
Silky, cool, and delicate, these custard cups are the kind of dessert that feels far more impressive than the effort involved. Whole milk, egg yolks, sugar, and a real vanilla bean come together in a classic baked custard ā no stabilizers, no thickeners, no additives of any kind. That simplicity is exactly what makes this recipe such a reliable choice when you need to avoid emulsifiers, since so many store-bought puddings and custard products sneak them in under long ingredient lists. The water bath method does all the heavy lifting, coaxing the eggs and milk into a smooth, trembling set without any chemical assistance. Gently poached pear slices layered on top add a soft, lightly sweet finish that feels almost elegant. Straining the custard before baking ensures a flawlessly smooth texture, so every spoonful is clean and pure. It's the kind of recipe that proves you really don't need anything extra to make something genuinely beautiful.
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Learn more ā4 servings






Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Place four 6-oz ramekins in a deep baking dish and set aside.
Combine the milk, vanilla bean pod, and scraped vanilla seeds in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Warm until small bubbles appear around the edges and steam rises from the surface, about 5 minutes ā do not boil. Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes, then discard the pod.
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