Orange Custard

1. Preparation

• Separate the egg yolks from the whites and set the yolks aside.
• Zest one orange and then juice it to get about 100 ml of juice.
• Measure out your milk, sugar, and cornstarch.
• Lightly grease or prepare ramekins or serving bowls for chilling.

2. Mix the Base

• In a medium saucepan, combine milk, orange juice, sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
• Whisk well until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Make sure there are no lumps.
• Add the orange zest if using.

3. Cook the Custard

• Place the saucepan over medium-low heat.
• Stir constantly with a whisk or silicone spatula to prevent scorching.
• After 3–5 minutes, the mixture will begin to thicken.
• Once it starts bubbling slightly and thickens to a pudding-like consistency, reduce the heat.

4. Temper the Egg Yolks

• In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks.
• Slowly add a few tablespoons of the hot custard to the yolks while whisking—this is called tempering and prevents curdling.
• Once the yolks are warmed up, pour the mixture back into the saucepan with the custard.

5. Final Cook

• Cook for another 2–3 minutes on low heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens more.
• Stir in vanilla extract (if using) and taste for balance.
• Remove from heat.

6. Strain and Chill

• For extra smoothness, strain the custard through a sieve into a bowl.
• Pour into ramekins, dessert glasses, or bowls.
• Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

💡 Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with a slice of orange, mint leaf, or candied orange peel.
• Serve with a shortbread cookie or biscotti for added crunch.
• Sprinkle with caramelized sugar for a citrus take on crème brûlée.

💕 Orange Custard Lovers

Who loves Orange Custard?

• Children, for its sweet, creamy joy.
• Elderly guests, for its nostalgia and gentle flavor.
• Chefs, for its versatility and elegance.
• Lovers, for its romantic, light finish after a dinner date.

Orange Custard is a dessert that seems simple, but with each spoonful, it offers a burst of citrus brightness and a comforting custard smoothness. It’s a favorite at spring weddings, brunch buffets, and fine dining menus.

🍽️ Variations & Twists

• Vegan Version: Use oat milk or almond milk and skip the egg yolks. Replace cornstarch with agar-agar or arrowroot powder.
• Spiced Orange Custard: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom while cooking for a spiced kick.
• Layered Parfait: Layer orange custard with whipped cream and crushed graham crackers or granola.

🧾 Nutritional Note (per serving)

Approximate for standard version (per 150g serving):

• Calories: 180–200 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 6 g
• Sugar: 18 g

📜 Conclusion

Orange Custard is more than just a dessert. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something elegant, refreshing, and soulful. Whether you make it for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or simply as a treat for yourself, it brings the sunshine of oranges into every spoonful

Give it a try. Let it chill. And when you dig your spoon in, remember: you’re tasting centuries of custard evolution—brightened by the kiss of citrus.