What is the recipe of fruit custard?

Fruit custard is a creamy, chilled dessert made with sweet custard sauce and a mix of fresh seasonal fruits. It’s a beloved classic in many Indian households, especially during summer when ripe fruits are abundant. The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity—boil milk, add custard powder and sugar, and mix in diced fruits of your choice. It’s kid-friendly, can be made ahead, and is easily customizable to suit dietary preferences.

Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a refreshing treat on a warm day, fruit custard is a no-fuss dessert that tastes luxurious and comforting at the same time.

Why Choose Fruit Custard?

• No baking required

• Can be made in large batches for guests

• Naturally rich in vitamins from the fruits

• A good source of calcium and energy

• Customizable to be vegan or sugar-free

Ingredients for Fruit Custard (Serves 4)

For the custard base:

• 2 cups full-fat milk

• 2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder

• 3–4 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)

• 2 tablespoons cold milk (to mix custard powder)

For the fruit mix (use any 4–5):

• 1 banana (sliced)

• 1 apple (chopped)

• 1/2 mango (cubed)

• 5–6 seedless grapes (halved)

• 1/2 pomegranate (de-seeded)

• Optional: papaya, kiwi, orange segments

Topping (optional):

• Chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios

• A few saffron strands

• Mint leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Recipe of Fruit Custard

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of custard powder with 2 tablespoons of cold milk. Stir well to ensure there are no lumps. Set aside.

Step 2: Heat the Milk

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring 2 cups of milk to a gentle boil on medium heat. Stir occasionally to avoid burning at the base.

Step 3: Add Sugar and Custard Slurry

Once the milk starts to boil, lower the flame. Add the sugar and stir to dissolve. Now, slowly pour in the custard slurry while continuously whisking to avoid clumping.

Step 4: Thicken the Custard

Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 3–5 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon. Turn off the heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Chill the Custard

Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate it for at least 1–2 hours. Chilled custard blends better with fruits and has a more refreshing taste.

Step 6: Prepare the Fruits

While the custard chills, wash, peel, and chop your selected fruits into bite-sized pieces. Avoid fruits that release water like watermelon or those that oxidize too quickly like cut bananas—add these just before serving.

Step 7: Assemble the Fruit Custard

Once the custard is completely chilled, fold in the chopped fruits. Mix gently to coat the fruits without breaking them. Serve immediately or refrigerate again until ready to eat.

Tips for Perfect Fruit Custard

• Use full-fat milk for a richer and creamier custard

• Stir constantly after adding custard powder to avoid lumps

• Always let the custard cool completely before mixing fruits to prevent curdling

• Avoid citrus fruits like oranges and pineapple in the mix as they may react with dairy

• Add bananas only at the end or just before serving to prevent discoloration

• For extra depth, add a few drops of rose water or cardamom powder

Variations to Try

1. Vegan Fruit Custard

Use almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk, and choose a vegan custard powder. Sweeten with maple syrup or coconut sugar.

2. Dry Fruit Custard

Mix in chopped dates, figs, and raisins along with a few nuts for a richer, festive version.

3. Chocolate Fruit Custard

Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the custard mix while cooking. Use fruits like strawberries and bananas to complement the chocolate base.

4. Tropical Fruit Custard

Go for pineapple, mango, papaya, and coconut chunks for a summer-ready variation. Use coconut milk for a tropical vibe.

5. Custard Parfait

Layer fruit custard in a glass with granola or crushed biscuits for an easy no-bake dessert-in-a-glass.

Is Fruit Custard Healthy?

Fruit custard can be a healthy dessert option when made with minimal sugar and loaded with fresh fruits. It provides a mix of:

• Fiber and vitamins from fruits

• Calcium and protein from milk

• Energy from natural fruit sugars
  To make it more balanced, consider using low-fat or plant-based milk and reducing the sugar content.

When to Serve Fruit Custard

• As a light dessert after meals

• During summer brunches or potlucks

• As a refreshing treat for kids after school

• At festivals or special occasions as a colorful, no-fuss sweet dish

• Alongside other Indian sweets like gulab jamun or rasmalai for a dessert spread

Summary

Fruit custard is a timeless Indian dessert that’s cool, colorful, and completely customizable. Made with a simple vanilla custard base and a medley of fresh seasonal fruits, it’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort and offers maximum flavor. Whether you're making it for a celebration or just craving a sweet that feels light yet luxurious, fruit custard delivers. It’s also a great way to get kids (and adults!) to enjoy more fruits in their diet.