Delicious Cherry Custard (Printable version)
Luscious vanilla custard brimming with fresh cherries, baked until golden and set.
# Ingredient List:
→ Fruit
01 - 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
→ Custard Base
02 - 1 ½ cups whole milk
03 - ½ cup heavy cream
04 - 4 large eggs
05 - ½ cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
07 - ¼ tsp almond extract
08 - Pinch of salt
→ For Baking
09 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, for greasing
10 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar, for dusting
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously butter a 9-inch round baking dish or gratin dish, then sprinkle with 2 tablespoons sugar to coat the bottom and sides evenly.
02 - Spread the pitted cherries evenly in the prepared baking dish.
03 - In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
04 - Add milk, cream, vanilla extract, almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until fully combined and smooth.
05 - Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cherries in the dish.
06 - Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly wobbly in the center and lightly golden on top.
07 - Remove from oven and let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The custard comes together with just a whisk and a bowl, no fancy equipment needed
- Cherries and custard have that classic European bistro vibe but without any fussy technique
02 -
- The custard will puff up dramatically in the oven and then settle as it cools, this is completely normal
- Slightly underbaking is better than overbaking, since residual heat finishes the job
03 -
- If using frozen cherries, thaw them first and drain off excess liquid so your custard doesn't become watery
- The almond extract is optional but highly recommended, it makes the cherry flavor pop