn into a Custard:
- ½ cup homemade custard powder
- 2 cups milk
- 2 ½ tablespoons white granulated sugar (or to taste)
- For best results, always weigh ingredients where a weight is provided
- Equipment:
- Large bowl
- Fine mesh sieve
- Balloon whisk
For The Homemade Custard Powder:
- 1 cup milk powder (120g/4.2oz)
- ½ cup corn flour (US cornstarch)
- ¼ teaspoon powdered yellow food colouring
- 1 ½ tablespoons (6 teaspoons)
To Turn into a Custard:
- ½ cup homemade custard powder
- 2 cups milk
- 2 ½ tablespoons white granulated sugar (or to taste)
- For best results, always weigh ingredients where a weight is provided
Equipment:
- Large bowl
- Fine mesh sieve
- Balloon whisk
- For homemade custard powder:
- Sift the milk powder, corn flour, food coloring, and vanilla into a large bowl using a fine-mesh sieve.
- Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store it in the pantry.
- To make custard:
- Combine ½ cup of custard powder, sugar, and milk in a medium saucepan.
- Whisk until well mixed, then heat over low-medium heat, stirring constantly until it starts to bubble.
- Keep stirring as bubbles break the surface for 30 seconds until the custard thickens.
- Add more milk for a thinner consistency, if desired.
- Please take a moment to leave a comment and rating; your feedback is greatly appreciated.
Tablespoons: Use a standard Australian 20-ml tablespoon (equal to 4 teaspoons).
Verify your tablespoon size before measuring.
Milk powder: Both skim and full cream milk powders are suitable. Nutritional information is based on skim milk powder.
Vanilla: Master foods Vanillin Sugar is recommended for its ease of blending and shelf stability. Other brands of vanilla sugar are also good. If using pure vanilla extract, use a food processor or blender to mix the ingredients instead of a whisk and bowl to avoid lumps. Vanilla beans can also be used.
Milk in the custard: Whole or full cream milk provides a creamier custard. Light or skim milk, or even water, can be used for a lighter version. Alternative milks will add their own flavor.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the pantry. The dry mix lasts as long as the milk powder’s expiration date. Use within a month if using vanilla extract or beans.
Nutritional values: Values are based on custard powder made with skim milk powder. The final custard’s nutritional value will depend on the milk used.
