Creamy Vanilla Custard Delight
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of this homemade Vanilla Custard recipe inspired by the famous Shake Shack frozen custard. With a perfect balance of sweetness and a velvety texture, this custard is perfect for serving on its own or as a delightful base for various desserts. Using simple ingredients like heavy cream, whole milk, and fresh egg yolks, you can create a luxurious treat that elevates any occasion. Enjoy this custard as a refreshing dessert on a hot day or as a comforting, creamy delight any time of year!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Egg yolks
5 (Separate from the whites)
Granulated sugar
1/2 cup (Measured)
Heavy cream
1 1/2 cups (Measured)
Whole milk
1 1/2 cups (Measured)
Fine salt
1/8 teaspoon (Measured)
Pure vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (Measured)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing an ice bath in a medium bowl to cool the custard once cooked. Have a fine mesh sieve ready nearby for straining.
2
In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the egg yolks and granulated sugar off the heat. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3
Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and whole milk until fully incorporated. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook the mixture until it reaches a temperature of 170°F (77°C) on an instant-read thermometer, ensuring it doesn't boil.
4
Once the custard has reached the desired temperature, pour it through the fine mesh sieve into the bowl set over the ice bath. This will help remove any cooked egg bits and ensure a silky smooth texture.
5
Stir in the fine salt and pure vanilla extract until well combined.
6
Continue stirring the custard mixture in the ice bath until it cools to room temperature. Then, transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours or until completely cold.
7
Once chilled, churn the custard mixture in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions. It should reach a consistency similar to soft serve.
8
Transfer the churned custard to a freezer-proof container, cover it tightly, and freeze for at least 2 hours or until firm enough to scoop.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Vanilla Custard Delight?
It is a rich, creamy homemade vanilla custard inspired by the famous Shake Shack frozen custard, featuring a velvety texture and a perfect balance of sweetness.
Is this a Shake Shack copycat recipe?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to replicate the taste and texture of Shake Shack's famous frozen custard.
How many egg yolks are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 5 egg yolks, which should be separated from the whites before preparation.
What type of milk and cream should I use?
For the best results, use 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream and 1 1/2 cups of whole milk.
What temperature should the custard reach during cooking?
The custard mixture should be heated until it reaches exactly 170°F (77°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
Why is it important not to let the custard boil?
Boiling can cause the eggs to curdle, ruining the smooth and velvety texture of the custard.
Why do I need an ice bath?
An ice bath is used to cool the custard quickly after cooking, which stops the cooking process and helps it reach the desired texture.
Why should I strain the custard through a sieve?
Straining through a fine mesh sieve removes any small bits of cooked egg, ensuring a perfectly silky smooth result.
When should I add the vanilla extract and salt?
Add the pure vanilla extract and fine salt after the custard has been strained into the bowl over the ice bath.
How long does the custard need to chill in the refrigerator?
The mixture needs to chill for at least 2 hours, or until it is completely cold, before it can be churned.
Is an ice cream maker necessary for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe requires churning the chilled custard mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
What consistency should the custard have after churning?
After churning, the custard should have a consistency similar to soft serve ice cream.
How long should the finished custard be frozen before serving?
After transferring to a freezer-proof container, freeze for at least 2 hours or until firm enough to scoop.
Can I serve this custard immediately after churning?
While you can eat it as soft serve, the recipe recommends freezing it for 2 hours to achieve a scoopable consistency.
How much sugar is in this vanilla custard?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to achieve its perfect balance of sweetness.
What tools do I need to stir the custard?
A wooden spoon or a spatula is recommended for stirring the mixture continuously while it cooks.
What kind of saucepan is best for this recipe?
A medium heavy-bottomed saucepan is ideal because it provides even heat distribution.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
This recipe requires 6 simple ingredients: egg yolks, sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, salt, and vanilla extract.
Is this a good dessert for summer?
Yes, it is described as a refreshing dessert perfect for hot days and can be enjoyed year-round.
Can I use this custard as a base for other flavors?
Absolutely, this creamy vanilla custard serves as a delightful base that can be customized with various mix-ins or toppings.
What type of vanilla should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract for the best flavor profile.
How much salt is needed?
Only 1/8 teaspoon of fine salt is used to enhance the overall flavor of the custard.
Do I whisk the sugar and eggs together first?
Yes, you should whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar together off the heat until the mixture is smooth and creamy before adding liquids.
How should I store the leftover custard?
Store it in a freezer-proof container and keep it tightly covered in the freezer.
Is the preparation of the egg yolks specific?
The egg yolks must be separated from the whites before beginning the whisking process.
Does the recipe provide nutritional information?
The provided data does not include specific calorie, fat, or carbohydrate counts.
How long is the total prep and chill time?
Between the initial cooking, 2 hours of chilling, churning, and 2 hours of freezing, you should plan for at least 5-6 hours total.
Can I make this without a thermometer?
While an instant-read thermometer is recommended for accuracy (170°F), the key is to ensure the mixture thickens without boiling.
Is this custard gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed (eggs, sugar, dairy, vanilla, salt), this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What makes this custard 'luxurious'?
The high ratio of egg yolks and heavy cream combined with a slow cooking and churning process creates its signature luxurious texture.