How to Make Homemade Custard Using Cornflour

Custard is one of the most loved desserts across households. Creamy, smooth, and mildly sweet, it can be served on its own or paired with fruits, cakes, puddings, and even warm desserts. While many people buy ready-made custard powder, you can easily prepare delicious homemade custard using cornflour with just a few basic ingredients available in your kitchen.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn:

• What custard is
• Why cornflour works perfectly as a thickening agent
• A foolproof step-by-step recipe
• Tips to avoid lumps
• Flavor variations
• Storage instructions
• Common mistakes to avoid

Let’s get started.

What Is Custard?

Traditionally, custard is a dessert made from milk, sugar, and egg yolks, gently cooked until thickened. In classic French cuisine, custard forms the base of many desserts such as crème anglaise and pastry cream.

However, in many Indian households, eggless custard is more popular. Instead of eggs, we use cornflour (cornstarch) to thicken the milk. The result? A silky, creamy dessert that’s vegetarian-friendly and very easy to make.

Why Use Cornflour for Custard?

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Cornflour is one of the most reliable thickening agents in cooking. When mixed with liquid and heated, it forms a smooth gel-like consistency.

Benefits of Using Cornflour:

1. Egg-free – Perfect for vegetarians
2. Easy to use – No complicated techniques
3. Quick thickening – Takes only a few minutes
4. Neutral taste – Does not overpower flavors
5. Budget-friendly – Easily available and affordable

Cornflour thickens through a process called gelatinization. When heated with liquid, starch granules absorb water and swell, giving custard its creamy body.

Ingredients for Homemade Custard Using Cornflour

Here’s what you’ll need for a basic vanilla custard:

• 2 cups full-fat milk
• 2 tablespoons cornflour
• 3–4 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• A pinch of salt

Optional Additions:

• Chopped fruits
• Dry fruits (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
• Saffron strands
• Cardamom powder

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Custard Using Cornflour

Step 1: Prepare the Cornflour Slurry

Take 2 tablespoons of cornflour in a small bowl.

Add 4–5 tablespoons of cold milk (taken from the 2 cups). Mix well until smooth.

Important: Always use cold milk to dissolve cornflour. Adding it directly to hot milk will cause lumps.

Step 2: Heat the Milk

Pour the remaining milk into a heavy-bottom pan.

Add sugar and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Do not let the milk boil vigorously.

Step 3: Add the Cornflour Mixture

Lower the heat.

Slowly pour the cornflour slurry into the simmering milk while stirring continuously.

Keep stirring to avoid lumps.

Step 4: Cook Until Thick

Continue stirring for 3–5 minutes.

You’ll notice the mixture thickening gradually. Once it coats the back of a spoon, it’s ready.

Turn off the heat and add vanilla extract.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the custard cool slightly.

It will thicken more as it cools.

Serve warm or refrigerate for 1–2 hours for chilled custard.

How Thick Should Custard Be?

Custard thickness depends on your preference:

• Pouring consistency: Use 1½ tablespoons cornflour
• Spoonable pudding consistency: Use 2 tablespoons
• Very thick custard: Use 2½ tablespoons

Remember, custard thickens more after cooling.

How to Avoid Lumps in Cornflour Custard

Lumpy custard is a common problem, but easy to prevent.

Tips:

✔ Always mix cornflour in cold milk
✔ Stir continuously after adding slurry
✔ Keep heat medium-low
✔ Use a whisk for smoother texture
✔ Strain the custard if lumps form

If lumps appear, quickly blend using a hand blender.

Flavor Variations of Cornflour Custard

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Once you master the basic recipe, try these delicious variations:

1. Mango Custard

Add fresh mango puree after cooking. Chill before serving.

2. Chocolate Custard

Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder while heating milk.

3. Strawberry Custard

Blend fresh strawberries and mix into cooled custard.

4. Saffron Cardamom Custard

Add soaked saffron and a pinch of cardamom powder for a rich Indian flavor.

Fruit Custard Recipe Using Cornflour

Fruit custard is extremely popular in India.

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped seasonal fruits (apple, banana, grapes, pomegranate, mango)

Important Tip:

Add fruits only after custard cools completely. Adding fruits to hot custard can make them watery.

Chill for 2 hours before serving.

Can You Make Custard Without Vanilla?

Yes! Vanilla is optional.

You can replace it with:

• Cardamom powder
• Rose essence
• Almond essence
• Saffron

Can You Make Custard Without Sugar?

Absolutely.

You can use:

• Honey (add after cooking)
• Jaggery syrup (cool slightly before adding)
• Artificial sweeteners

Avoid adding jaggery directly to boiling milk as it may curdle.

Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container
• Refrigerate for up to 2–3 days
• Stir before serving
• Do not freeze (texture may change)

If it becomes too thick after refrigeration, add 1–2 tablespoons milk and whisk gently.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Adding Cornflour to Hot Milk

This causes instant lumps.

2. Cooking on High Heat

High heat can burn milk or cause uneven thickening.

3. Not Stirring Continuously

Custard can stick to the bottom quickly.

4. Overcooking

Overcooking can make custard too thick and gluey.

Is Cornflour Custard Healthy?

Homemade custard can be healthier than store-bought versions because:

• No artificial colors
• No preservatives
• Controlled sugar levels

However, it is still a dessert and should be consumed in moderation.

For a healthier version:

• Use low-fat milk
• Reduce sugar
• Add fresh fruits

Can You Make Vegan Custard Using Cornflour?

Yes!

Replace dairy milk with:

• Almond milk
• Soy milk
• Oat milk
• Coconut milk

The thickening process remains the same.

Coconut milk gives a richer texture.

Cornflour vs Custard Powder: What’s the Difference?

Custard powder usually contains:

• Cornflour
• Artificial flavor
• Yellow color

When you make custard at home using cornflour, you skip additives and customize flavors naturally.

Serving Ideas for Homemade Custard

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Here are creative ways to serve custard:

• Over warm chocolate cake
• With apple pie
• As fruit custard
• In trifle pudding
• As a filling for pastries
• With jelly layers

Custard is incredibly versatile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why Is My Custard Too Runny?

You may have used less cornflour or not cooked it long enough.

2. Why Did My Custard Turn Too Thick?

You may have added too much cornflour or overcooked it.

3. Can I Reheat Custard?

Yes, reheat gently on low heat and add a little milk if needed.

4. Can I Double the Recipe?

Absolutely. Just maintain the same ratio of ingredients.

Quick Recipe Summary

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 2 tbsp cornflour
• 3–4 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla

Method:

1. Mix cornflour in cold milk.
2. Heat milk with sugar.
3. Add slurry slowly while stirring.
4. Cook until thick.
5. Cool and serve.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade custard using cornflour is incredibly simple and rewarding. With just milk, sugar, and cornflour, you can create a smooth, creamy dessert in under 15 minutes.

Whether you enjoy it plain, with fruits, or layered in a trifle, this eggless custard recipe is a must-try for every home cook.

Once you try making custard from scratch, you’ll realize how easy and customizable it is. No preservatives, no artificial flavors — just pure homemade goodness.

Now it’s your turn. Head to your kitchen and try this easy cornflour custard recipe today!