Bird’s Custard Powder has long been a staple in many kitchens, known for its rich, creamy texture and comforting vanilla flavor. Traditionally made with dairy, it might seem challenging to enjoy this classic treat on a vegan diet.
However, with a few simple swaps and creative twists, you can easily whip up delicious vegan Bird’s Custard Powder recipes that are every bit as indulgent and satisfying as the original. Whether you want a silky custard to pour over a fruit tart or a luscious base for a vegan dessert, these recipes will delight your taste buds without compromising your plant-based lifestyle.
In this post, we’ll explore multiple vegan recipes using Bird’s Custard Powder, from classic custard to innovative desserts. You’ll find everything you need to make creamy, smooth, and utterly delightful vegan custard-based treats.
So, whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just curious about dairy-free alternatives, prepare to discover easy, versatile, and scrumptious recipes you’ll love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These vegan Bird’s Custard Powder recipes are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a creamy, comforting dessert without animal products. The custard powder provides that familiar sweet vanilla flavor and smooth texture, while plant-based milks keep the recipes dairy-free and light.
Healthy and flexible: You can use your favorite plant milk, control the sweetness, and add natural flavorings to suit your taste. Plus, these recipes are quick to prepare and can be adapted for many desserts.
Perfect for all occasions: Whether you’re making a quick everyday treat or preparing a fancy dessert for guests, vegan custard fits beautifully. It’s ideal for topping pies, filling cakes, or enjoying on its own.
Ingredients
- Bird’s Custard Powder: 4 tablespoons (ensure vegan-friendly, most are)
- Plant-based milk: 500ml (soy, almond, oat, or coconut milk all work well)
- Granulated sugar: 3-4 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (for extra vanilla flavor)
- Optional spices: pinch of ground nutmeg or cinnamon (for a warming touch)
- Vegan butter or coconut oil: 1 tablespoon (to enrich the custard)
Equipment
- Medium-sized saucepan
- Whisk (preferably balloon or silicone)
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Bowl for mixing custard powder
- Stove or induction cooktop
- Serving bowls or containers
- Optional: fine sieve (for extra smooth custard)
Instructions
- Mix the custard powder: In a small bowl, combine the Bird’s Custard Powder with about 3 tablespoons of the plant milk to create a smooth paste. This prevents lumps when cooking.
- Heat the milk: Pour the remaining plant milk into the saucepan and warm it gently over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
- Add sugar and flavor: Once the milk is warm (not boiling), stir in the sugar and vanilla extract. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon at this point for added warmth.
- Combine custard paste and milk: Slowly whisk the custard powder paste into the warm milk mixture. Keep whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Cook until thick: Continue stirring over medium heat until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat once thickened.
- Add fat for richness: Stir in the vegan butter or coconut oil to make the custard silky and rich.
- Cool and serve: Pour the custard into serving bowls or use immediately in your favorite dessert. If you want it chilled, cover and refrigerate until set.
Tips & Variations
For perfectly smooth custard, you can strain it through a fine sieve after cooking, removing any lumps.
Try using different plant milks to vary the flavor: coconut milk adds tropical richness, while oat milk offers a creamy, neutral base. Adjust the sugar to your preference or substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar for a natural sweetener.
Here are some tasty variations to try:
- Chocolate Vegan Custard: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder with the custard powder for a rich chocolate twist.
- Fruit-Infused Custard: Simmer the plant milk with a cinnamon stick or citrus zest before adding custard powder for extra aroma.
- Spiced Pumpkin Custard: Mix in 3 tablespoons of pumpkin puree and a pinch of pumpkin spice for a seasonal treat.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (approx. 150g) |
---|---|
Calories | 120 |
Fat | 3g |
Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
Carbohydrates | 22g |
Sugars | 18g |
Protein | 1g |
Fiber | 0g |
Note: Nutrition values vary depending on the plant milk and sweetener used.
Serving Suggestions
Vegan Bird’s Custard is incredibly versatile! Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Pour over fresh berries or a fruit crumble for a comforting dessert.
- Use as a filling in vegan sponge cakes or tarts.
- Serve warm as a cozy pudding alternative on chilly nights.
- Layer it with vegan granola and fruit for a quick parfait.
Looking for more delicious vegan dessert ideas? Check out our Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe or try a creamy Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe for an irresistible treat.
Delicious Vegan Bird’s Custard Powder Recipes
Classic Vegan Bird’s Custard
This simple vegan custard is perfect for everyday use and can be enjoyed warm or cold.
- Ingredients: Follow the base ingredients above.
- Instructions: Use the main instructions to prepare the custard. Serve with fruit or vegan puddings.
Vegan Chocolate Custard
A rich and indulgent custard with a chocolate twist.
- Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp Bird’s Custard Powder
- 500ml plant milk
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 4 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp vegan butter or coconut oil
- Instructions:
- Mix the custard powder and cocoa powder with 3 tablespoons of plant milk to form a paste.
- Heat the remaining milk with sugar and vanilla, then whisk in the paste.
- Cook until thickened, then stir in vegan butter.
- Serve warm or chilled with vegan chocolate cake or fruit.
Vegan Pumpkin Spice Custard
Perfect for autumn, this spiced custard pairs beautifully with pies and baked goods.
- Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp Bird’s Custard Powder
- 500ml plant milk
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp pumpkin puree
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon and nutmeg mix
- 1 tbsp vegan butter or coconut oil
- Instructions:
- Mix custard powder with a small amount of plant milk to form a paste.
- Heat the rest of the milk with sugar, vanilla, pumpkin puree, and spices.
- Whisk in custard paste and cook until thickened.
- Stir in butter and serve with vegan pumpkin pie or as a standalone dessert.
Conclusion
Vegan Bird’s Custard Powder recipes open up a world of creamy, delicious desserts that everyone can enjoy. By swapping traditional dairy for plant-based alternatives and adding simple flavor enhancements, you can create custards that are smooth, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.
Whether you stick to the classic vanilla or experiment with chocolate and pumpkin variations, these recipes are quick to prepare and endlessly versatile.
Next time you’re craving a comforting dessert or need a luscious custard to complement your baking, give these vegan recipes a try. They offer all the warmth and nostalgia of traditional custard, without any animal products.
For more inspiring recipes, don’t miss our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for savory dishes or the indulgent Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Bird's Custard
Description: A smooth and creamy vegan custard made using Bird's custard powder and plant-based milk. Perfect for desserts or as a comforting treat.
Prep Time: PT5M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT15M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Bird's custard powder
- 500 ml unsweetened almond milk
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of turmeric (for color, optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix custard powder with 100 ml of almond milk to form a smooth paste.
- Heat the remaining almond milk in a saucepan over medium heat until warm.
- Slowly add the custard paste to the warm milk, stirring continuously.
- Add maple syrup, vanilla extract, turmeric, and salt while stirring.
- Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 3.5 g | Carbs: 20 g
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