Baked Apple Custard: A Kid-Friendly Delight
Indulging in the warm, comforting embrace of a homemade dessert can often transport us back to cherished moments, and this delightful Baked Apple Custard, originating from the classic pages of Bon Appétit (November 1981), embodies that nostalgia with a contemporary twist that children adore. This easy-to-make custard combines the rich flavors of apples with a creamy custard base, making it a perfect dessert for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
Recipe Overview
| Name | Baked Apple Custard |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 25 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Category | Dessert |
| Description | Easy traditional custard with a difference that children like. |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 191.9 kcal |
| Total Fat | 10.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 162.6 mg |
| Sodium | 139.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 18.4 g |
| Fiber | 0.6 g |
| Sugar | 13.8 g |
| Protein | 7 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | tablespoons butter or margarine |
| 1 – 2 | apples, peeled, cored, and sliced |
| 4 | large eggs |
| 1/3 | cup sugar |
| 1 | pinch salt |
| 2 | cups milk (or half and half) |
| 1 | teaspoon vanilla extract |
| ground nutmeg (for garnish) |
Instructions
To embark on this delightful baking journey, follow these detailed instructions that will guide you through each step of creating this wonderful dessert, perfect for both children and adults alike.
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Prepare the Apples: In a large skillet, melt the butter or margarine over medium-high heat until bubbly and fragrant. Carefully add the apple slices, ensuring they are evenly spread across the skillet. Sauté the apples for approximately 1 minute to give them a gentle start on their cooking journey.
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Cook the Apples: After the initial minute of cooking, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and allow the apples to cook for an additional minute. This step helps to soften the apples just enough to enhance their flavor without losing their texture.
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Brown the Apples: Lower the heat to low, uncover the skillet, and continue to cook the apples, stirring occasionally until they achieve a light golden brown color, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Once they are perfectly caramelized, remove them from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
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Preheat the Oven: While the apples are cooling, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 160 degrees Celsius). This step is crucial to ensure an even baking environment for your custard.
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Prepare Custard Cups: Butter six custard cups or a 1½-quart casserole dish generously. This will prevent the custard from sticking and ensure easy serving later on.
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Make the Custard Base: In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until they become thick and frothy. Gradually add the sugar and salt, beating the mixture well to ensure it’s fully combined. Slowly blend in the milk (or half and half) and the vanilla extract, stirring gently until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
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Combine Custard and Apples: Carefully pour the custard mixture into the prepared custard cups, leaving some space at the top for the apples.
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Create a Water Bath: Set the custard cups into a large shallow baking pan. Pour in enough boiling water to the pan so that it comes halfway up the sides of the cups. This water bath will help the custard cook evenly and prevent it from curdling.
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Bake the Custard: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until a knife inserted into the center of the custard comes out clean. If you’re using the casserole dish, extend the baking time to 1 hour and 30 minutes to ensure that the custard sets properly.
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Cool the Custard: Once baked, carefully remove the custard cups from the water bath using tongs or a thick kitchen towel, allowing them to cool to room temperature. This cooling step is essential for developing the flavors and setting the custard.
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Top with Apples: After cooling, arrange the reserved apple slices on top of each custard in an overlapping pattern, creating a visually appealing presentation that invites everyone to dig in.
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Chill: Refrigerate the custards until they are cold, which will allow the flavors to meld beautifully. This can be done for at least 1 hour or even overnight, if you prefer.
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Serve: Before serving, sprinkle a light dusting of ground nutmeg over the top of each custard to enhance its aromatic profile and add an inviting warmth. This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, making it an excellent choice for warm days or as a comforting end to a hearty meal.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Apple Custard, with its creamy texture and delightful apple topping, provides a nostalgic yet fresh dessert option that not only satisfies sweet cravings but also offers a nutritious profile that parents can feel good about serving. Whether enjoyed as a family dessert or as part of a special occasion, this custard is sure to be a hit at any table.
Embrace the flavors, enjoy the process, and savor the moments spent with loved ones over this delicious homemade treat that perfectly balances simplicity and comfort. Happy baking!
