12 Smooth Custard Recipes

Delicate yet tasty, this classic vanilla custard looks sweet enough to finish off any special meal when served in eggshells instead of a plain dish.

Recipe: Vanilla Custard Served in Eggshells

This dessert couldn't be simpler. Unlike many custards, it doesn't require a hot-water bath. Shallow gratin dishes, shown here, allow the rhubarb to spread out and cook evenly.

Recipe: Rhubarb Custards

These light, tart little cakes are cooked in a water bath like soufflés, so their centers stay smooth, creamy, and custardy.

Recipe: Lemon Custard Cakes

Chocolate aficionados will love these individual treats made with a rich, buttery crust and decadent chocolate custard filling. Add a little fresh whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a sprinkling of candy to make it even more crave-worthy.

Recipe: Chocolate Custard Tarts

Red wine, sugar, and seasonings become a sweet jewel-toned syrup, which offsets the tangy custard in this elegant dessert.

Recipe: Buttermilk Custard with Navel Oranges in Red Wine Syrup

Fresh, ripe raspberries nestled in a custard pie filling may be the ultimate summer dessert.

Recipe: Raspberry Custard Pie

Don't be put off by "bulgur" and "cake" in the same title. (Think rice pudding but with bulgur.) Whether you use coarser-textured bulgur (our preference) or fine, the cooked bulgur should resemble cooked oatmeal.

Recipe: Apricot-Bulgur Pudding Cake with Custard Sauce

Challah pumpkin bread pudding is even more decadent when accompanied by a vanilla-rum custard sauce.

Recipe: Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Vanilla-Rum Custard Sauce

The orange-cranberry combo makes for a festive new take on a traditional holiday dessert.

Recipe: Candied Cranberry Orange Custard Trifle

Fresh corn kernels and smoked Gouda combine in this savory custard that's sure to be an instant hit in your house.

Recipe: Corn-and-Cheese Custard

Alain Coumont makes these ethereal, citrusy custards with wild blackberries gathered from his property. Try them with blueberries, raspberries, or pitted cherries, too.

Recipe: Summer Blackberry Custards

We use low-fat milk along with nonfat Greek yogurt in the creamy custard for this peach pie. The yogurt gives the custard a smooth texture without using cream or too many egg yolks. A slice is just as delicious served warm from the oven as it is chilled. For an added treat, serve topped with fresh blueberries.

Recipe: Peach Custard Pie