Quick & Creamy Lemon Custard

Okay, real talk—some desserts just get you. You know what I mean? They’re simple, cozy, maybe a little fancy if you want them to be, and they totally fix that sweet tooth without making you babysit the oven for an hour. That’s what this quick lemon custard is all about.

This one’s smooth, creamy, and sweet with a pop of bright lemon. Honestly… it tastes like sunshine in a bowl. And the best part? You can throw it together in just about five minutes. No baking. No mess. Just pure custard magic.

🍋 What You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this easy lemon custard without breaking a sweat:

400 ml whole milk
Zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon vanilla sugar (or regular sugar + a drop of vanilla extract)
2 egg yolks
40g white sugar
15g cornstarch
Juice of 1 lemon
100g sweetened condensed milk

Optional toppings: cinnamon, cocoa powder, dark chocolate shavings—whatever makes you happy.

🥄 How to Make Lemon Custard (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Warm the Milk

Grab a saucepan and pour in the milk. Add the lemon zest and vanilla sugar. Keep it on low heat—we’re not boiling here, just warming it up and letting that citrus flavor sneak into the milk.

Step 2: Mix Eggs and Sugar

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with sugar until it’s pale and fluffy. Smooth is what we’re going for here. In another small bowl, stir the cornstarch into a spoonful of cold milk until it dissolves completely.

Step 3: Temper the Eggs

When your milk is warm (not hot), slowly—like, really slow—pour a bit into the egg mixture while whisking. This helps keep the eggs from turning into a scrambled mess. Then go ahead and pour in the rest while still whisking.

Step 4: Cook It Low & Slow

Pour everything back into the saucepan. Keep the heat low and stir constantly until it thickens up. This part takes a few minutes—be patient and keep whisking.

Step 5: Add the Flavor

Once it thickens up and looks like pudding, take it off the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and sweetened condensed milk. This is where the flavor really comes together. The lemon cuts through the richness and adds a fresh, tangy kick.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Pour the custard into small bowls, cups, or jars. Let it cool for a bit, or chill it in the fridge if you prefer it cold. Want it extra smooth? Strain it through a fine mesh sieve before serving.

Top it off with a dusting of cocoa, cinnamon, or even some berries or chocolate curls. Go wild.

🍊 Fun Variations to Try

Want to mix it up? Here are a few fun ways to change the vibe:

Orange Custard – Swap in orange zest and juice for a sweeter citrus flavor.
Honey or Maple Twist – Add a spoonful of honey or maple syrup while warming the milk.
Spiced Version – Try cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of ginger instead of vanilla sugar.
Layered Dessert – Build a parfait with graham crackers, custard, and whipped cream.
Dairy-Free Swap – Use almond or coconut milk instead of regular milk, and coconut cream instead of condensed milk.
Chocolate Custard – Mix in a little cocoa powder with the milk, and top with dark chocolate shavings.
Lime Zing – Try lime juice for a sharper, tangy twist—it’s super refreshing.

🧁 Tips That Actually Help

Whisk like a champ – The yolks and sugar should be completely smooth before you add any heat.
Keep the heat low – Don’t rush the thickening. Slow and steady makes it silky.
Strain it – If you want that restaurant-style smoothness, straining makes a big difference.
Chill time – It thickens as it cools, so if it feels a little thin, don’t stress.
Make it ahead – It keeps well in the fridge and is great for prepping dessert in advance.
Serve it pretty – Use little mason jars or fancy glasses to make it look extra cute without trying too hard.

🥰 Why This Custard’s a Keeper

I’ve made this on lazy Sundays, after-dinner cravings, and even last-minute when company shows up—and every time, it hits the spot. It’s got that classic homemade feel with a zesty lemon upgrade. You can tweak the flavors depending on your mood, and it never disappoints.

Whether you’re into warm comfort or a chilled, tangy treat, this 5-minute lemon custard has your back. No oven, no drama. Just creamy, citrusy goodness that feels like a hug with a lemony kick.

Try it once, and you’ll be hooked. This one’s definitely a keeper.