Tree Nut Free Vanilla Pear Custard Cups

Silky, fragrant, and quietly elegant, these vanilla pear custard cups are the kind of dessert that feels far more impressive than the effort involved. A real vanilla bean steeped in warm whole milk gives the custard a depth and floral sweetness that extract simply can't match, while a classic water bath in the oven coaxes the egg yolk base into something impossibly smooth and trembling. The recipe is entirely free of tree nuts at every step — no almond flour, no nut-based garnishes, no ambiguous store-bought components — so you can serve these with complete confidence at the table. Gently poached pear slices, simmered until just tender in a light sugar syrup, crown each cup with a delicate, fruit-forward finish that balances the richness of the custard beautifully. The technique of streaming warm milk slowly into the yolks prevents scrambling and ensures a flawlessly creamy texture once chilled. These are ideal for making ahead, since the custards need time to set in the refrigerator before the pears go on top — which actually makes entertaining a breeze. Simple ingredients, a little patience, and the result is a dessert that looks like it came from a proper bistro.

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