“My Nana and aunties used to make this when I was young”

Preheat and Prep (10 minutes):

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature ensures a gentle, even baking process that helps the custard set perfectly without curdling.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 2-quart baking dish or individual ramekins with butter or non-stick spray. This step is crucial to prevent the custard from sticking and to make for easy serving later on.

Mix the Custard (5 minutes):

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, eggs, hot water, salt, and vanilla extract. The sweetened condensed milk provides the primary sweetness and creaminess, while the eggs are essential for the custard’s structure.
2. Achieve Smoothness: Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth. Ensuring there are no lumps will result in a uniformly textured custard.

Pour and Bake (45-60 minutes):

1. Pour the Mixture: Pour the custard mixture into the prepared baking dish or divide it evenly among the ramekins. Ensuring an even distribution helps in achieving a uniform texture.
2. Water Bath Technique: Place the baking dish or ramekins in a larger baking pan. Carefully pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the custard dish. This water bath method, known as bain-marie, is essential for gentle and even cooking.
3. Bake to Perfection: Bake the custard in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The custard should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. This jiggle indicates that the custard is perfectly cooked, remaining creamy without being overdone.

Cool and Garnish (at least 2 hours):

1. Remove from Oven: Carefully remove the custard from the oven and take the baking dish or ramekins out of the water bath. This step is crucial to stop the cooking process and begin cooling.
2. Cool Down: Let the custard cool to room temperature. Cooling gradually prevents the custard from cracking or becoming too firm.
3. Refrigerate: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the custard to firm up to the perfect consistency.
4. Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle a light dusting of ground nutmeg over the top for an extra touch of flavor and elegance (optional).

This Easy Amish Baked Custard is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. Its simplicity and rich flavor make it a beloved choice for any dessert lover. Enjoy this custard on its own or pair it with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat. Whether you’re recreating a cherished family recipe or trying something new, this baked custard is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.