What is a Custard Powder and Substitutes for Custard Powder

Custard powder is essentially a shortcut to making custard from scratch and is a worthy item to have in your pantry.   If your recipe calls for custard powder and you don’t have any on hand, don’t worry as you’ll find a few good substitutes for custard powder in this post. 

If you’re a home baker and haven’t used custard powder, you’re not alone. Popular in Britain, the custard is a creamy sauce that’s often poured over sweet steamed puddings or piped into donuts. You may have enjoyed a custard-based dessert at your favorite restaurant. 

What is Custard Powder?

Easily found in grocery stores, and typically made with cornflour, riboflavin, salt, and different flavors, custard powder is a convenient item that only needs a bit of water or milk, and other ingredients like spices and fruit to transform it into a dessert.  It can also be used as a base in savory recipes.

Types of Custard Powder (Different Flavors)

Similar to instant pudding flavors, vanilla is the most popular flavor in most cities. Chocolate and toffee flavors are easy to find, as are fruit flavors like banana, mango, and strawberry. In Eastern Europe and the Middle East, flavors like rose and cardamom are the favorites.

Best Substitutes for Custard Powder

Pudding Mix

An easy swap for custard powder is instant vanilla pudding mix. Just as convenient, all you have to do is use equal amounts of pudding mix called for in the recipe. In addition to puddings, pudding mix can be used in recipes for baked goods, fillings, and sauces. You can also switch up the taste by using different flavors of instant pudding in the dish. 

Cornstarch

Best used for cakes, sauces, puddings, and desserts, cornstarch is a good substitute for custard powder. In fact, custard powder contains a lot of cornstarch. Use the same amount of cornstarch as custard powder called for in the recipe, and then add vanilla extract to enhance the flavor..

Cornstarch Mixed with Cornflour

If you have both cornstarch and cornflour on hand, you can combine them to use as a substitute for custard powder. Similar to using cornstarch, use an equal amount of the mixture and enhance the flavor with vanilla, or even rum extract for a nice change. 

Tapioca Pudding Mix

Because of its similar consistency, tapioca pudding mix  is an ideal thickener and an excellent alternative for custard powder. Use equal amounts of tapioca pudding mix for the custard powder called for in the recipe, and add a touch of vanilla extract to enhance the taste. Note that tapioca pudding mix is not the same thing as pre-made tapioca pudding that often comes in a can, so be sure to pick up the correct item. 

Baking Soda

You may be surprised to learn that regular baking soda is made from sugar crystals and can be used as a substitute for custard powder. Use it at a ratio of 1:1. 

Pastry Cream

Made with eggs, milk, sugar, and cornstarch, pastry cream is a good substitute for vanilla flavored custard powder, especially for fillings or puddings. 

Add a touch of vanilla extract or real vanilla beans to the pastry cream. Warm it in a pot on the stove, and let it cool before using in recipes. 

Water Chestnut

With a few additional ingredients, water chestnut can be used in place of custard powder. In addition to the water chestnut, you’ll need water chestnut flour, water, and castor sugar to make a batter. Then add the batter to some boiling water and let it cool. You’ll be left with a soft batter that’s perfect for cakes or ice creams.

Milk and Eggs

If you have some time on your hands, you can make custard from scratch. You’re likely to have all of the ingredients on hand in your kitchen.

• You’ll need 3 cups of cold milk, 4 large eggs, a ½ cup of sugar, 1 ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
• Preheat the oven to 250℉ and pour the milk into a saucepan. Heat the milk until it’s just below boiling. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for five minutes.
• Beat the remaining ingredients together until fully combined. Then, whisk together with the warm milk. Note that the milk needs to be cool enough that the eggs don’t end up cooked.
• Divide the mixture into six 6-ounce custard cups or ramekins. Place the cups into a baking pan and add enough hot water into the  pan until the water surrounds the custard cups and is about  half an inch from the top of the cups . Be careful not to let any water spill into the custard cups.
• Bake for 25 minutes and remove from the oven. Let the custard cool for 10 minutes and enjoy!

How to Use Custard Powder in Recipes

• Use it to make a simple dessert: One of the easiest desserts to prepare  is as a simple custard, served in individual ramekins or in a large bowl. Serve it topped with fresh berries and a sprig of mint.
• Use it as creamy pie filling:  Pour the custard into a pre-baked pie crust and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. Custard can also be used to frost cookies and cakes, or as a layer in a parfait or a fruit trifle. A few pinches of custard powder can also be added to muffin or cake batter to add sweetness and moisture.
• Make custard sauce: Use it to drizzle over quick breads or crumb cake.

How to Thicken Custard without Custard Powder

If you want to add some thickness to liquid custard, you can use cornstarch. You’ll need to create a slurry to prevent lumps

Combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 teaspoon of water and mix into a paste. Add small amounts into the custard, whisking constantly over medium-low heat until the custard begins to thicken.

Arrowroot powder can also be used to thicken custard. Make a slurry with cold water or cold milk. Pour it into the custard and whisk over medium-low heat until it reaches the desired consistency. 

Is Custard Powder the Same as Pudding Mix?

Pudding mix and custard powder are not the same thing, but vanilla pudding mix is an excellent substitute for custard powder.

You May Also Like

• Coconut Flour Substitutes
• Arrowroot Powder Substitutes
• 8 Almond Flour Substitutes

Print Pin

What is Custard and How to Make Custard Powder

To make your own custard powder you’ll need powdered milk, corn starch, vanilla sugar, and powdered yellow food coloring (optional).

Keyword Custard Powder Substitute

Ingredients

• 1 cup of powdered milk
• ½ cup corn starch
• 1 ½ tablespoons of vanilla sugar
• ¼ teaspoon of powdered food coloring (optional).

Instructions

• Combine the ingredients in a food processor and blend for 10 seconds before transferring to an airtight container.
• When you’re ready to made the custard, use ½ cup of custard powder for every 2 cups of fresh milk. If you prefer a sweeter custard, add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to taste. Heat the custard over medium-low heat as you would with store-bought custard powder.

Notes

If you’re unable to find vanilla sugar, you can easily make it yourself. Simply blend vanilla bean seeds or good quality vanilla extract with granulated sugar in a high-powered blender.