There are some ingredients in our pantry that quietly hold the power to transform simple moments into sweet memories. This humble yellow powder isn't just for making a classic custard; it's a versatile hero that brings a touch of creamy, vanilla-infused magic to countless desserts.

Beyond its delicious taste, the beauty of BAKERS Custard Powder lies in its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a comforting treat that's sure to put a smile on everyone's face.

Classic Creamy Custard with BAKERS Custard Powder

This recipe yields a smooth, rich custard – perfect on its own or as an accompaniment to your favorite desserts.

Yields: Approximately 4 servings

Prep time: 2 minutes

Cook time: 5-7 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (heaping) BAKERS Custard Powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
• 500 ml (2 cups) milk (full cream for a richer custard, but any milk works)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence (optional, but highly recommended for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prepare a Slurry: In a small bowl, combine the BAKERS Custard Powder and sugar. Add about 4 tablespoons of the milk from the measured 500ml and mix well with a fork or whisk until you have a smooth, lump-free paste (a slurry). This step is crucial to prevent lumps in your final custard.
2. Heat the Milk: Pour the remaining milk into a medium saucepan. Heat the milk over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it just begins to simmer around the edges. Do not let it boil vigorously.
3. Combine and Thicken: Once the milk is hot, slowly pour the custard slurry into the hot milk in the saucepan, whisking continuously.
4. Cook to Perfection: Continue to cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, for about 3-5 minutes, or until the custard thickens to your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Be careful not to let it stick to the bottom.
5. Add Vanilla (Optional): Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla essence, if using.
6. Serve: Pour the custard into serving bowls. You can enjoy it warm, or chill it in the refrigerator for a cold treat. If you're chilling it, place a piece of cling film directly on the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming.

Tips for Success:

• Lump-Free Custard: The key to a smooth custard is making a good slurry with the custard powder and a small amount of cold milk before adding it to the hot milk.
• Constant Whisking: Whisking continuously while the custard is cooking will prevent lumps and ensure even thickening.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste.
• Flavor Variations: Get creative! Add a pinch of cinnamon, a dash of almond extract, or a touch of orange zest for different flavor profiles.

So, next time you're looking for an easy yet delightful dessert, reach for that trusty yellow box of BAKERS Custard Powder.