Citrus Free Vanilla Pear Custard Cups

Silky, cool, and delicate, 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 base a deep, fragrant flavor that extract simply cannot match, and the slow bake in a water bath ensures each cup sets with that signature gentle wobble. Avoiding citrus in desserts sounds easy until you realize how many recipes sneak in a squeeze of lemon or a strip of orange zest — this one skips all of that entirely and still delivers something genuinely elegant. The poached pears on top are simmered in nothing but water and sugar, so their natural sweetness comes through clean and pure. Layering cool, set custard with tender, lightly syrupy pear slices creates a contrast in texture that makes every spoonful interesting. This is a wonderful make-ahead dessert since the custards need time in the refrigerator to fully chill and set, leaving you free to focus on the rest of your meal.

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 →