Custard Powder
Run out of custard powder and need a quick fix? You’re in luck because it can easily be made with simple ingredients in your pantry. 🍮
Custard powder is a versatile ingredient that adds a creamy and luscious texture to various desserts.
Making your own DIY powder ensures you have control over the ingredients and allows you to create a personalized blend.
Here’s an easy recipe for the powder that you can whip up in no time allowing you to make Fruit Custard (Indian Fruit Salad), Mango Custard, and other delicious desserts in no time!
Why Make It at Home?
Store-bought custard powders often contain artificial colors and flavors.
If you look at Bird’s custard, a popular brand, all they use is: Maize Starch, Salt, Flavouring, Colour (Annatto Norbixin)
This can easily be recreated at home.
By making your own custard powder, you can:
- Avoid these additives and create a healthier and more natural alternative.
- Control the amount of sugar – you can skip sugar completely and add it as needed to your recipe
- It’s easy!
Key Ingredients
To make this at home, you will need the following key ingredients:
Corn starch: A crucial thickening agent for the powder and your recipes.
Vanilla extract or vanilla bean: Added for the delicious flavor.
Food color: Optional – I like using natural food coloring available in the US. Picture below.
Custard has that characteristic light yellow look so you can add a little yellow food coloring but it’s not necessary at all.
Variations
Dry milk powder: Adds richness and creaminess to the custard.
Alternative sweetener: You can use granulated sugar, powdered sugar, or any other sweetener of your choice.
Arrowroot powder: An alternative thickening agent that can be used instead of corn starch.
Vanilla sugar: Infuses a delightful vanilla flavor into the custard.
Using It
This homemade powder can be used in various delightful recipes. Just add it to cold milk and stir to dissolve. You can make simple eggless homemade custard creams.
Here are a few examples:
- Fruit Custard: Prepare a creamy custard sauce and serve it with a medley of fresh sweet fruits for a refreshing and colorful dessert.
- Mango Custard: Blend the powder with pureed mangoes for a tropical twist on a classic custard dessert. This is definitely an easy custard recipe.
Note: Traditional custard recipes use egg yolks. I post eggless recipes for those with allergies or vegetarians who don’t eat eggs. So, please note my recipes don’t use eggs.
- Vanilla Custard: Used as a base to make classic vanilla custard to be enjoyed on its own or as a filling for cakes, tarts, or pastries.
- Delicious Desserts: Incorporate the custard powder into your favorite dessert recipes like custard cake, pies, trifles, puddings, or custard-filled pastries.
How to Make Instant Custard Powder
Follow these simple steps to prepare this:
In a blender jar or food processor, combine 1 cup of cornstarch and food color.
If using pure vanilla extract, add 1-2 teaspoons of it to the mixture. If using a vanilla bean, scrape the seeds from the bean and add them to the mixture.
Blend the mixture. Shake in between if needed to help break up any clumps.
Make sure it is a fine powder. This will ensure a smooth custard and evenly distribute the yellow coloring.
Sift the mixture to ensure a smooth and lump-free powder.
Break any clumps apart by gently pressing them through the sieve.
Transfer the custard powder to an airtight container for storage.
How to Store It
To maintain the freshness and quality, store it in an airtight container.
Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Properly stored, the custard powder can last for several months.
Is Milk Powder Necessary?
No, it is not necessary to use milk powder in the homemade custard powder recipe. The popular brand Bird’s Custard does not use it.
Sometimes, milk powder is added to the blend to enhance its creaminess and richness. It is an optional variation and totally up to you.
If using choose full cream or full fat for best results in a creamy custard mixture.
Bird’s Custard Powder Ingredients
Maize Starch, Salt, Flavouring, Colour (Annatto Norbixin)
See, you don’t need store-bought powder! It’s easy to make at home! Enjoy experimenting with different flavors to create a delectable array of desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth. Happy cooking! 🍮🌟
Simple DIY Custard Powder Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Blender or food processor
Ingredients
- ½ cup corn starch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp food color powder I used McCormick's (see picture in post).
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into blender jar and pulse to blend. Shake in between if needed to help reduce the amount of clumps.
- Sieve the powder. Press down on any lumps to help them break apart.
- Store in an airtight container.
