Looking for a light, colorful dessert that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying? This Creamy Fruit Custard combines velvety vanilla custard with fresh seasonal fruits, offering a sweet finish to any meal. It’s a no-bake treat that’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings, family dinners, or as a make-ahead option for entertaining.
Packed with vitamins from fresh fruit and a protein boost from milk, this dessert is both indulgent and nourishing. Whether you’re serving guests or meal-prepping a weeknight treat, this fruit custard delivers vibrant flavor and smooth texture with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Serves 6
For the Custard Base
- 500 ml whole milk
- 3 tablespoons custard powder (vanilla flavor)
- 4 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
For the Fruit Mix
- ½ cup chopped apples
- ½ cup chopped bananas
- ½ cup grapes (halved)
- ½ cup strawberries or mangoes (based on season)
- ¼ cup pomegranate seeds (optional, for garnish)
Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped nuts or raisins
- A few drops of rose water or cardamom powder for aromatic flair
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Cooling & chilling time: 1–2 hours
- Total time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix Custard Powder
- In a small bowl, mix custard powder with ¼ cup cold milk until smooth and lump-free. Set aside.
Step 2: Heat the Milk
- In a saucepan, bring the remaining milk to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching.
Step 3: Sweeten and Thicken
- Add sugar to the hot milk and stir until fully dissolved.
- Lower the heat and gradually pour in the custard mixture while continuously stirring to avoid lumps.
- Continue stirring until the mixture thickens to a pourable pudding-like consistency (about 3–5 minutes).
- Turn off the heat and let the custard cool to room temperature.
Step 4: Chill the Custard
- Once cooled, cover and refrigerate the custard for at least 1 hour for best results.
Step 5: Prepare and Add Fruit
- Just before serving, wash, peel, and chop all fruits into bite-sized pieces.
- Gently fold fruits into the chilled custard, saving a few pieces for garnish.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Transfer to serving bowls or glasses. Garnish with remaining fruit, pomegranate seeds, or chopped nuts.
- Serve chilled and enjoy a creamy, colorful dessert.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in glass dessert bowls for an elegant presentation.
- Layer in parfait glasses with crushed cookies or granola for a modern twist.
- Add whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Protein | 5 grams |
| Total Fat | 4 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 38 grams |
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Sugars | 28 grams (includes natural fruit sugar) |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Sodium | 80 mg |
Key Benefits:
- Fruit adds dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
- Milk contributes calcium and protein.
- Custard powder provides structure and flavor with minimal effort.
- Naturally gluten-free and adaptable for dairy-free versions with almond or oat milk.
Tips for Success
- Always add the custard slurry slowly to prevent lumps.
- Use fresh, firm fruits to prevent the dessert from becoming watery.
- Don’t add fruits too early, especially bananas or apples, to avoid discoloration.
- For vegan variation, use plant-based milk and cornstarch instead of custard powder.
This Creamy Fruit Custard is the ultimate make-ahead dessert—light, luscious, and bursting with seasonal color. With its simple steps and endless customization options, it’s a reliable favorite for home cooks looking for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing recipe.
Whether you’re feeding kids or impressing dinner guests, this fruit custard is sure to become a go-to sweet treat in your recipe rotation.