Bird's Custard

A British custard made from instant powder, created in the 19th century for people who could not use eggs. Bright yellow and flavoured with vanilla, it accompanies desserts, crumbles and puddings.

10 min
4 servings
Easy
Budget-friendly
🇬🇧 United Kingdom

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Ingredients

2 tbsp Bird's custard powder
500 ml Milk
2 tbsp Caster sugar
1 tsp Vanilla extract

Optional extras

1 Egg yolk for extra creaminess

On the side

Fresh fruit or crumble

Instructions

In a bowl, mix the custard powder with 4 tablespoons of cold milk until you have a smooth paste with no lumps.
Heat the rest of the milk with the sugar in a saucepan until it just simmers.
Pour the hot milk onto the paste while whisking, then return everything to the pan.
Thicken over medium heat, stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes, until the custard coats the spoon.
Off the heat, add the vanilla extract and serve warm, or press cling film onto the surface to prevent a skin forming.