Love citrusy desserts? This Creamy Orange Custard is made with fresh orange juice, zest, and a rich egg yolk custard, then topped with fluffy whipped cream for a refreshing, spoonful-worthy dessert. They taste exactly like a creamsicle! If you love the silky-smooth texture of this orange custard, you will definitely want to try my Easy Cheesecake Mousse next!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice is the best choice for this custard because it gives the brightest, freshest flavor. Store-bought juice can work, but it won’t have the same sweet, natural taste. Before adding it to the custard, the juice is cooked down, or reduced, to make the flavor even stronger. This step makes the custard taste rich and citrusy in every bite!
- Cornstarch: The cornstarch helps thicken the custard so it sets up just right.
- Milk: I like using whole milk to make the custard smooth and creamy. Be sure it is at room temperature before using. If you don’t have whole milk, you could use heavy whipping cream or half-and-half.
- Eggs: You will only use the yolks of three eggs for this custard. Don’t let the egg whites go to waste! Save them for other recipes like my fried ice cream or almond paste.
- Orange Zest: Before juicing the fresh oranges, zest enough for the tablespoon that goes into the custard, plus extra for garnish.
- Whipped Topping: Whether you use store-bought or homemade whipped cream, it’s the perfect finish for these orange custard cups!
What Is The Difference Between Custard and Pudding?
The main difference between custard and pudding is how they are thickened. Custard is made with eggs, along with milk or cream and sugar. The eggs help thicken it and give it a smooth, creamy texture. Custard is usually cooked gently, either on the stove or in the oven, and it can be thick or pourable, depending on how it’s made. On the other hand, pudding is usually thickened with cornstarch or sometimes flour, along with milk, sugar, and flavoring (like my chocolate pudding). Pudding doesn’t use eggs to thicken it. It’s also cooked on the stove and tends to be thicker than custard. Both are creamy and delicious, if you ask me!
Can I Use Different Citrus Juices Like Lemon or Lime In Custard?
Yes, you can use different citrus juices like lemon or lime in custard! Both will give the custard a tangy flavor, just like orange juice. Keep in mind that lemon juice is more tart, so you might want to add a little extra sugar to balance it out. Lime juice will also make the custard refreshing and slightly sour. Just make sure to taste and adjust the sweetness to get the perfect flavor!
Creative Ways To Serve Orange Custard
Although I served the orange custard in cups, there are many other creative ways to serve this creamy, citrusy treat:
- In a large dish or bowl: You can make one big batch of custard and serve it in a large bowl or serving dish. Just spoon it out into individual servings when it’s time to serve.
- With fruit: Serve the custard with fresh fruit like berries, sliced oranges, or even kiwi.
- As a topping: Orange custard can also be used as a topping for other desserts, like cakes, tarts, or even my sourdough pancakes, for a citrusy twist.
- In mini tart or pie shells: Instead of serving it in cups, you can spoon the custard into small tart or pie shells for a fun and bite-sized dessert.
- With a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce: Add a little extra sweetness by drizzling some caramel sauce or chocolate syrup over the top of the custard.
- Chilled in a trifle bowl: For a fun twist, you can layer the custard with whipped cream and other ingredients like crushed cookies or cake in a large trifle bowl.
How To Store Creamy Orange Custard
To store your Creamy Orange Custard Cups, first, let them cool to room temperature. Then, cover the cups with plastic wrap or a lid to keep them fresh. Place the custard in the refrigerator, where it will stay good for about 3-4 days. If using whipped topping, it’s best to add it right before serving so it stays light and fluffy. You can also store the whipped topping separately and add it when you’re ready to enjoy your dessert!
Creamy Orange Custard
Ingredients
- ¾ cup freshly squeezed orange juice, about 3 medium oranges
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (32 g) cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups whole milk, room temperature
- 3 large egg yolks, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces whipped topping, store-bought or homemade
- fresh mint, for garnish
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat the orange juice for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half. Se aside to cool.
- In a separate medium saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together granulated sugar, cornstarch, and baking soda. Slowly whisk in whole milk, making sure there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is heated through and just begins to steam (do not let it boil), about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. While whisking, slowly drizzle in about ¼ cup of the warm milk mixture to temper the eggs (this prevents scrambling).
- Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk mixture, stirring constantly.
- Keep cooking over medium-low heat, stirring continuously, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat. Immediately whisk in the reduced orange juice, vanilla extract, orange zest, and unsalted butter until smooth and fully combined.
- Pour the custard into 3 small serving cups or ramekins. Let them cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to overnight.
- When ready to serve, pipe or spoon the whipped topping over each serving.
- Garnish with fresh mint and additional orange zest.
Did you make this recipe?
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
This orange custard is so delicious! It’s creamy and tastes like a sweet orange treat. I love the whipped cream on top.
Elizabeth
This orange custard was pretty good! I liked it the most with the whipped cream, and I didn't need the orange zest on top–it threw off the creamy texture for me.
Annabelle
This is really creamy and refreshing with just the right amount of orange flavor.
Stephanie
This is the kind of dessert that feels fancy, but is pretty easy to make. I loved it!
Bella
The orange flavor in this custard is perfect, not too strong. Don't forget about the whipped cream!
