This baked coconut custard is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that will surely surprise and satisfy your whole family. With a creamy texture and a golden-brown top, it’s perfect for any occasion. Follow this recipe to create a delicious treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the custard.
- Prepare the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, crack open 4 large eggs. Beat the eggs well with a whisk until they are smooth and frothy.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour in the can of sweetened condensed milk into the beaten eggs. Mix well to combine. The sweetened condensed milk will add a rich sweetness and creamy texture to the custard.
- Incorporate the Whole Milk: Gradually add 2 cups of whole milk to the mixture. Whisk continuously to ensure that the milk is fully integrated and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Add 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved. The vanilla extract will enhance the flavor of the custard.
- Fold in the Shredded Coconut: Add 1 cup of shredded coconut to the mixture. Stir gently to evenly distribute the coconut throughout the custard. The coconut will give the custard a delightful texture and flavor.
- Season with Salt: Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor of the custard.
- Pour into Baking Dish: Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Pour the custard mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.
- Create a Water Bath: Place the baking dish into a larger pan. Pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the baking dish. This water bath will help the custard bake evenly and prevent it from cracking.
- Bake the Custard: Carefully transfer the pan to the preheated oven. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center of the custard; it should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the custard from the oven and allow it to cool in the water bath for about 10 minutes. Then, remove the baking dish from the water bath and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate the custard for at least 2 hours before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Plain and Simple: Serve the custard as it is, letting the creamy texture and coconut flavor shine.
- With Fresh Fruit: Top the custard with fresh berries or slices of tropical fruit for a refreshing twist.
- Drizzled with Caramel: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for an extra layer of sweetness.
Tips and Variations:
- Coconut Milk: For a more pronounced coconut flavor, substitute half of the whole milk with coconut milk.
- Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the custard mixture for a hint of citrus flavor.
- Toasted Coconut: Sprinkle some toasted coconut on top of the custard before serving for added texture and flavor.
- Mini Custards: Divide the mixture into individual ramekins for single-serving portions. Adjust the baking time to 30-35 minutes.
This baked coconut custard is a simple yet delicious dessert that will impress your family and friends. Its creamy texture, rich flavor, and golden-brown top make it a delightful treat for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dessert that everyone will love. Enjoy this custard chilled and savor the delightful combination of coconut and vanilla in every bite.
