🍋 Creamy Lemon Custard (Ready in 5 Minutes Prep)
Serves 4 | Prep: 5 min | Cook: 8–10 min | Chill: 2+ hrs | Total: ~3 hrs
🛒 Ingredients
400ml (1⅓ cups) whole milk
Zest of 1 lemon (finely grated)
1 tsp vanilla sugar (or ½ tsp vanilla extract)
2 large egg yolks
40g (3 tbsp) granulated sugar
15g (1 tbsp) cornstarch
Juice of 1 lemon (~3 tbsp)
100g (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) sweetened condensed milk
Optional toppings:
Cinnamon, cocoa powder, or dark chocolate shavings
Whipped cream or fresh berries
Crushed meringue or shortbread crumbs
🔥 Pro Tip: Use room-temperature egg yolks to prevent curdling.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Infuse the Milk
In a saucepan, heat milk, lemon zest, and vanilla sugar over low heat.
Warm until steaming (do not boil), then remove from heat. Let steep 5 mins for maximum lemon flavor.
2️⃣ Whisk the Egg Base
In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and fluffy (~1 min).
In a small cup, dissolve cornstarch in 1 tbsp cold milk — this prevents lumps.
3️⃣ Temper the Eggs
Slowly pour ½ cup warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
Gradually add the rest of the milk while whisking.
4️⃣ Cook the Custard
Return mixture to the saucepan.
Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula.
After 5–7 mins, it will thicken to a creamy, pudding-like consistency.
✅ Don’t stop stirring — prevents scrambling!
5️⃣ Finish & Cool
Remove from heat.
Stir in lemon juice and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
For ultra-smooth texture, strain through a fine sieve into a bowl.
6️⃣ Chill & Serve
Pour into small glasses or ramekins.
Cover surface with plastic wrap (to prevent skin).
Refrigerate at least 2 hours (overnight is best).
7️⃣ Garnish & Enjoy
Top with cinnamon, cocoa, chocolate shavings, or berries.
Serve cold for a refreshing finish.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
As a parfait layered with crushed cookies
With a biscuit on the side for dipping
Drizzled with honey or berry compote
🌈 Variations & Pro Hacks
🍊 Orange Custard: Swap lemon for orange zest + juice — creamy and floral
🍯 Extra Sweetness: Add 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
🍂 Spiced Version: Add pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger
🥥 Dairy-Free? Use coconut milk + coconut condensed milk
🍪 Parfait Style: Layer with graham crackers or amaretti for crunch
🧊 Make-Ahead Magic: Keeps 3–4 days in the fridge — perfect for meal prep
❄️ Freeze It? Not recommended — texture separates when thawed
🧠 Why This Works So Well
Cornstarch + egg yolks = thick, velvety texture without eggs scrambling
Sweetened condensed milk adds richness and stability
Lemon juice at the end preserves bright flavor (heat dulls acidity)
Chilling time deepens flavor and firms up texture
It’s not luck — it’s kitchen science. ✨
❤️ Final Thought: Sometimes, the Best Things Are Simple & Bright
You don’t need a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to make something truly special.
Just good lemons, real sugar, and love.
This 5-minute lemon custard proves that the most memorable desserts are often the simplest — where every bite tastes like sunshine, comfort, and care.
So next time you want to bake something beautiful…
Skip the oven.
Turn on the stove.
And let your kitchen fill with the scent of citrus and joy.
Because sometimes, happiness comes in a cup. 💛