
Silky, gently set, and topped with tender poached pears, these custard cups are the kind of elegant dessert that feels far more impressive than the effort involved. A real vanilla bean steeped in warm whole milk gives the base a deep, fragrant flavor that extract simply cannot match. The custard is strained, poured into ramekins, and baked in a water bath ā that slow, even heat is what produces that signature wobble and impossibly smooth texture. Meanwhile, the pears simmer in a light sugar syrup until just yielding, then get draped over the chilled custard right before serving for a beautiful contrast of cool cream and soft fruit. Every ingredient here is straightforward and naturally free from tree nut concerns, so there's no need to scrutinize labels or worry about hidden additions sneaking into your dessert. It's a recipe that rewards patience ā the chill time is non-negotiable ā but the payoff is a composed, restaurant-worthy finish that comes together with pantry staples and a little technique.
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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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