Lactose Free Custard Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide

Updated On: October 17, 2025

Custard is a timeless dessert that brings comfort and warmth with every spoonful. However, for those with lactose intolerance, enjoying a creamy custard can often be a challenge.

Luckily, this lactose free custard recipe delivers all the velvety richness and smooth texture you love – without any dairy worries. It’s perfect for anyone looking to indulge in a classic treat while keeping digestive discomfort at bay.

Whether you’re preparing a simple pudding, a filling for tarts, or a base for other desserts, this recipe is versatile and easy to follow.

This custard uses lactose-free milk alternatives and natural thickeners to recreate the traditional custard experience. It’s ideal for families, guests with dietary restrictions, or anyone seeking a delicious lactose-free dessert option.

Let’s dive into why this recipe stands out and how you can make it at home with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lactose free custard recipe is a wonderful blend of creamy texture and subtle sweetness, crafted to delight your taste buds without triggering lactose intolerance symptoms. It’s:

  • Simple and quick: Ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute dessert cravings.
  • Customizable: Easily adapted with different milk alternatives like almond, oat, or soy milk.
  • Versatile: Use it as a standalone dessert or as a base for trifles, pies, and other sweets.
  • Family-friendly: Safe for children and adults with lactose intolerance or sensitivity.
  • Free from artificial additives: Made with wholesome ingredients you can trust.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups lactose-free milk (or your preferred plant-based milk)
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Heatproof spatula
  • Fine mesh sieve (optional, for extra smooth custard)
  • Bowl of ice water (for cooling custard quickly)

Instructions

  1. Heat the milk: Pour the lactose-free milk into a medium saucepan and gently warm it over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming. Remove from heat just before it reaches boiling point (small bubbles forming at the edges).
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of the thickener and sweetness.
  3. Whisk egg yolks: Add the egg yolks to the dry mixture and whisk until smooth and pale in color. This step is crucial for avoiding lumps and achieving a creamy texture.
  4. Temper the eggs: Slowly pour about ½ cup of the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to gently raise the temperature of the eggs without scrambling them.
  5. Combine mixtures: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining warm milk. Return the pan to medium heat.
  6. Cook custard: Stir the mixture constantly with a whisk or spatula, ensuring it doesn’t stick to the bottom. The custard will gradually thicken in about 5-7 minutes. Once it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clear line when you run your finger through it, it is done.
  7. Add vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for that classic custard aroma.
  8. Strain custard (optional): For an ultra-smooth finish, pour the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any cooked egg bits.
  9. Cool quickly: Place the bowl over a larger bowl filled with ice water and stir occasionally to cool the custard rapidly. This helps prevent a skin from forming.
  10. Chill before serving: Cover the custard with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to avoid skin formation, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Tips & Variations

“Always whisk continuously when cooking custard to avoid lumps and curdling. Patience and gentle heat are key!”

  • Milk Alternatives: Experiment with oat, almond, or cashew milk for different flavor profiles. Make sure to use unsweetened versions to control the sugar level.
  • Sweetener Swaps: Use maple syrup or honey instead of granulated sugar for a natural sweetness; reduce quantity slightly as they are sweeter.
  • Flavor Infusions: Add a cinnamon stick or a few cardamom pods to the milk while heating for a spiced custard.
  • Thickening Options: For a thicker custard, increase cornstarch to 4 tablespoons or add a tablespoon of arrowroot powder.
  • Dairy-Free Whipped Cream: Serve with coconut whipped cream for a decadent topping that keeps the dessert lactose free.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1/4 cup)
Calories 110
Fat 5g
Saturated Fat 1.5g
Cholesterol 100mg
Sodium 40mg
Carbohydrates 12g
Sugar 11g
Protein 3g

Serving Suggestions

This lactose free custard is delightful on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of desserts. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving:

  • Drizzle warm custard over fresh berries or fruit compotes for a light, refreshing dessert.
  • Use as a filling for dairy-free cream puffs, tarts, or éclairs.
  • Layer it in trifles with sponge cake and fruit for a classic British treat.
  • Serve chilled topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
  • Enjoy alongside your favorite lactose free baked goods like muffins or cookies.

Conclusion

This lactose free custard recipe is an excellent solution for anyone craving a creamy, luscious dessert without the discomfort of lactose intolerance. By using lactose-free milk and simple pantry staples, you can whip up a delicious custard that rivals traditional versions in taste and texture.

Its versatility allows it to shine in many dessert applications, making it a kitchen staple for families and individuals alike.

Don’t let dietary restrictions limit your dessert options. With this recipe, you can confidently serve a safe, satisfying custard that everyone will enjoy.

Give it a try and discover just how simple and rewarding lactose free cooking can be!

📖 Recipe Card: Lactose Free Custard

Description: A creamy and smooth custard made without lactose, perfect for those with dairy sensitivities. This recipe uses lactose-free milk and simple ingredients for a delicious dessert.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups lactose-free milk
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: ground nutmeg for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
  2. Heat lactose-free milk in a saucepan until warm but not boiling.
  3. Slowly pour warm milk into egg mixture, whisking constantly.
  4. Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly.
  5. Cook until custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  7. Pour custard into serving dishes and cool slightly.
  8. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
  9. Optional: Sprinkle with nutmeg before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 22g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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