Bird’s custard powder is a popular baking ingredient used to make creamy, smooth custard fillings, sauces, and desserts. With just a few simple steps, bird’s custard powder can transform milk or cream into a rich, velvety custard that’s perfect for pouring over cakes, filling éclairs, or eating on its own. Read on to learn how to easily make perfect custard every time using bird’s custard powder.
What is Bird’s Custard Powder?
Bird’s custard powder is a powdered mix containing cornflour, salt, coloring, and flavorings that thickens milk or cream to make custard. It originated in England in 1837, making it one of the oldest canned foods still sold today. What sets bird’s custard powder apart from other custard powders is its smooth, creamy texture and rich vanilla flavor. The powder dissolves quickly in hot milk or cream to produce a luxuriously thick, velvety custard perfect for all kinds of desserts and confections.
How Is Bird’s Custard Powder Used?
Bird’s custard powder is incredibly versatile and can be used to make all kinds of sweet and savory dishes. Here are some of the most popular ways to use bird’s custard powder:
- Pour over cakes, puddings, and other desserts as a decadent topping or filling
- Fill or top pastries, tarts, éclairs, and doughnuts
- Use as a base for trifles and custard tarts
- Flavour milkshakes, smoothies, and ice cream
- Use in fruit salads or parfaits for a creamy texture
- Make creamy soups like sweet corn or butternut squash soup
- Add to porridge or oatmeal for extra richness
- Flavour and thicken sauces like crème anglaise
- Fold into fresh whipped cream as filling for cakes and pastries
The possibilities are endless when it comes to using bird’s custard powder to elevate both sweet and savory dishes. Its rich, creamy flavor pairs perfectly with everything from fresh fruit to chocolate cake.
How to Make Bird’s Custard
Making smooth, lump-free custard with bird’s custard powder only takes a few easy steps:
- Add the desired amount of bird’s custard powder to a saucepan. Generally, you’ll need 1-3 tablespoons per 1 cup of milk or cream, depending on how thick you want the custard.
- Gradually whisk in cold milk or cream. Go slowly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Whisk the mixture continuously over low heat until it begins to thicken and bubble. This usually takes 5-10 minutes.
- Once the custard coats the back of a spoon, remove it from the heat. Stir for 2-3 more minutes as it continues thickening.
- For ultra-smooth custard, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl or serving dish.
- Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin forming. Chill until set, at least 2 hours.
The basic ratio is 1 1/2 tablespoons of custard powder per 1 cup of milk or cream. But you can adjust it to make thicker or thinner custard as desired. Just be sure to whisk out any lumps and keep stirring on low heat until fully thickened.
Tips for Making the Perfect Bird’s Custard
- Use whole milk or cream for the richest flavor and silkiest texture.
- Whisk continuously to prevent scorching or lumps.
- Don’t let the mixture boil, which can cause curdling.
- Chill completely before using to allow the custard to set.
- Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg or vanilla beans.
- Stir in melted chocolate, caramel, or jam swirls if desired.
- Top with fresh softly whipped cream and berries.
Bird’s Custard Recipe Ideas
Once you have a batch of perfect bird’s custard made, the possibilities for how to use it are endless. Here are just a few delicious recipe ideas to try:
Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée
For a fancy French dessert, make individual ramekins of rich crème brûlée. Infuse bird’s custard with vanilla bean, chill until set, and top with a crispy sugar coating.
Raspberry Amaretto Triffle
Layer sponge cake, bird’s custard, raspberries, and amaretto liqueur in a glass trifle dish for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Chocolate Éclair Filling
Fill freshly piped éclair shells with bird’s custard flavored with melted dark chocolate for a decadent dessert.
Earl Grey Tea Custard Tart
For a British-inspired dessert, pour bird’s custard infused with Earl Grey tea into a baked tart shell and let set.
Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust
Make a no-bake cheesecake with a gingersnap cookie crust and a bird’s custard-enriched pumpkin cheesecake filling.
Butternut Squash and Sage Soup
Purée roasted butternut squash with onion and sage, then finish the soup with bird’s custard swirled in for luxurious texture.
Strawberry Shortcake
Assemble shortcakes by splitting biscuits and filling them with slices of fresh strawberries and bird’s custard flavored with vanilla.
Let your imagination run wild with the many ways you can utilize bird’s custard powder to make your desserts, pastries, and other dishes extra creamy and luscious. It’s an essential ingredient for any baker’s pantry.
How To Store and Freeze Bird’s Custard
To retain the fresh taste and creamy texture of homemade bird’s custard, proper storage is important. Here are some tips:
- Store custard in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing to prevent a skin forming.
- Custard can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Again, press the wrap onto the surface before sealing.
- Allow frozen custard to thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
- Reheat gently over low heat, stirring constantly until warmed through.
- Stir in extra milk or cream if the custard seems too thick after thawing.
- Don’t refreeze custard once it has been thawed.
With proper storage methods, you can keep leftover bird’s custard on hand to use in recipes or enjoy on its own when a creamy dessert craving strikes!
Common Questions About Bird’s Custard Powder
Is bird’s custard powder gluten free?
Yes, bird’s custard powder is gluten free, making it a great option for anyone who needs to avoid gluten in their diet. It contains no wheat, barley, rye, or oat ingredients.
Is bird’s custard vegetarian?
Bird’s original custard powder is completely vegetarian and does not contain any animal derived ingredients. It’s suitable for lacto-vegetarian and lacto-ovo vegetarian diets.
Can you use bird’s custard powder instead of cornstarch?
Yes, bird’s custard powder can be used to thicken soups, stews, and gravies in place of cornstarch. Use the same amount called for in the recipe. Just make sure to thoroughly dissolve the custard powder in a bit of cold liquid first.
Is bird’s custard powder dairy free or vegan?
Bird’s original custard powder contains milk derivatives so it is not dairy free or suitable for vegans. However, dairy free bird’s custard mixes made with plant-based milks are available for vegan cooking.
Can I make baked custard with bird’s custard powder?
Absolutely! Bird’s custard powder works great in baked custards like crème brûlée, flans, and custard tarts. Simply mix it with milk or cream and eggs, pour into ramekins, and bake in a water bath until just set.
Does bird’s custard powder contain egg?
No, bird’s original custard powder does not contain any egg ingredients. It’s made with cornflour, sugar, milk derivatives, colorings, and flavorings. Some ready-to-use bird’s custard mixes do contain egg though.
Conclusion
With its irresistibly silky texture and rich vanilla flavor, it’s easy to see why bird’s custard powder has been a beloved ingredient for generations of bakers. Whether you use it to add a luxurious finish to cakes and pastries or to make timeless classics like crème brûlée, bird’s custard powder is a versatile pantry essential. Following the tips above will ensure you get perfect, lump-free custard every time. So grab a box and start whipping up creamy custard creations in your own kitchen today!