This Indian fruit custard recipe combines seasonal fruits with sweet creamy custard sauce to make this delectable dessert that is perfect for a crowd. Check out the almost hands-free version using an Instant Pot (stovetop recipe included as well).
Whisk together custard powder with 4 tablespoons of milk. Mix till there are no lumps remaining. Set it aside.
Stovetop Instructions
Pour the rest of the whole milk into a saucepan kept over medium heat.
Once the milk is hot but not boiling, add the custard milk mixture to the saucepan along with the sugar. Stir continuously to mix everything well and to prevent the custard from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Keep the mixture on medium heat and stir continuously. The custard will start to thicken as it cooks. This process may take a few minutes, so patience is key. Ensure that you keep stirring to avoid any lumps forming.
After the custard has slightly thickened (still free-flowing), remove it from heat. Allow it to cool at room temperature for a couple of hours. [Note: The consistency thickens after it cools down]
Once the custard has cooled to room temperature, cover it and place it in the refrigerator to chill.
Instant Pot Instructions
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the boil mode using the yogurt function.
Add milk in the steel insert and walk away :)
Instant Pot will beep when the milk is boiled and will shut down.
Switch over to the saute mode (low) and add sugar and the custard + milk mixture. Mix well.
After the custard has slightly thickened (still free-flowing).[Note: Don’t forget to stir, the mixture sticks to the bottom quickly]. Switch off the Instant Pot.
Carefully remove the steel insert and set it over the countertop.
Let the custard sauce cool down to room temperature and then refrigerate for at least a couple of hours. [Note: The consistency thickens after it cools down]
Serving instructions
Before serving, chop the fruits of your choice into bite-sized pieces, avoiding fruits that can curdle the milk or release water into your custard. Gently mix these fruits into the chilled custard. Alternatively, you could put the custard in your serving bowls and then add fruits to it.
Serve it with ice-cream or with a drizzle of sweetened mango pulp (optional)
Notes
Chopped fruits - Use fresh seasonal fruits. Some of my favorites are apples, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, pomegranate seeds, papaya, and halved grapes.
To prevent curdling, steer clear of citrus fruits such as oranges, sweet limes, etc., and pineapple (which contains an enzyme called bromelain that can cause milk to curdle). Also, exclude high water-content fruits such as watermelon to prevent your custard from becoming too watery.
Tips for making fruit custard
Clean equipment: Before you get started, make sure the heavy bottom pan or Instant Pot insert is residue-free and wiped clean to prevent milk from curdling during boiling.
Properly mix the custard powder: Do not add custard powder directly to hot milk; this will lead to lumps. Instead, mix it with milk at room temperature until it dissolves completely. A whisk can help achieve a smooth texture.
Stir continuously: After combining the custard-milk mixture and sugar with the hot milk, keep stirring. This prevents the custard mix from sticking to the bottom and burning.
Allow to cool, then refrigerate: Let the custard cool to room temperature, then pop it in the fridge for a few hours before you add the fruits.
Chop the fruits evenly: For the best texture, chop all fruits into uniform, bite-sized pieces.
Avoid overcooking: If you overcook the custard, it'll get too thick. If that happens, no worries — just stir in a bit of warmed milk until you reach the desired consistency.
Add fruits just before serving: Add your fruits just before serving to keep them from going brown, especially bananas and apples. If you're prepping for a party, you can add fruits like strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, pomegranate seeds, and grapes a couple of hours in advance.
Variations
Fruit custard with condensed milk brings a delightful twist to the classic Indian eggless custard recipe. Replace 1/2 cup of milk with the same amount of condensed milk, but remember to reduce the sugar accordingly.
For a twist on the traditional custard fruit salad, try custard powder with flavors like mango, vanilla, and strawberry.
Leftover custard? Pour it into ice-cube trays or popsicle molds for a delicious treat to enjoy later.