Who doesn’t love a velvety rich custard! The perfect combination of eggs, milk or cream, sugar, and flavourings such as vanilla makes a luscious custard that is a thick, rich, and creamy delicacy. While eggs alone are used to set and thicken basic custards, at times, a tiny quantity of starch, such as corn starch, is used to give it more body and thickening, as well as to make it more resilient to cooking over direct heat.

Custard is also referred to as Crème Anglaise in the UK. However, the latter can be said to be a fancier version of the custard. Also, when it comes to pouring consistency, custard is a bit thicker than Crème Anglaise. This is also one of the reasons why custard can be used with many other types of desserts and sweet treats for added flavour and taste.

Origination of Word Custard

Custard was quite popular in the Middle Ages. It became especially famous when it was combined with pastry to create a custard tart. The word custard is said to be originated from the French word ‘croustade'. Although the word originally meant tart crust. It is also related to the Italian word ‘crostata’.

Considering its popularity, several brands in the UK have come up with their own version of custards. Although many brands sell custard powder, there are a few that make ready-to-serve custard, which they sell in tin cans. Here are some brands that offer delicious canned custard:

Ambrosia

Ambrosia is the most famous company, and their custard is the most loved in the UK. Ambrosia has been making delicious ready-to-eat custard in cans for about five decades. Ambrosia custard is made in Devon Creamery, and they use special West Country Milk for its preparation. They do not add any preservatives or artificial colours to their custard.

Stockwell & Co.

Famous supermarket chain Tesco also has their own brand of custard, of which Stockwell is a part. They use special British Milk to prepare custard in Devon creamery. Canned custard from Tesco can be served warm or cold.

Essential Waitrose

Waitrose Essential Custard is made from British cream for that luxurious texture, special Channel Island milk, egg yolks, and Madagascan vanilla extract for a lovely flavour. Like other canned custards, it can be eaten hot or cold and served straight from the can.

How to Use Custard in Different Ways

If you have a ready-to-serve can of custard, then there are many different ways it can be used. Here are a few unique ways to combine them with other treats and deserts:

Puddings and Desserts

Custard can be used in custard tarts, puddings, flan and crème brulee. It enhances the taste and is a wonderful twist to the regular custard.

Fruit Toppings

Custard tastes wonderful when poured over a bowl of fresh fruits. You can be as innovative as you want when using the fruits – strawberries, apples, bananas, pears, grapes, blackberries, blueberries, pomegranates, and more. You can also add a few nuts for a crunch.

Pastries and Pies

Thick custard tastes heavenly when used as a filling for pies and pastries. Eclairs, custard-filled doughnuts, and custard pies are some delicious treats that use custard.

Trifles

Trifle is a famous layered desert, and using custard as one of the layers adds to the taste of this desert, which also comprises cake, cream, and fruits.

Ice Cream Base

Many like to use custard as a base to prepare ice cream at home. Its creamy and smooth texture gives a lovely taste.

Sauces

Crème Anglaise is a thinner version of custard and can be used as a sauce or drizzle for cakes and puddings.

Cake Fillings

Adding custard layers to sponge cakes enhances its flavour and makes it moist and delicious. It is a twist to the regular cream and chocolate sauce that we normally use to layer cakes.

Custard Buns

Bakers also like to use custard as a filling for sweet buns or pastries to create a delightful surprise in each bite.

Custard-Based Drinks

Custard can be incorporated into drinks like eggnog for a rich and indulging flavour.

Dessert Parfaits

In dessert parfaits, custard layers can be alternated with fruits, cake, or cookies for an appealing and tasty treat.

Dipping Sauce

Custard can be used as a dipping sauce for cookies, biscuits, or even churros.

Custard Soufflés

Custard can be used in soufflés, creating a light and airy dessert.

Custard-based Creams

Custard can be whipped into a thicker consistency and used as a base for various creams, such as diplomat cream or pastry cream.

Custard-Filled Pancakes

You can also fill pancakes with custard for a delicious and decadent breakfast or brunch option.

Custard is such a delicious and versatile dish that it can be incorporated into so many other sweet treats.

A Simple Custard Recipe

Custard Tart

Ingredients

• 1 pre-made pie crust – you can make one at home if you like
• 1 can of Ambrosia canned custard or any brand that you prefer
• Fresh fruits of your choice – berries, kiwi, mango slices, apple slices, etc.
• Apricot or fruit jam for glaze

Preparation

• Preheat your oven as per the instructions on the pie crust package.
• In case you are using a pre-made pie crust, follow the baking instructions to ensure it is completely cooked and golden brown. Let it cool completely.
• Once the pie crust is cooled, pour the entire can of Ambrosia canned custard evenly over the crust.
• Place the custard-filled tart in the refrigerator to chill and set for at least 1-2 hours.
• While the tart is chilling, wash and prepare your choice of fresh fruits.
• Once the custard is set, arrange the fresh fruits on top of the custard in an attractive pattern.
• Heat apricot or fruit jam in a small saucepan until it becomes a glaze. Gently brush the glaze over the arranged fruits for a glossy finish.
• Place the tart back in the refrigerator to chill for an additional 30 minutes to set the glaze.
• Slice the Ambrosia Custard Tart into wedges and serve chilled.