Begin by gathering all your ingredients. In a large mixing jug, add the egg yolks and whisk them gently. You want to break them up without incorporating too much air.
In the same jug, add the cornstarch and sugar. Whisk these together until well combined, creating a smooth mixture. This will help ensure that your custard thickens evenly.
Next, pour the milk into a small saucepan. Add the vanilla extract and place it over medium heat. Warm the milk gently until it’s warm but not boiling. You should be able to dip your finger in without discomfort.
Once the milk is warm, slowly pour it into the egg mixture while continuously whisking. This gradual incorporation will prevent the eggs from scrambling. You want to create a nice, smooth custard base.
Transfer the mixture back into the saucepan. Place it on the stove over low heat. Use a whisk to stir constantly, bringing the custard mixture to a gentle boil. This may take some time, so be patient.
As the custard heats, keep an eye on its consistency. It will start to thicken. Once it reaches a gentle boil, remove it from the heat immediately to avoid overcooking.
Continue whisking the custard for a minute or so to ensure it's smooth and free of lumps. The residual heat will help it thicken further.
If serving immediately, pour the custard into serving dishes. If you prefer to cool it down, transfer it to a jug and cover the surface with a piece of cling wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
Allow your Easy Made from Scratch Custard to cool slightly before enjoying it warm, or refrigerate it to serve chilled later. Either way, it’s a treat!
