Vanilla Custards with Roasted Berries

Indulge in the luxurious creaminess of Vanilla Custards with Roasted Berries, a dessert that perfectly balances rich, velvety custard with the tangy sweetness of caramelized mixed berries. This recipe pairs the timeless allure of real vanilla—using either a fragrant vanilla bean or pure extract—with the natural vibrancy of roasted strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries drizzled in honey and lemon juice. The custards are gently baked to silky perfection in a water bath, while the berries are roasted to release their juices, creating a luscious topping that complements every bite. Ideal for elegant dinner parties or a cozy treat, this make-ahead dessert is as easy to prepare as it is impressive to serve. Enjoy it chilled with the warm, juicy berries for a contrast that’s simply irresistible!

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Heavy cream
• 1 cup Whole milk
• 0.5 cup Granulated sugar
• 5 units Large egg yolks
• 1 unit Vanilla bean pod (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt
• 2 cups Mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.)
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 1 teaspoon Fresh lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and half of the granulated sugar. If using a vanilla bean, slice it open, scrape out the seeds, and add both the seeds and the pod to the saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is just about to simmer. If using vanilla extract, add it later.

Step 3

Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, the remaining granulated sugar, and salt until the mixture is pale and smooth.

Step 4

Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. (If using vanilla extract, add it now.) Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps or the vanilla pod.

Step 5

Divide the custard mixture evenly between six ramekins or oven-safe cups. Place the ramekins in a large baking dish and pour enough hot water into the dish to reach halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent the tops from browning too much.

Step 6

Bake the custards in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still jiggle slightly. Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.

Step 7

While the custards chill, prepare the roasted berries. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).

Step 8

Spread the mixed berries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with honey and lemon juice. Gently toss to coat the berries evenly.

Step 9

Roast the berries in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are soft and releasing their juices. Remove from the oven and let them cool to room temperature.

Step 10

Serve the chilled custards topped with a generous spoonful of roasted berries and their juices.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1149.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2505.5

Total Fat 184.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 104.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 1400mg	0%
Sodium 792.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 161.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.8g	0%
Total Sugars 134.5g
Protein 17.0g	0%

Vitamin D 90IU	0%
Calcium 178.9mg	0%
Iron 4.1mg	0%
Potassium 612.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 69.9%

Protein: 2.9%

Carbs: 27.2%