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    Home » Dessert » Chocolate Custard

    How to make Chocolate Custard with Custard Powder

    Published: Jan 18, 2023 · Modified: Mar 11, 2023 by Pavani · 25 Comments

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    Blue plate with cups of chocolate custard.

    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

    This post contains affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. I will earn a commission from qualifying purchases through those links. This blog generates income via ads. Click here to read my affiliate links policy.

    Table of contents

    • About the Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • You might also like
    • 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.

    You might also like

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

    • Jars of gulab jamun pudding
      Gulab Jamun dessert with Custard
    • Mango Fruit Custard Recipe | Video
    • Sweet Noodle Pudding | Semya Custard pudding

    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.

    Recipe Card

    Blue plate with cups of chocolate custard.

    Chocolate Custard with Custard Powder

    Quick and Easy to make Chocolate custard using store bought custard powder. It's creamy and delicious and is kid friendly.
    Author: Pavani
    Print Pin Rate
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time: 5 mins
    Cook Time: 15 mins
    Chilling Time:: 4 hrs
    Total Time: 4 hrs 20 mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Indian
    Servings: 6 servings

    Ingredients

    • 2¼ cups Milk*, divided
    • 3 tablespoons Custard powder or Cornstarch
    • 1 tablespoon Unsweetened Cocoa powder
    • 3 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
    • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
    • As needed Toppings of choice - Oreo cookies, Banana, berries, apple and so on

    Instructions

    • In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of milk with custard powder and cocoa powder. Whisk well making sure that there are no lumps. Set aside.
    • Combine the remaining 2 cups of milk and sugar in a heavy bottomed sauce pan and bring to a simmer.
    • 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, about 2-3 minutes.* The mixture should coat the back of the spoon.
    • 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.

    Video

    Notes

    • 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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 102kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 63mg | Potassium: 177mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 106IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 123mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @cooks_hideout or tag #cookshideout!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Srivalli

      July 18, 2013 at 3:31 pm

      Oh gosh those pictures are driving me crazy Pavani..those are looking so good..and know what, for a change it's raining in Madras..and I still won't mind getting this to eat though..:)..your son's pic tops the list ok..he should pose more

      Reply
    2. Sapana Behl

      July 18, 2013 at 4:11 pm

      Wow ! Who can resist that and with all those chocolate even adults are in the queue.

      Reply
    3. vaishali sabnani

      July 19, 2013 at 6:40 am

      Custurd is such a versatile dessert..one can do wonders with it..I am drooling over those pics and would love to indulge in grabbing some of those bowls.

      Reply
    4. Priya Suresh

      July 21, 2013 at 8:19 pm

      I'll go for that oreo topped custard, lovely topping and my kind of dessert,loving it.

      Reply
    5. Sandhya Ramakrishnan

      July 23, 2013 at 1:26 am

      Such a delicious one! The one with crushed oreos tops my list 🙂

      Reply
    6. Harini-Jaya Rupanagudi

      July 23, 2013 at 5:57 pm

      Lovely idea for choco lovers!

      Reply
    7. Gayathri's Cook Spot

      July 24, 2013 at 4:14 am

      My daughter would go crazy for the Oreo topped custard. It looks divine..

      Reply
    8. preeti garg

      July 24, 2013 at 5:32 pm

      Mouthwatering and bookmarked :0

      Reply
    9. Nivedhanams Sowmya

      July 25, 2013 at 6:40 am

      silky smooth and mouth watering... very well explained!!Sowmya

      Reply
    10. Denise

      July 10, 2017 at 8:29 am

      What does 2+3 cups tbsps Milk mean? How many cups go in the saucepan and how many tbsps to mix the custard and cocoa?

      Reply
      • cookshideout

        July 10, 2017 at 9:36 pm

        Hi Denise, I updated the recipe with the correct milk amounts. Hope this helps. Thank you.

        Reply
    11. Frank port

      November 04, 2019 at 3:17 pm

      I made it and it was good my family like it

      Reply
      • cookshideout

        November 04, 2019 at 3:54 pm

        Hi Frank, so glad that your family liked the custard. Thank you for letting me know.

        Reply
    12. Frank port

      November 04, 2019 at 9:00 pm

      This time I made i and I put all the item in a blender I did use a double broiler on high heat and it took 5 minute stirring all the time it came out great now I have 2 receipe to follow thank you

      Reply
    13. Danielle

      February 11, 2020 at 4:12 am

      5 stars
      I haven't had chocolate custard in quite a while, frankly speaking. Really looking forward to folowing this recipe - it looks nice and easy.

      Reply
    14. Leslie

      February 11, 2020 at 2:56 pm

      I love the custard bar idea for this recipe! Sign me up for bananas and strawberries with this chocolate custard! YUM!!!

      Reply
    15. Tempting Recipe

      May 28, 2020 at 9:38 am

      5 stars
      Loved this recipe of Chocolate Custard. Thanks for such amazing recipe.

      Reply
    16. ARCHANA

      August 13, 2020 at 3:08 am

      5 stars
      Looks like I am the only one who has not had chocolate custard. Sounds absolutely delicious and I wish I can grab a bowl.Need to see if I can persuade kiddo to make some. ;D

      Reply
    17. Lara

      June 02, 2021 at 3:29 am

      5 stars
      Have some Bird's custard powder for the first time, so I gave this a try tonight. Worked perfectly! Snuck in some extra coca and chocolate to make it extra chocolate-y and it still worked out perfectly! Thanks for a great idea for something to make with my custard powder that my kids will love 👍

      Reply
      • cookshideout

        June 02, 2021 at 9:08 am

        Hi Lara, So glad that you liked the recipe. Thank you for letting me know 🙂

        Reply
    18. Raj

      July 13, 2021 at 8:50 am

      5 stars
      Nice post. Keep doing great work.

      Reply
    19. Alice

      November 05, 2021 at 4:04 pm

      5 stars
      It tasted great!!!!!!!!!! Did the 12 serving recipe. Next time I will do 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder instead of 2.

      Reply
      • cookshideout

        November 06, 2021 at 4:45 pm

        So glad that you liked the recipe. Thank you for letting me know.

        Reply
    20. shivani

      February 15, 2022 at 3:24 am

      5 stars
      Thank you for sharing wonderful recipe, you can also add taste to dishes with.

      Reply
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