Custard Powder: Complete Guide to Uses, Ingredients, Benefits, Nutrition & How to Use It

Custard powder is one of the most versatile dessert ingredients found in kitchens around the world. From creamy fruit custard served at family gatherings to rich pastry fillings in bakeries, this bright yellow powder plays a key role in countless sweet dishes. It is affordable, easy to use, and requires only a few simple ingredients—usually milk and sugar—to transform into a smooth, velvety dessert.

Originally developed as an egg-free alternative to traditional custard, custard powder has become a pantry staple in many households, especially in countries like the United Kingdom and India. Whether you are a home baker, dessert enthusiast, or food entrepreneur, understanding custard powder in detail can help you use it more effectively.

This complete SEO-optimized guide covers everything you need to know about custard powder, including:

• What custard powder is
• Its ingredients and how it works
• Nutritional value
• Health benefits
• Different uses in cooking and baking
• Step-by-step preparation methods
• Storage tips and common mistakes

Let’s begin.

What Is Custard Powder?

Custard powder is a pre-mixed powder primarily used to make custard—a thick, creamy dessert sauce typically served with fruits, cakes, puddings, or pastries. Unlike traditional custard, which is made from eggs, milk, and sugar, custard powder is usually egg-free.

It was first introduced by Alfred Bird in 1837. His wife was allergic to eggs, so he developed a powdered alternative that could mimic the texture and flavor of egg-based custard without using eggs.

The most famous brand globally is Bird's , which popularized egg-free custard powder.

How Is It Different from Traditional Custard?

Custard powder relies on starch for thickening rather than eggs.

Ingredients in Custard Powder

The exact formulation may vary by brand, but standard custard powder contains:

1. Cornstarch (Cornflour)

This is the main thickening agent. When heated with milk, cornstarch absorbs liquid and thickens the mixture.

2. Flavoring (Usually Vanilla)

Vanilla flavor gives custard its classic sweet aroma.

3. Food Coloring

Typically yellow coloring is added to give custard its traditional golden appearance.

4. Salt (Optional)

Enhances overall flavor balance.

5. Sugar (Sometimes Included)

Some brands add sugar, while others require you to add it separately.

How Custard Powder Works (Science Behind It)

When custard powder is mixed with milk and heated:

1. Starch granules absorb liquid.
2. Heat causes gelatinization.
3. The mixture thickens into a smooth consistency.

This process occurs at around 70–90°C. Stirring constantly prevents lumps from forming.

Types of Custard Powder

1. Vanilla Custard Powder

The most common and widely used variety.

2. Chocolate Custard Powder

Includes cocoa powder for chocolate flavor.

3. Strawberry Custard Powder

Flavored and colored for fruity desserts.

4. Sugar-Free Custard Powder

Suitable for diabetic-friendly recipes (with added sweeteners).

5. Instant Custard Mix

Requires minimal cooking.

Nutritional Value of Custard Powder

Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per 100g (values vary by brand):

• Calories: 350–400 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 85–90g
• Protein: 0.5–1g
• Fat: 0–1g
• Fiber: 0–1g
• Sodium: 200–300mg

Nutritional Insights

• High in carbohydrates (mainly starch)
• Low in protein and fat
• Minimal micronutrients unless fortified

When prepared with milk, nutritional value increases due to added protein and calcium.

Health Benefits of Custard Powder

Although custard powder is primarily a dessert ingredient, it does offer certain advantages:

1. Egg-Free Alternative

Ideal for those with egg allergies.

2. Easy to Digest

Starch-based thickening makes it gentle on the stomach.

3. Quick Energy Source

High carbohydrate content provides fast energy.

4. Versatile for Special Diets

Can be made with plant-based milk for vegan recipes.

However, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high carbohydrate content.

How to Make Custard Using Custard Powder (Step-by-Step)

Classic Vanilla Custard Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons custard powder
• 2–3 tablespoons sugar

Instructions:

1. Take ¼ cup cold milk and mix custard powder until smooth.
2. Heat remaining milk in a pan.
3. Add sugar and stir.
4. Slowly pour custard mixture into hot milk.
5. Stir continuously until thick.
6. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

Serve warm or chilled.

Fruit Custard Recipe

Ingredients:

• Prepared custard (cooled)
• Chopped fruits (apple, banana, grapes, mango, pomegranate)

Steps:

1. Prepare custard and allow it to cool.
2. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours.
3. Add chopped fruits before serving.
4. Garnish with nuts if desired.

Baking Uses of Custard Powder

Custard powder is not just for making custard. It is widely used in baking.

1. Cake Recipes

Adds softness and moisture.

2. Cookie Recipes

Creates melt-in-mouth texture.

3. Pastry Fillings

Thick and stable filling for tarts and éclairs.

4. Ice Cream Base

Adds creamy body without eggs.

5. Puddings & Trifles

Layered desserts become richer with custard.

Custard Powder vs Cornflour

Many people wonder if custard powder and cornflour are the same.

Custard powder contains cornflour but includes flavor and coloring.

Storage Tips

• Store in airtight container
• Keep away from moisture
• Avoid direct sunlight
• Shelf life: 12–18 months

Prepared custard should be refrigerated and consumed within 2–3 days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Adding powder directly to hot milk (causes lumps)
2. Not stirring continuously
3. Overheating (leads to overly thick texture)
4. Adding fruits while custard is hot

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is custard powder gluten-free?

Most brands are gluten-free, but always check labels.

Can I use water instead of milk?

Yes, but texture and taste will differ.

Can I make vegan custard?

Yes, use almond, soy, or oat milk.

Why is my custard runny?

Insufficient heating or too little powder.

Conclusion

Custard powder is a simple yet powerful ingredient that makes dessert preparation quick and convenient. From traditional vanilla custard to fruit custard, cakes, pastries, and puddings, it offers endless possibilities.

It is affordable, easy to store, and beginner-friendly. Whether you are preparing desserts at home or running a bakery business, understanding custard powder’s ingredients, nutrition, and proper usage can help you achieve better results every time.

If used wisely and in moderation, custard powder can be part of a delightful and balanced dessert experience.