Old-Fashioned Custard Nutmeg Bake (Gluten-Free Vanilla Dessert)

Custard Nutmeg Bake

Introduction
Cozy vanilla custard with nutmeg for that snug, old-school flavor. This simple baked custard is naturally gluten free, vegetarian, and perfect for sharing with a crowd of 10.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings: 10
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten free

Ingredients List
• Butter or nonstick spray, for greasing the baking dish
• 6 large eggs
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus extra for sprinkling on top
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions (Detailed)

Step 1: Prep the dish and oven
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place a large roasting pan on the middle oven rack; you’ll use this for a water bath.

Step 2: Warm the milk and cream
In a medium saucepan, add the whole milk and heavy cream. Warm over low to medium-low heat until the mixture is steaming but not boiling. This helps the sugar dissolve smoothly later and gives the custard a silky texture.

Step 3: Whisk the eggs and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and ground nutmeg until well combined and slightly frothy. Whisk just until smooth; you don’t want to whip in too much air.

Step 4: Temper the egg mixture
Slowly pour the warm milk-and-cream mixture into the egg mixture in a thin stream, whisking constantly. This gentle tempering step keeps the eggs from scrambling and ensures a smooth custard.

Step 5: Strain and pour
For an extra-smooth bake, pour the custard mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large pitcher or bowl. Then pour the strained custard into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Lightly sprinkle a pinch of extra ground nutmeg over the top.

Step 6: Set up the water bath
Carefully slide the oven rack with the roasting pan out just enough to work safely. Place the custard-filled baking dish inside the roasting pan. Pour hot tap water into the roasting pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the custard dish. The water bath helps the custard cook gently and prevents curdling.

Step 7: Bake the custard
Bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 55–65 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle when you gently shake the dish. A knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean, with just a bit of creamy custard clinging.

Step 8: Cool and serve
Carefully remove the custard dish from the water bath and place it on a wire rack. Cool for at least 20–30 minutes. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Just before serving, dust with another light sprinkle of ground nutmeg for that cozy, old-fashioned aroma.

The perfect blend of sweet and savory vanilla-and-nutmeg flavor awaits, with a silky texture that feels like pure comfort in a spoon.

Pro Tips

1. For ultra-smooth custard: Strain the mixture and tap the dish gently on the counter to pop air bubbles before baking.
2. Make-ahead dessert: Bake the custard a day in advance and chill. It slices more cleanly when cold and is great for dinner parties or holidays.
3. Storage and reheating: Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave at low power, or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Info Table

Serving Size Calories Protein Carbs Fat Fiber Sugar
1 serving 230 8g 19g 13g 0g 18g

Disclaimer
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.