Fruits Custard Recipe: A Creamy and Nutritious Dessert for Every Occasion

Fruits Custard Recipe: A Creamy and Nutritious Dessert for Every Occasion

Learn how to make a delicious and creamy fruits custard at home. This guide covers its recipe, benefits, variations, and serving tips to make your dessert table special.

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Introduction

When it comes to desserts that are both wholesome and delightful, fruits custard takes a special place. It is a smooth, creamy mixture of milk and custard powder combined with the natural sweetness of seasonal fruits. Loved across households in India and many other countries, fruits custard is not just a dessert but a bowl full of nutrition, color, and flavor. Whether it’s a family gathering, festival, or a casual dinner, this dessert never fails to please.

In this article, we’ll explore the step-by-step recipe for fruits custard, its nutritional benefits, variations, and useful serving tips, along with a closer look at why it continues to be a timeless dessert.

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What is Fruits Custard?

Fruits custard is a dessert prepared by thickening milk with custard powder and adding chopped fresh fruits to it. The custard provides a creamy base, while fruits bring natural sweetness, tanginess, and a variety of textures. It is a versatile dish because you can customize it based on seasonal fruits and personal taste preferences.

The dessert is enjoyed chilled, making it especially refreshing in summer, but it can be served all year round. Unlike heavy sweets loaded with sugar or ghee, fruits custard balances health and taste beautifully.

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Ingredients Required for Fruits Custard

Making fruits custard at home requires simple ingredients, most of which are readily available in any kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Milk – 500 ml (full cream or toned, depending on preference)
• Custard powder – 3 tablespoons (vanilla flavor is most common, but you can experiment with mango, butterscotch, or strawberry)
• Sugar – 3 to 4 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
• Seasonal fruits – 2 cups (apple, banana, mango, grapes, pomegranate, kiwi, orange segments, etc.)
• Dry fruits (optional) – cashews, almonds, or raisins for added crunch

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Step-by-Step Fruits Custard Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Base

1. Take 3 tablespoons of custard powder in a small bowl.
2. Add 4 to 5 tablespoons of cold milk and mix well to form a smooth paste without lumps.
3. Heat the remaining milk in a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
4. Lower the flame, add sugar, and stir until dissolved.
5. Slowly add the custard paste while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
6. Cook the mixture on low flame for 2–3 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
7. Switch off the flame and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Chop the Fruits

1. Wash and peel seasonal fruits of your choice.
2. Chop them into small bite-sized pieces.
3. Avoid adding citrus fruits like oranges until just before serving, as they may release juice and curdle the custard.

Step 3: Combine Fruits with Custard

1. Once the custard has cooled, refrigerate it for at least 1–2 hours.
2. Before serving, add the chopped fruits and mix gently.
3. Garnish with dry fruits or pomegranate seeds for added appeal.

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Tips for Perfect Fruits Custard

• Avoid watery fruits like watermelon, as they dilute the custard.
• Always cool the custard before adding fruits to prevent sogginess.
• If preparing in advance, store fruits and custard separately and combine only before serving.
• Adjust the thickness by varying the custard powder quantity.

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Nutritional Benefits of Fruits Custard

Fruits custard is more than just a dessert—it provides a combination of nutrients from both milk and fruits.

1. Rich in Calcium – Milk is an excellent source of calcium, which is vital for strong bones and teeth.
2. Packed with Vitamins – Seasonal fruits add vitamins such as Vitamin C, A, and B-complex.
3. High in Fiber – Apples, bananas, and pomegranate seeds contribute dietary fiber, aiding digestion.
4. Energy Booster – The natural sugars in fruits and added sugar in custard provide quick energy.
5. Low in Heavy Fats – Unlike traditional sweets made with ghee, custard is light yet filling.

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Variations of Fruits Custard

The beauty of fruits custard lies in its versatility. You can experiment with several variations to make it unique each time.

1. Dry Fruits Custard

Add chopped nuts like almonds, pistachios, and walnuts for a crunchy twist.

2. Chocolate Fruits Custard

Mix cocoa powder or melted chocolate into the custard base for a chocolaty version that kids love.

3. Mango Fruits Custard

In summer, blend mango pulp with custard for a fruity, tropical flavor.

4. Layered Custard

Serve custard in layers with fruit jelly, sponge cake, or biscuits to create a trifle-like dessert.

5. Sugar-Free Fruits Custard

Use honey, jaggery, or stevia as a sugar substitute for a healthier option.

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Why Fruits Custard is a Timeless Dessert

Fruits custard has stood the test of time because it is:

• Quick and Easy – Requires less than 30 minutes of preparation.
• Customizable – Can be made with whatever fruits are available.
• Loved by All Ages – Children, adults, and elderly alike enjoy it.
• Economical – Uses simple kitchen ingredients, making it budget-friendly.
• Perfect for All Occasions – Be it birthdays, potlucks, or festive feasts, custard always fits in.

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Fruits Custard for Special Occasions

1. Festivals

During festivals like Diwali or Holi, fruits custard is a lighter dessert option compared to traditional sweets.

2. Kids’ Parties

Children love the colorful look and creamy taste of custard. Adding jelly or sprinkles can make it even more appealing.

3. Dinner Parties

Served in glass bowls or cups, fruits custard can be a showstopper dessert without much effort.

4. Health-Conscious Gatherings

With the sugar-free version, fruits custard can easily be adapted for people who prefer healthy yet tasty desserts.

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Storage and Shelf Life

• Custard alone can be refrigerated for 2–3 days in an airtight container.
• Fruits should be freshly cut and mixed only before serving.
• If combined, consume within 24 hours to enjoy the best taste and freshness.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Adding fruits to hot custard – This makes fruits mushy and spoils the texture.
2. Too much custard powder – Leads to an overly thick, pudding-like consistency.
3. Using watery fruits – Causes the custard to separate.
4. Overcooking custard – Can result in a grainy texture instead of a smooth one.

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Conclusion

Fruits custard is a dessert that beautifully combines taste, health, and versatility. It is easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and loved by people of all ages. Whether you enjoy it plain, with a twist of chocolate, or layered with cakes and jellies, it always brings comfort and joy to the table.

So, the next time you want to serve something light yet indulgent, whip up a bowl of fruits custard and watch your family and guests relish every bite. This simple dessert proves that sometimes, the easiest recipes are the most rewarding.