Veg Custard Recipe: Easy, Creamy Dessert in Minutes

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s comforting, colorful, and bursting with flavor, you’ll fall in love with veg custard. This classic Indian-inspired treat is a celebration of creamy vanilla custard loaded with a medley of fresh fruits and sometimes even a handful of crunchy nuts.

It’s nourishing, easy to make, and guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re planning a festive get-together, a family dinner, or simply want to enjoy something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen, this veg custard recipe is perfect.

It’s naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan or gluten-free with a few simple swaps. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak more fruits into your meals, making dessert a little healthier and a lot more fun!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in about 20 minutes, plus chilling time.
• Customizable: Use your favorite seasonal fruits or whatever you have on hand.
• Perfect for All Ages: Loved by kids and adults, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser.
• Vegetarian & Easily Vegan: The base is eggless, and you can use plant-based milk for a vegan version.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance and chill until you’re ready to serve.
• Nutritious: Packed with vitamins from fresh fruits, making it a healthier treat.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife
• Serving bowls or glasses
• Spatula
• Refrigerator (for chilling)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fruits:

   Wash, peel, and chop all your chosen fruits into bite-sized pieces. Keep fruits that brown quickly (like apples and bananas) aside to add just before serving.

   Place all chopped fruits in a large mixing bowl and refrigerate.

2. Mix the Custard Powder:

   In a small bowl, add 3 tbsp custard powder and 1/4 cup cold milk (from the measured 3 cups). Whisk well to make a smooth, lump-free paste.

3. Heat the Milk:

   Pour the remaining 2¾ cups milk into a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.

4. Add Sugar:

   Once the milk begins to boil, add 4-5 tbsp sugar (adjust for sweetness). Stir until fully dissolved.

5. Thicken the Custard:

   Lower the heat. Slowly add the custard powder-milk mixture to the hot milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

   Continue stirring and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the custard thickens to a pourable pudding consistency.

   Tip: The custard will thicken further as it cools, so don’t let it get too thick on the stove.

6. Cool the Custard:

   Remove the saucepan from heat. Allow the custard to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.

   Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours.

7. Combine Fruits and Custard:

   Once chilled, gently fold the prepared fruits into the custard. Reserve some fruits and nuts for garnish if desired.

8. Serve:

   Spoon the veg custard into serving bowls or glasses. Garnish with extra fruits, chopped nuts, and pomegranate arils.

   Serve immediately, or chill further until ready to enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• Make it Vegan: Swap dairy milk for almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk. Check that your custard powder is vegan-friendly (most are).
• Fruits to Avoid: Citrus fruits like oranges can curdle the custard if added too early. Add them just before serving.
• Texture Control: For a thicker custard, increase the custard powder to 4 tbsp. For a thinner, more pourable custard, reduce to 2 tbsp.
• Flavor Twist: Add a pinch of cardamom powder, rose water, or vanilla extract for a unique flavor profile.
• Nuts & Seeds: For crunch, add toasted cashews, pistachios, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds.
• Festive Touch: Add a handful of tutti-frutti (candied papaya) for a colorful, nostalgic twist.
• Make Ahead: Both custard and fruits can be prepped in advance, but combine just before serving to keep fruits fresh and crunchy.

“Chilling the custard is key for flavor and texture—never skip this step for the creamiest results!”

Looking for more ways to enjoy vegetables in unique preparations? Try these innovative ideas: Vegetable Crackers Recipe for Healthy Homemade Snacking and Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition values are estimates for a standard serving of veg custard with mixed fruits and low-fat milk.

Serving Suggestions

• Chilled Dessert: Serve veg custard well-chilled in individual bowls or fancy glasses for a perfect summer treat.
• Layered Parfait: Alternate layers of custard and fruits in tall glasses for a beautiful presentation.
• Party Platter: Prepare a large batch and serve in a big bowl for gatherings, letting guests scoop their own.
• With Cake: Pair with a slice of Vegetarian Date Cake for a richer dessert.
• Festive Occasions: Add edible rose petals, saffron, or silvered almonds for a festive touch at celebrations.

Conclusion

Veg custard is more than just a dessert—it’s a joyful experience that brings together the best of creamy custard and the vibrant freshness of fruits. Not only is it visually stunning with its array of colors, but it also offers a burst of flavors and textures in every bite.

This recipe is delightfully simple, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Whether you enjoy it as a light ending to a hearty meal or as a sweet pick-me-up during the day, veg custard is sure to satisfy your cravings without weighing you down.

Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite fruits and toppings, and make the recipe your own! If you’re inspired to try more plant-based and vegetable-rich treats, check out these recipes: Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.

Enjoy every spoonful, and happy cooking!

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