Easy Fruit Custard Recipe – Indian Dessert with Mixed Fruits

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Fruit Custard Recipe – Indian Dessert With Mixed Fruits

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a dessert that’s creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-refreshing, you’ve come to the right place. This fruit custard recipe is a classic Indian treat, and honestly, it’s one of the first desserts I ever learned to make! It’s perfect for a hot day, a family gathering, or just when you need a little something sweet. It’s super easy too – let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This fruit custard is more than just a dessert; it’s a little slice of nostalgia. It’s light, not overly sweet, and packed with the goodness of fresh fruits. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize the fruits to your liking and even adjust the sweetness. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and honestly, it feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful fruit custard:

• 3 cups milk (about 720ml)
• 3 tbsp milk (for custard mixture – about 45ml)
• 3 tbsp custard powder
• 4 tbsp sugar (about 50g)
• 2 cups mixed fruits (mango, apple, grapes, pomegranate – about 300g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Milk: Traditionally, full-fat milk is used for the richest, creamiest custard. But you can absolutely use toned milk or even skim milk if you prefer – it will just affect the final texture a little.
• Custard Powder: There are a few different brands of custard powder available. I usually use MTR or Keya, but any good quality brand will work. They all have slightly different levels of sweetness, so you might need to adjust the sugar accordingly.
• Fruits: This is where you can really get creative! I love using a mix of mango, apple, grapes, and pomegranate, but feel free to use whatever seasonal fruits you have on hand. Peaches, bananas, strawberries, and kiwi all work beautifully. In the winter, I sometimes use canned fruits like peaches or pears when fresh options are limited.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some custard! It’s easier than you think.

1. First, pour 3 cups (720ml) of milk into a saucepan and heat it over medium heat. We don’t want it to boil, just get nice and warm.
2. While the milk is warming up, grab a bowl and mix 3 tablespoons (45ml) of cold milk with 3 tablespoons of custard powder. Stir it really well until you have a smooth, lump-free paste. This is key to avoiding lumps in your custard!
3. Now, slowly add the custard paste to the warm milk, stirring constantly. Don’t stop stirring! This is where those lumps can sneak in.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring all the time, until the mixture thickens slightly. It should coat the back of a spoon.
5. Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in 4 tablespoons (50g) of sugar until it’s completely dissolved. Then, pour the custard into a wide bowl and let it cool to room temperature.
6. Once it’s cooled down, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4-5 hours, or even overnight. This is important – the custard needs time to chill and set properly.
7. Just before serving, gently fold in 2 cups (300g) of your chilled mixed fruits.
8. Serve cold in individual bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and flavor.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Stir, stir, stir! Seriously, constant stirring is the secret to smooth custard.
• Don’t boil the milk. Boiling can affect the texture of the custard.
• Chill thoroughly. The longer it chills, the better it will set.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Chocolate Fruit Custard: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the custard mixture while cooking. My kids love this one!
• Mango Mania: Use only mangoes for a super-tropical twist. My aunt always makes this during mango season.
• Berry Blast: Load up on strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a vibrant and flavorful custard.

Vegan Adaptation

Want to make this dessert vegan? No problem! Simply substitute the dairy milk with plant-based milk like almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. You might need to adjust the amount of sugar depending on the sweetness of the plant-based milk you use.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check the label on your custard powder to ensure it hasn’t been processed in a facility that also handles gluten.

Spice Level

Traditionally, fruit custard isn’t spiced. However, a pinch of cardamom powder (about ¼ teaspoon) can add a lovely warmth and fragrance. My grandmother always added a tiny bit – it’s a subtle but delicious addition!

Festival Adaptations

Fruit custard is a popular dessert during Indian festivals like Diwali and Christmas. It’s light and refreshing, making it a perfect end to a festive meal. You can even arrange the fruits in festive patterns for a special touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this fruit custard chilled in pretty bowls or glasses. A sprinkle of chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios) or a drizzle of honey can add extra flavor and texture.

Storage Instructions

Leftover fruit custard can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh, as the fruits may start to soften over time.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What type of milk is best for fruit custard?

Full-fat milk gives the richest, creamiest results, but you can use any type of milk you prefer.

Can I make fruit custard ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the custard base a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the fruits right before serving.

How do I prevent lumps from forming in the custard?

The key is to make a smooth paste of the custard powder and cold milk before adding it to the warm milk, and to stir constantly while cooking.

What fruits are best to use in fruit custard?

Mango, apple, grapes, and pomegranate are classic choices, but feel free to experiment with your favorites!

Can I use agar-agar instead of refrigeration to set the custard?

While you can use agar-agar, it will change the texture of the custard. It will be more jelly-like than creamy. I personally prefer the traditional method of refrigeration.

Enjoy making this delicious and easy fruit custard! I hope it brings a little sweetness to your day. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!