Vanilla Custard Berry Compote
Creamy vanilla custard berry compote is the perfect dessert. This easy recipe combines homemade vanilla custard with fresh berry compote for a delicious treat.
Equipment
- medium saucepan
- whisk
- mixing bowl
- fine-mesh sieve
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
Vanilla Custard
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 4 large egg yolks at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Berry Compote
- 3 cups mixed fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, and sliced strawberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1/2 cup sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is completely smooth with no lumps.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 8-10 minutes. Continue to cook for 1 more minute while whisking.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly to temper them. Then, pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
- Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, for 2-3 minutes, until the custard is very thick. Remove from heat and whisk in the softened butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the custard is smooth.
- Pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to ensure a perfectly smooth texture. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled and set.
- For the compote, combine the fresh berries, 1/4 cup sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries break down and the sugar dissolves into a syrupy sauce.
- Remove the berry compote from the heat and let it cool slightly. It will thicken as it cools.
- To serve, spoon the chilled vanilla custard into bowls and top with a generous spoonful of the warm or room temperature berry compote.
Notes
Press plastic wrap directly onto the custard surface to prevent a skin from forming.