Amish Baked Custard

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Amish Baked Custard: A Timeless Dessert of Simplicity and Comfort

Amish Baked Custard is a classic dessert that embodies the heart of traditional Amish cooking — simple ingredients, minimal fuss, and deeply comforting flavors. This silky, creamy treat has been a staple in Amish households for generations, often served after hearty family meals or during Sunday gatherings. Made with eggs, milk, sugar, and a touch of vanilla, Amish Baked Custard is the perfect example of how humble ingredients can create something truly special.

Below, we’ll walk you through the history, ingredients, and a step-by-step guide to creating this nostalgic dessert right in your own kitchen.

🥚 What Is Amish Baked Custard?

Amish Baked Custard is a smooth, gently sweetened dessert made primarily from milk and eggs. It’s baked slowly in the oven in a water bath, which helps it set without curdling or becoming rubbery. The result is a creamy, delicate custard with a golden top and a hint of nutmeg. The texture is somewhere between a pudding and flan — firm enough to hold its shape, yet soft and silky when eaten with a spoon.

🍶 Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe makes about 6 servings.

4 large eggs
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 cups whole milk (scalded and slightly cooled)
Ground nutmeg, for garnish

Tip: Whole milk gives the custard its rich, creamy flavor. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can use 2% milk, but avoid skim milk as it tends to make the custard watery.

🥣 Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This gentle temperature is key to ensuring the custard cooks evenly without curdling.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Place six 6-ounce custard cups or ramekins in a large roasting pan. You’ll be creating a water bath later, so make sure the pan is deep enough to hold hot water halfway up the sides of the cups.

Step 3: Scald the Milk

In a medium saucepan, heat the 3 cups of milk over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling. You’ll know it’s ready when small bubbles form around the edges. Remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly for about 5 minutes.