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Tubby Custard Recipe

This creamy Tubby Custard is a fun, nostalgic dessert inspired by childhood TV memories. It’s smooth, lightly sweet, and tinted pink for that classic look. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this easy custard is perfect for kids, parties, or a comforting homemade treat.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: British-Inspired
Calories: 190
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Whole milk Can use low-fat if needed
  • 4 Egg yolks Large eggs
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar Adjust to taste
  • 3 tbsp Cornstarch Thickening agent
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract Pure vanilla preferred
  • 2 –3 drops Red food coloring Optional
  • 2 tbsp Butter Adds richness and shine

Equipment

  • 1 Medium saucepan Heavy-bottom preferred
  • 1 Whisk Helps prevent lumps
  • 1 Mixing bowl For egg mixture
  • 1 Measuring cups For accurate liquid amounts
  • 1 Measuring spoons For cornstarch and vanilla
  • 1 Rubber spatula Scraping sides clean
  • 1 Serving bowls Small bowls work best

Method
 

Step 1:
  1. Pour the milk into a medium saucepan and warm it over medium heat until steaming. Do not let it boil.
    Tubby Custard Recipe
Step 2:
  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until pale and smooth.
    Tubby Custard Recipe
Step 3:
  1. Add the cornstarch to the egg mixture and whisk until completely lump-free.
    Tubby Custard Recipe
Step 4:
  1. Slowly pour a small amount of warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
    Tubby Custard Recipe
Step 5:
  1. Gradually whisk in the remaining milk until fully combined.
    Tubby Custard Recipe
Step 6:
  1. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly.
    Tubby Custard Recipe
Step 7:
  1. Continue cooking until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
    Tubby Custard Recipe
Step 8:
  1. Remove from heat immediately and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
    Tubby Custard Recipe
Step 9:
  1. Add food coloring one drop at a time until the desired pink color is reached.
    Tubby Custard Recipe
Step 10:
  1. Pour the custard into serving bowls and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface.
    Tubby Custard Recipe
Step 11:
  1. Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours until fully set.
    Tubby Custard Recipe
Step 12:
  1. Serve chilled and enjoy.
    Tubby Custard Recipe

Notes

  • Cook the custard over low heat to avoid curdling.
  • Stir constantly once it begins to thicken for a smooth texture.
  • Food coloring is optional and can be replaced with strawberry puree.
  • Pressing plastic wrap onto the surface prevents a skin from forming.
  • Best enjoyed chilled, but can be eaten slightly warm as well.