Birds Custard Powder Ingredients Gluten Free
Bird’s Custard Powder is a favorite in British kitchens and I have been eating it since my childhood.
Baby Center mentions that generations of English people grew up knowing they had to “Make sure you make enough custard for all the fruit.
It is known for its robust flavor, and creamy texture and can be found in desserts like pudding, tarts, and cakes.
Ever wondered what is in this favorite? Check out my Bird Custard Powder ingredients guide so you can make custard using the old-style mix.
What Is Bird’s Custard Powder?
Bird’s Custard Powder is a uniquely different set of ingredients used to make quick and easy custard simply by adding milk and sugar.
Custard powder has its origins in the English big house eaters of 1837 when Alfred Bird (yes, he invented instant custard before you were buttering your toast each morning) created it as a way to make egg-free versions of his wife’s favorite sweet treat.
The comfort of custard without eggs, since this is an eggless pudding recipe everybody can enjoy. Dessert Suitable For Vegetarian / Ovo Lacto Veg (Because it includes milk)This too has gone the way people like a basic recipe, so there may be many versions or varieties.
Key Ingredients of Bird’s Custard Powder
As it is made of very basic ingredients, Bird’s Custard Powder helps you to make the best creamy custard:
Cornflour (cornstarch) provided the custard with a textural silkiness. Upon heating, it renders a thick sheen meant to smooth out the consistency.
Salt A pinch of salt rounds out the sweetness and provides a base to help contrast with that sweet custard!
Artificial Color Annatto comes from the seeds of achiote, a natural dye This provides the custard a gorgeous gentle-yellow color, which makes it look just like egg-based custards!
Flavor: The custard powder contains a hint of vanilla flavor, which imparts that vintage taste without the added expense of using either extract or pods.
It is the simplicity of these ingredients that Bird chronicles in his advertisement which serves as to why making custard using this product can be seen as a versatile and easy task.
Not only does it boast a lot of health value in being egg-free, but it also forgives those who are allergic to eggs or restrict their diet.
How to Make Custard with Bird’s Custard Powder
Bird’s Custard Powder will make a quick and easy custard. Instructions follow for the most luscious, silky custard.
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 tbsp Bird’s Custard Powder (25g)
- 1-2 tbl sugar (25g) to taste
- 2 cups (500ml) milk
Preparation:
Combine the ingredients: In a separate small bowl, sift together the custard powder and sugar.
Add some of the milk (approx ¼ cup) and whisk to create a smooth paste. This stops lumps from forming as you cook the custard.
Warm the Milk: Pour the remaining milk/cacao paste mix into a saucepan over medium heat until slightly warmed or just simmering, not boiling. Stir constantly to keep the milk from scorching on the bottom.
Step 5 Prepare the custard: Slowly pour your cooled custard mixture into our heated milk while whisking continuously.
Keep cooking and stirring constantly until the mixture thickens or to your desired consistency. See takes about 2-3 minutes.
To Serve When thickened, remove the custard from heat and leave it to cool a little before serving. Keep it warm in a pot on the stove, or eat it cold over desserts like pies, crumbles, and cakes.
How to Store Bird’s Custard Powder and Prepared Custard
How to store custard powder Refrigerate Bird’s Custard Powder in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and moisture.
Be sure to store the container closed, as this powder will quickly clump into one solid rock or won’t work well.
Custard Powder is a pantry item that can be kept for months. Storage of the Prepared. Once the custard is made, let it come to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap, and press directly onto custard to avoid skin form.
Eat within three days (store in the fridge). Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving it making sure to stir well to bring back its smooth texture.
Expert Tips for Making the Perfect Custard with Bird’s Custard Powder
Follow these tips above and you will no longer have to wonder how to de-clump my custard more smoothly!
Whisk slowly and Continuously: Whisking the powder mixture into milk gradually while continuing to whisk helps keep it smooth without lumps. Use a balloon whisk or silicone to prevent it from becoming ‘muddy’.
Variation to Thickness: You can use an additional half tablespoon of custard powder if you prefer a thicker custard. Decrease the powder slightly for less thickness or add more milk if you want it thinner.
To make it sweeter The amount of sugar is also up to your preference. Begin with the amount that is recommended and try to test sampling each of the subsequent extra amounts.
Lejla: You can add flavor variations a dash of vanilla extract, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or some grated nutmeg. Top with some jam OR a drizzle of fresh fruit purée for an even fruity spin.
To prevent skin formation: Press a piece of plastic wrap directly on its surface, or stir occasionally while cooling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use plant-based milk with Bird’s Custard Powder?
The milk you choose will contribute to the texture and flavor of your custard, but no matter what it is going to be rich, delicious creamy.
Is Bird’s Custard Powder gluten-free?
Bird’s Custard NO GLUTEN (By the way Bird’s Custard Powder is made mostly of cornstarch already so it is naturally gluten-free) Again, do make sure to double-check the packaging for any cross-contamination statements or additional gluten ingredients.
Can I make custard without adding sugar?
Feel free to skip the sugar though if you want a less sweet version or custard. The texture will not change the flavor will just be overall less sweet. If you are trying to cut down on sugar, you can opt for a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
Why is my custard lumpy, and how can I fix it?
You get lumpy custard because you didn’t keep whisking as it cooked and/or the room temperature mixture was added to hot milk. If the custard is lumpy, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or quickly blend in with an immersion blender.
Can Bird’s Custard Powder be used in baking?
Bird’s Custard Powder in Baking Add it to cakes, pies, or tarts for a creamy texture and can also work as an ingredient in yogurts that could be incorporated into dessert recipes.
Conclusion
When you look into Bird’s Custard Powder ingredients, it makes sense to see the simplicity and versatility of this iconic dessert mix.
Using only a few simple ingredients (cornflour, salt, color, and flavor), it allows you to create real homemade custard with the minimum fuss of preparation.
Eat it alone, over a piece of apple pie, or use this in place on any other baked good where you might need some custard and you will not be disappointed.
Each step should be followed exactly and must utilize the best quality ingredients to execute the advice of mixing for perfect custard (every time).
Savor the soothing taste of Bird’s Custard Powder and get creative with how you use it in the kitchen!
