This 3-ingredient homemade custard powder is so easy to make and super convenient too. The powder mixes easily with milk, forming a rich and silky custard. This makes it perfect for filling in pastries, cream puffs, tarts, Stovetop Custard Cream Buns, or donuts.
⅛teaspoon½ ml yellow food coloring (optional) see note 3
3Tablespoonscustard powder
Instructions
Making the custard powder
Blend the powdered milk, sugar and cornstarch, in a food processor or blender, for about 1 minute until combined
The custard powder can now be used immediately or stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Turning the powder into a creamy rich custard
Add milk, custard powder, sugar and vanilla extract into a pot.
Place the pot on the stove and turn up the heat to low.
Stir continuously for about 4 to 5 minutes using a whisk or fork to stir until the custard bubbles and is creamy. see note 4
Remove the pot from the stove.
If you feel that the custard is too thick, simply add ¼ cup of milk at a time whisking constantly until it reaches the desired consistency. This step can be done when the pot is removed from the heat.
Prepared custard that has been left at room temperature for more than an hour or refrigerated becomes thick and sometimes lumpy. To bring the thick cooled custard to a thinner consistency, place it back onto the stove on low heat.
Add small amounts of milk (about 2 Tablespoons at a time) to get it to the desired consistency. Remember to whisk continuously.
Video
Notes
1. Cornstarch in the US is the same thing as cornflour in the UK. It’s the pure starch extracted from corn kernels, and it has the form of a very fine white chalky powder.2. I added just 2 tablespoons of sugar for my custard. But you can add more or less according to taste. Taste the custard for sweetness before it starts thickens on the stove. Add sugar accordingly.3. Yellow food coloring can be added if you want to get the classic yellow appearance. Coloring is optional, used as preferred.4. When preparing the custard on the stovetop, whisk constantly. Whisking ensures that the custard is evenly thickened and reduces the chance for lumps and scorched spots to develop.