Fruit custard is a classic Indian dessert recipe made with eggless vanilla custard powder, milk, fresh fruits and dry fruits. This simple and best mixed fruit custard recipe is rich, creamy and served chilled — making it an all-time favourite dessert for birthday parties and summer get-togethers!
When I posted custard powder ice cream, I wanted to share this easy fruit custard recipe using eggless vanilla custard powder. This is one of the easiest custard powder recipes and it is a good replacement for fruit salad to serve your guests at get-togethers or for birthday parties. I have been making this for years for all my friends and relatives. It is a very simple recipe but it fetches you more credits for sure.
Initially I used to add only apple and banana and call it as apple custard. Then I got the idea of adding dry fruits, cherries and cashews from Nag’s blog. But this is a much simplified version. Addition of nuts and cherries makes this dessert richer, tastier and colorful too. As mango season is around, you can try adding it.
Last week when Raksha’s friends came to my house, I made this along with veg fried rice and baby corn fry for lunch. They all loved it. Try this for your kids and family members and have a delectable dessert after a yummy meal. Everybody will love it and ask for more! So let’s see how to make this easy fruit custard recipe.
Quick Notes for US & Abroad Kitchens
- Custard Powder Brands: In US and abroad Indian grocery stores, Brown & Polson or Lion vanilla custard powder is easily available in the baking and dessert aisle. If shopping at Western supermarkets, Bird’s Custard Powder works identically.
- Milk Choice: Whole milk (vitamin D milk) gives the creamiest, richest texture without needing any heavy cream. 2% milk can also be used, but whole milk yields the best restaurant-style taste.
- Electric Stovetop Heat Control: In US apartments with electric coil or glass flat-top stoves, keep the burner on medium-low (around setting 4). Electric burners stay very hot and can scorch milk quickly. Whisk continuously with a wire whisk so the custard doesn’t stick to the bottom.
- Fruit Selection Tips: Firm fruits like Gala or Honeycrisp apples, bananas, seedless grapes and sweet ripe mangoes work best. Avoid watery or acidic fruits like citrus, watermelon or sour pineapple as they make the custard watery and can curdle the milk over time.
- Add Fruits Just Before Serving: Always chill the custard base completely in the refrigerator first. Mix in the chopped fruits and nuts only 15 to 20 minutes before serving so the fruits stay crisp and fresh.
Fruit Custard Recipe – Custard Powder Recipes
Ingredients
For Custard Base
- 2 ½ cups Whole milk (approx. 500 ml / 17 fl oz) divided
- ¼ cup Milk (approx. 60 ml / 2 fl oz) cold or at room temperature to dissolve custard powder
- 2 tbsp Vanilla custard powder (approx. 20g) eggless
- 4 to 5 tbsp Sugar (approx. 50g / 1/4 cup) adjust to taste
- ½ tsp Vanilla essence / extract optional
For Fruits & Nuts
- 1 ½ to 2 cups Mixed fruits (approx. 250g) chopped apple, banana, mango, seedless grapes, pomegranate
- 2 tbsp Nuts & cherries (approx. 20g) chopped cashews, almonds / badam, glazed cherries & tutti frutti
Instructions
- In a wide, heavy-bottomed pan, bring 2 1/2 cups of milk to a boil. Add 4 to 5 tbsp of sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- In a small bowl, take 1/4 cup of cold milk and add 2 tbsp of vanilla custard powder. Whisk thoroughly until smooth with no lumps.
- Lower the flame to medium-low. Slowly pour the custard mixture into the boiling milk while stirring continuously with a whisk. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture thickens to a creamy coating consistency like dosa batter. Stir constantly to prevent scorching at the bottom.
- Turn off the flame and stir in 1/2 tsp of vanilla essence. Allow the custard to cool completely to room temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill.
- Just before serving, chop your choice of fresh fruits and nuts into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the chilled custard, mix gently, and garnish with cherries, pomegranate pearls, and roasted cashews. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the quantity of custard powder as per the thickness you need.
- I always like the custard a little thinner. It’s your personal choice of making it.
- Adjust sugar as per your taste buds.
- Adding cherries, tutti frutti, cashews, and badam gives a nice crunchy taste while eating. So never skip it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Custard turns watery if fruits are mixed too far in advance, or if high-water fruits like melons, oranges, or strawberries are added. Fruits naturally release their juices into the custard over time. I always suggest mixing firm fruits like apples, bananas, and grapes into the chilled custard just 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
Always dissolve the custard powder in cold or room-temperature milk first, never in warm or hot milk. Mix it into a smooth slurry, then pour it gradually into the boiling milk on low heat while stirring continuously with a wire whisk.
Avoid highly acidic or watery fruits such as raw pineapple, kiwi, oranges, watermelon. Acidic fruits can curdle the milk, while watery fruits quickly dilute the thick, creamy consistency.
You can prepare the plain custard base up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. Once fruits are mixed in, it is best enjoyed within 24 hours so the fruits stay fresh and crunchy.
Enjoy this all-time favourite fruit custard with your loved ones. It tastes yummy!
Fruit Custard with mangoes is yummy.very cute bowls
pls pass it here….
Pass me the bowl! so comforting dessert
Easy d delicious dessert ever,bookmarked it….
Can i use pomegranate/grapes /pinapple?
Yes u can use :) Thanks Sindhuja :)
love this anytime… my favorite pudding to make when i have loads of guest, can never go wrong…
Can i use pomegranate/grapes /pinapple?
yes,u can use.I had replied already :)
One of my fav dessert:)
tempting dear…well prepared
Who can resist to this beautiful dessert, my favourite anytime.
I love custard.. I remember my mum making this for us in the summers.. Somehow I had forgotten about this.. thanks for reminding me.. they love fruits and fruit juices and their current favourite is kdd harvest’s pomegranate juice.. it is launched only a few months back and my kids are in love with it.. I am sure they will love this recipe of yours too!can this be stored for a few days? Thinking of making in bulk!
Yes , u can store in an air tight box in refrigerator till 4-5 days i guess :) thanks.
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Thanks for trying n feedback.Just chked ur blog.U have made it so well :)
Fabulous fruit cusatrd even so yummy.But mam can i use Cherry in fruit custard…
Fruit Custard Recipe
Yes, you can :)
can I mix yogurt with
fruit custard
can I mix yogurt with
fruit custard
No. I don't think it tastes good.