If you’ve only ever made custard from a packet, you’re in for a real treat. Proper homemade custard is smooth, silky, and full of rich vanilla flavor. It’s surprisingly simple to make, and it turns even the most humble dessert into something special. With just a few basic ingredients and a gentle hand at the stove, you can create a traditional custard that’s perfect for pouring over puddings, cakes, crumbles, or enjoying all on its own.
This step‑by‑step tutorial shows you exactly how to make custard from scratch, with tips to help you get the perfect texture every time.
- 2 cups (480ml) of full fat milk
- 2 1/4 cups (540ml) of double cream
- 6 TBS caster sugar (fine granulated sugar)
- 1 vanilla pod, sliced in half lengthwise and the seeds scraped out (or 1 tsp of vanilla paste)
- 8 large egg yolks
You could use vanilla extract, but do use pure so as to avoid an artificial flavor.
Do not be tempted to use the whole egg. It simply won't work. You can freeze the whites in ice cube trays, ready to use in recipes which require a lot of whites such as angel food cake, pavlova or meringues.
- Place the milk, cream, half of the sugar and the vanilla pod, seeds or paste into a saucepan. Bring just to the boil, then remove from the heat and allow to sit for several minutes in order for the vanilla to infuse. (Do not allow to boil.)
- Whisk the egg yolks together with the remaining sugar until light in color. Whisk in a bit of the hot milk mixture, then add the remaining milk mixture, whisking continuously. (Don't be in a rush to add the hot mixture or you may end up with scrambled eggs.)
- Strain this mixture back into the saucepan, removing the vanilla pod. (This can be rinsed, dried and stuck into your sugar jar, where it will make your sugar smell gorgeous and impart some vanilla flavor as well.)
- Cook and stir over a very gentle heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, cooking just until the mixture thickens and begins to coat the back of the spoon. (You can also check for doneness easily using a metal spoon. If you dip the spoon into the custard and then pull your finger through it on the back of the spoon, it should leave a very clear draw.)
- Remove from the heat immediately. It should be lump free, but if you do have a few, simply restrain it into a clean jug. (I always strain mine twice just to be sure.)
- Serve hot or cold.
- Read through the recipe thoroughly before beginning so that you are familiar with everything needed and required to make this recipe.
- Assemble all of your ingredients before you begin so nothing gets accidentally left out.
- When heating the milk to infuse it, don’t over heat it! Bring it just up to the boil then remove from the heat.
- Don't be in a rush. Haste makes waste.
- Stir the custard mixture constantly when cooking to help prevent lumps.
- If you do get lumps, whisk vigorously to get rid of them.
- If your custard comes out a bit too thick, you can whisk in a bit of additional milk or cream to thin it.

Proper Custard
You can call it many names . . . creme de la vanille, creme anglaise . . . it matters not. It's all vanilla custard and it is wonderfully delicious when properly made and homemade. Its a lot easier to make than you might suppose!
Ingredients
- 2 cups (480ml) of full fat milk
- 2 1/4 cups (540ml) of double cream
- 6 TBS caster sugar (fine granulated sugar)
- 1 vanilla pod, sliced in half lengthwise and the seeds scraped out (or 1 tsp of vanilla paste)
- 8 large egg yolks
Instructions
- Place the milk, cream, half of the sugar and the vanilla pod, seeds or paste into a saucepan. Bring just to the boil, then remove from the heat and allow to sit for several minutes in order for the vanilla to infuse.
- Whisk the egg yolks together with the remaining sugar until light in colour. Whisk in a bit of the hot milk mixture, then add the remaining milk mixture, whisking continuously.
- Strain this mixture back into the saucepan, removing the vanilla pod. (This can be rinsed, dried and stuck into your sugar jar, where it will make your sugar smell gorgeous and impart some vanilla flavour as well.)
- Cook and stir over a very gentle heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, cooking just until the mixture thickens and begins to coat the back of the spoon.
- Remove from the heat immediately. It should be lump free, but if you do have a few, simply restrain it into a clean jug.
- Serve hot or cold.
Notes
The secret to successful custard is to not be in a hurry. If the worse happens and it starts to separate, whizz it in the blender. You can of course, pre-empt this problem by adding a small teaspoon of cornstarch to the egg yolks before adding the milk.
Did you make this recipe?
This content, written and photography, is the sole property of The English Kitchen. Any reposting or misuse is not permitted. If you are reading this elsewhere, please know that it is stolen content and you may report it to me at mariealicejoan at aol dot com.
If you’re looking for a quick breakfast that feels a little playful, these Breakfast Waffle Quesadillas are a great option. They’re simple to make, kid‑friendly, and perfect for busy mornings when you want something warm and satisfying without a lot of prep. Crisp buttery dimpled tortillas, melted cheese, scrambled eggs, and crispy bacon come together in just minutes, creating a delicious handheld breakfast everyone will love.
This recipe is ideal for weekends, brunch, or even breakfast‑for‑dinner. It’s easy, customizable, and a fun way to switch up your usual morning routine.
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 4 TBS each finely chopped red, green and yellow pepper
- 1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped
- salt, black pepper and pepper sauce to taste
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) grated cheese
- 6 slices streaky bacon cooked
- 4 (8-inch wheat tortillas)
- butter or cooking spray
- guacamole, sour cream, salsa, etc. as desired
- Beat the eggs together with the milk, onions, peppers, salt, pepper and hot pepper sauce, until well combined. (I like to soften my onions and peppers first by either cooking them in the microwave or sautéing them lightly. This helps to prevent them from releasing too much moisture into the eggs.)
- Add a knob of butter to a skillet and heat over medium heat. Once the butter starts to foam add the egg mixture. Scramble, folding over and over, using a rubber spatula, until cooked through. (I like the eggs softly scrambled, not dry. As they will be cooking further in a waffle iron this helps to prevent them from being overcooked.)
- Brush one side of each tortilla with some butter or spritz with cooking spray. (I prefer butter myself.)
- Heat your waffle iron according to the manufacturers instructions.
- Place one tortilla onto the bottom of the waffle iron, buttered side down. Top with a quarter of the cheese. Spread half of the scrambled egg over top and lay 3 of the slices of streaky bacon on top. Top with another quarter of the cheese and another tortilla buttered side up. (Don't overfill. Too much cheese and you have an oily finish. You don't want things leaking out of your tortillas and creating a mess.)
- Close the waffle iron and toast until golden and the cheese is melted.
- Keep warm in the oven and repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Cut both quesadillas into quarters and serve hot with your favorite toppings or fixings.
- Use a non-stick waffle iron and spray it well with non-stick cooking spray before you begin.
- Sauté your fresh vegetables until soft before adding them to the eggs. This will help them to release any water and prevent your eggs from being watery.
- Make sure your bacon is not cooked too crispy. Semi-crisp bacon works better.
- Don't be tempted to overstuff your tortillas. This is a case where less is more.
- You will know they are done when the waffle marks are golden brown and the edges are crisp.
- Use a non-stick cooking spray and a rubber spatula to protect your waffle iron from getting scratched and for easy release.
Breakfast Waffle Quesadillas
I love stretching the limitations of my waffle maker and this is one of the most delicious ways yet! Scrumptious!
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 4 TBS each finely chopped red, green and yellow pepper
- 1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped
- salt, black pepper and pepper sauce to taste
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) grated cheese
- 6 slices streaky bacon cooked
- 4 (8-inch wheat tortillas)
- butter or cooking spray
- guacamole, sour cream, salsa, etc. as desired
Instructions
- Beat the eggs together with the milk, onions, peppers, salt, pepper and hot pepper sauce, until well combined.
- Add a knob of butter to a skillet and heat over medium heat. Once the butter starts to foam add the egg mixture. Scramble, folding over and over, using a rubber spatula, until cooked through.
- Brush one side of each tortilla with some butter or spritz with cooking spray.
- Heat your waffle iron according to the manufacturers instructions.
- Place one tortilla onto the bottom of the waffle iron, buttered side down. Top with a quarter of the cheese. Spread half of the scrambled egg over top and lay 3 of the slices of streaky bacon on top. Top with another quarter of the cheese and another tortilla buttered side up.
- Close the waffle iron and toast until golden and the cheese is melted.
- Keep warm in the oven and repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Cut both quesadillas into quarters and serve hot with your favorite toppings or fixings.
Did you make this recipe?
This content, written and photography, is the sole property of The English Kitchen. Any reposting or misuse is not permitted. If you are reading this elsewhere, please know that it is stolen content and you may report it to me at mariealicejoan at aol dot com.
If you’re looking for an easy breakfast that feels special without any fuss, this Cinnamon Swirl Pancake Bake is a perfect choice. It has all the flavour of warm cinnamon‑roll pancakes, but it bakes in one dish — no flipping, no standing at the stove, and no morning rush. Soft, fluffy pancake layers meet a buttery cinnamon swirl that melts into every bite, creating a comforting breakfast that fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma.
This is a great recipe for weekends, holidays, or anytime you want a simple breakfast that still feels a little indulgent. Serve it warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of icing sugar for a cozy start to the day.
- 175g plain flour (1 1/2 cups)
- 2 TBS sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large free range egg
- 240ml buttermilk (1 cup)
- 2 TBS butter melted
- Maple syrup and butter to serve
- 2 TBS pure Maple syrup
- 4 TBS soft light brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Preheat the oven to 450*F/230*C/ gas mark 7. Take a lipped quarter sheet pan (13 by 9 inches) and line it with some baking paper. Spray the baking paper with some cooking spray. Set aside. (I crumple up the paper really well and then uncrumple it. This usually makes the paper fit the baking pan perfectly without any folding, etc.)
- Whisk the brown sugar, maple syrup and cinnamon together for the swirl in a small bowl. Set aside. (The mixture will be really thick at first but loosens up a bit upon standing.)
- Whisk the flour, soda, baking powder, sugar and salt together in a bowl. (This helps to distribute the leavening evenly throughout.)
- Whisk the egg, milk and buttermilk together in a beaker. Add all at once to the dry ingredients and mix everything together just to combine. (Resist the impulse to overmix. A few lumps are desirable.)
- Spread this batter in the prepared sheet pan. (I use a rubber spatula to get it right to the edges.)
- Drizzle the cinnamon swirl mixture over top in a decorative manner. (You can get artsy here. I use a small spoon.)
- Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 16 minutes, until golden brown and the edges have started to pull away. (A toothpick inserted will come out clean.)
- Remove from the oven.
- Serve warm, cut into squares with or without some butter on top and additional maple syrup for drizzling. (Delicious!!)
- Check the freshness of your baking powder and baking soda before you start. Make sure it is within date for the perfect rise.
- Whisk all of your dry ingredients together thoroughly to make sure that all of the leavening is evenly distributed.
- Have all of your ingredients at room temperature.
- Try to use real buttermilk if you can. If you must substitute the one where you mix together equal parts of full fat yogurt/sour cream and whole milk is the preferred substitute for real success.
- Do not over mix your batter. A few lumps are okay.
- If you have the time let your batter sit for about 15 to 30 minutes before using.
CAN THIS RECIPE BE DOUBLED?
Yes you can double the recipe. I would suggest baking it in two quarter sheet pans so that the timings remain the same.
CAN THIS BE FROZEN?
Yes, you can freeze these. Cut into individual servings and place into an airtight container with wax paper in between each pancake serving. Label and date. They will keep frozen for up to three months. You can reheat them briefly in the microwave or toaster to eat. Great for a quick breakfast.
HOW LONG WILL THESE KEEP?
They will keep for up to 4 days at room temperature.

Cinnamon Swirl Pancake Bake
This delicious pancake bakes in one go in the oven. Mix the batter. Pour it into the pan. Drizzle the cinnamon maple swirl over top. Bake. Easy Peazy. Cut into squares and serve hot with some additional maple syrup drizzled over all.
Ingredients
- 175g plain flour (1 1/2 cups)
- 2 TBS sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large free range egg
- 240ml buttermilk (1 cup)
- 2 TBS butter melted
- Maple syrup and butter to serve
- 2 TBS pure Maple syrup
- 4 TBS soft light brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450*F/230*C/ gas mark 7. Take a lipped quarter sheet pan (13 by 9 inches) and line it with some baking paper. Spray the baking paper with some cooking spray. Set aside.
- Whisk the brown sugar, maple syrup and cinnamon together for the swirl in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Whisk the flour, soda, baking powder, sugar and salt together in a bowl.
- Whisk the egg, milk and buttermilk together in a beaker. Add all at once to the dry ingredients and mix everything together Just to combine.
- Spread this batter in the prepared sheet pan.
- Drizzle the cinnamon swirl mixture over top in a decorative manner.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 16 minutes, until golden brown and the edges have started to pull away.
- Remove from the oven.
- Serve warm, cut into squares with or without some butter on top and additional maple syrup for drizzling.
Did you make this recipe?
This content, written and photography, is the sole property of The English Kitchen. Any reposting or misuse is not permitted. If you are reading this elsewhere, please know that it is stolen content and you may report it to me at mariealicejoan at aol dot com.


















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