Chocolate Custard with Custard Powder Recipe

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Looking for a quick and easy chocolate dessert? Then try this chocolate custard recipe using store bought custard powder. It is creamy, delicious and a perfect make ahead dessert.

The best part is that you either serve it as is or make a fruit salad. Top it with fresh fruit or crushed chocolate cookies for a simple, yet decadent treat.

Chocolate custard topped with chopped berries, crushed cookies and nuts in a glass bottle

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About the Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Expert Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
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Recipe Card

About the Recipe

Traditionally custard is made with milk and egg yolks. But this quick chocolate custard recipe uses custard powder instead. The end result is the same creamy, dreamy, chocolaty treat that is much simpler and easier to make.

As a mom, I am always on the lookout for easy recipes that appeal to my kids. Both of them love chocolate, so this creamy and delicious chocolate custard is a special treat for them.

This recipe came about years ago when my son was against anything vanilla flavored. So I made custard with cocoa powder to custard to make this chocolate version of it and he loved it. Since then, I have been making this version more than the traditional vanilla one.

Chocolate custard topped with chopped berries, crushed cookies and nuts in a glass bottle with a spoon inside

Chocolate custard is technically made with milk/ cream, egg yolks, sugar and of course chocolate. This involves tempering yolks, to make sure that they don't curdle and other techniques that might be a little challenging.

So to makes things easy, I use store-bought custard powder. I prefer this easy egg-free custard version because it is fool proof and perfect for a beginner cook.

Ingredients

For the details of the exact quantities of each ingredient and the list of ingredients needed, check the printable recipe card below.

Here are the ingredients you need to make this easy eggless chocolate custard pudding:

Custard powder ~ is the main ingredient to make dessert.
- In India we generally use Brown and Polson custard powder, this is widely available in Indian grocery stores. But Bird's custard powder is great as well.
- Custard powder ingredients include cornstarch with a bit of salt, added color and flavoring ingredients. So, if you can't source custard powder, you can definitely use equal amount of cornstarch (aka corn flour) in the recipe.
Milk - I generally use dairy whole milk, but unsweetened, non-dairy milk like almond or oat also great here.
Sugar
Unsweetened cocoa
Vanilla extract

Ingredients needed - details in recipe card

Instructions

For the detailed instructions on how to make the recipe with exact timings, check the printable recipe card below.

Here is how to make chocolate custard with custard powder:

Combine 2 cups of milk and sugar in a heavy bottomed sauce pan and bring to a simmer.

3 panel photo showing the simmering of milk and sugar.

In a small bowl, combine the remaining ¼ cup of milk with custard powder and cocoa powder. Whisk well making sure that there are no lumps. Set aside.

2 panel photo showing the mixing of ingredients in a measuring cup.

Once the milk comes to a low boil, remove from heat and slowly stir in the custard powder mixture while whisking continuously.

Put the pan back on heat and cook on medium-low flame, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens. The mixture should coat the back of the spoon.

2 panel photo showing the custard before and after cooking.

Remove from heat and pour into a medium bowl. Stir in vanilla extract. Place a clingwrap right on the surface of the custard to avoid skin formation. Then let the mixture cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

To serve, top with fruit, cookie crumbs, chopped nuts and enjoy.

Hand holding a spoon with chocolate pudding and strawberries

Expert Tips

Preferably whole milk, but 2% milk will also work.
Custard powder can be substituted with equal amount of cornstarch (aka corn flour) in the recipe.
Use oat or almond milk to make this custard vegan.
Make sure to constantly whisk the milk after adding the custard slurry. This helps to avoid lump formation and also scalding at the bottom of the saucepan.
If you want thicker custard, add 1~2 tablespoons more of the custard powder.
You can make and chill the custard at least 2 days before serving.
Add fruit or cookie crumb toppings just before serving. Chopped nuts can be added ahead of time.
Chocolate Custard Serving Ideas:
- Make a custard bar for parties - serve toppings in individual bowls, so the kids can choose whatever they want. My kids favorites are crushed oreos, mini chocolate chips etc. Healthy options like berries, bananas etc are also great.
- Fill a store bought or homemade pie crust with the custard. Chill and serve with whipped cream and berries on top.
- Fill eclairs or use as a cake filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can chocolate custard be made vegan?

Yes, definitely. Use plant based milk like Oat or Almond milk instead of dairy milk in the recipe.

Why is my custard not thickening?

Custard powder/ cornstarch needs to be cooked through for the custard to thicken. So, make sure to cook it long enough for this happen. Also if you want thicker custard, add 1~2 tablespoons more of the custard powder.

Here are a few more recipes using custard powder that you might like:

I love hearing from you!! If you’ve tried this and liked it, then don't forget to let me know. Give a star rating and let me know in the comments below. Also tag me in your creations on Instagram @cooks_hideout. I love sharing photos when people make my recipes. You can use the hashtag #cookshideout too.

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