Citric Acid Free Vanilla Pear Custard Cups

Silky, fragrant, and naturally sweet, these custard cups are the kind of dessert that feels far more impressive than the effort involved. Real vanilla bean steeped in warm whole milk gives the custard a deep, floral richness that no extract can quite match, and the slow oven bake in a water bath ensures a texture that's impossibly smooth. For anyone navigating a citric acid sensitivity, desserts can be a minefield — citric acid hides in everything from packaged puddings to canned fruit — but every ingredient here is straightforward and easy to verify. The poached pears are simply simmered in water and sugar, so you get a delicate, lightly sweet topping without any of the preservatives or acidic additives that show up in jarred or canned alternatives. Watching for that gentle wobble in the center of the ramekin is the real trick to nailing the set — pull them too early and they're soupy, too late and they lose that luxurious jiggle. After a long chill in the fridge, the custard firms into something elegant and cool, topped with tender pear slices that practically melt on the tongue. It's a dessert that proves simple, clean ingredients are always more than enough.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →