You only need a few everyday ingredients for this recipe:

  • 1 liter (4 cups) whole milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt
  • Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • A large mixing bowl
  • A whisk
  • A baking dish or ramekins
  • A larger pan for a water bath (bain-marie)
  • Oven preheated to 160°C (320°F)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). This gentle heat ensures the pudding bakes evenly and remains creamy without curdling or overcooking.

Step 2: Warm the Milk
In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling. You should see small bubbles around the edges — this helps dissolve the sugar later and enhances the flavor.

Step 3: Whisk the Eggs and Sugar
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Whisk lightly — you don’t want too much foam, as it can create bubbles on top of the pudding.

Step 4: Combine Milk and Egg Mixture
Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously. This gradual process tempers the eggs and prevents them from scrambling. The result should be a silky, uniform mixture.

Step 5: Strain for Smoothness
For an ultra-smooth texture, pour the custard mixture through a fine mesh strainer into another bowl. This removes any undissolved egg bits and ensures a perfect consistency.

Step 6: Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly butter a baking dish or divide the mixture among individual ramekins. Place them inside a larger baking pan.

Step 7: Create a Water Bath
Pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the pudding dish. The water bath ensures gentle, even cooking, preventing the custard from cracking or becoming grainy.

Step 8: Bake Gently
Place the setup in the oven and bake for 45–60 minutes, depending on the size of your dish. The pudding is ready when the edges are set, but the center still jiggles slightly when shaken.

Step 9: Cool and Chill
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours — chilling helps the pudding firm up and enhances its creamy texture.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top. Serve cold or slightly warm, depending on your preference.