Pizza night is always a favorite, especially when you have great tasting pizza from some of the most popular restaurants.

Egg custard is a delicious and easy to make treat that can be enjoyed hot or cold. It can be made in the microwave in just a few minutes, making it a great choice for a quick snack or dessert.

3/4 cup milk
2 eggs
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons grated lemon peel
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
ground nutmeg
Pour the milk into a 2-cup measuring cup or microwave safe bowl. Cook on 60% power for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 minutes, or until just barely boiling.
Place the eggs in a bowl and whisk until uniform in color. Add the sugar, lemon peel, vanilla, and salt and whisk until combined.
Slowly stir the heated milk into the egg mixture, whisking slowly but continuously.
Grease 6-ounce custard cups. Divide the custard mixture evenly between the custard cups.
Place the cups in the microwave. Cook, uncovered, for 7-8 minutes at 40% power, or until set.
Remove the cups from the microwave and sprinkle with the nutmeg. Let the custard cool on a wire rack.
Serve warm, or let fully cool and then refrigerate (covered) until chilled, and serve cold.
To prevent the custard from overflowing, use a microwave-safe dish with high sides and place it on a microwave-safe plate to catch any spills.
If your microwave does not have adjustable power settings, cook the custard in shorter intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Let the custard cool to room temperature before serving. Or, chill it once it has cooled and serve it that way.
Serve the custard with fresh fruit, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.
If you don't have lemon peel, you can use orange zest for a different flavor, or simply omit it if you prefer a more traditional custard taste.
This recipe is specifically designed for the microwave. However, you can make a traditional egg custard in the oven by baking it in a water bath at 325 degrees F until set. Or, try one of our other custard recipes
The custard is set when it is no longer liquid in the middle. It should jiggle slightly when gently shaken.
Yes, you can substitute the sugar with a heat-safe sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
You can add cinnamon, almond extract, or even a spoonful of cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
Once cooled, the custard can be refrigerated and consumed within 2-3 days.
Microwave: For cooking the custard mixture in the custard cups, allowing for quick preparation without needing a conventional oven.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring ingredients such as the milk, sugar, and lemon peel.
Small Mixing Bowl: For beating the eggs and combining the remaining ingredients prior to mixing with the milk.
Whisk or Fork: For beating the eggs slightly in the mixing bowl, allowing them to mix smoothly with other ingredients.
Custard Cups: Six-ounce custard cups for baking and serving the custard mixture. They should be buttered before pouring in the custard.
Rack: A cooling rack for setting the custard cups after cooking, allowing them to cool evenly.
Raspberry Sauce: A tangy raspberry sauce can drape over the custard, adding a bright flavor and contrasting texture.
Whipped Cream: Serve a dollop of homemade sweetened whipped cream on top for added richness and a creamy texture.
Shortbread Cookies: Pair the custard with delicate traditional shortbread cookies for a textural contrast. The buttery crunch of the cookies balances the soft, creamy custard.
Fresh Berries: Top the custard with a medley of fresh berries like blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm honey caramel sauce over the cooled custard for a luxurious twist.
Chocolate Shavings: Garnish with dark chocolate shavings for a sophisticated finish. The bitterness of dark chocolate provides a nice counterpoint to the sweetness of the custard.
Cinnamon Dusting: Replace nutmeg with a light sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm flavor. This can change the custard's character and provide an inviting aroma.
Fruit Compote: Serve with a hot fruit compote for an added layer of flavor and warmth.
Boozy Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of bourbon chocolate sauce adds an indulgent flair. This pairing caters to those who enjoy rich flavors and offers a nice contrast to the egg custard.
Nut Topping: Chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds can add a crunchy element on top of the custard.
Wine Pairings
Chardonnay: A creamy and buttery Chardonnay works well here. Its rich texture complements the smoothness of the custard while the hints of apple and lemon can pair with the zesty lemon peel.
Moscato: If you prefer something sweeter, reach for a Moscato. Its fruity character and hint of fizz can brighten up the dish and balance the creaminess with its peach and citrus notes.
Sauvignon Blanc: This wine's bright acidity and herbal notes can lift the flavors of the custard. Look for a bottle that showcases citrus and green apple flavors to pair with the lemon and nutmeg.
Other Alcohol Pairings
Limoncello: A chilled glass of Limoncello offers that vibrant lemon zing that pairs with the citrusy elements in the custard. It's sweet, yet refreshing, making it a nice match.
Vanilla Vodka: A splash of vanilla vodka in a cocktail can echo the vanilla extract in your custard. Mix it with a little lemonade for a summer-inspired drink that complements the dessert.
Creamy Liqueur: Something like Baileys Irish Cream can be a treat alongside this custard. Its rich, velvety texture and hints of chocolate and vanilla will be a nice contrast.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea, especially one like chamomile or lemon balm, offers soothing flavors that pair nicely with the custard's creaminess while keeping things light.
Lemonade: A classic option that can tie back to the lemon in the custard. Look for one that's refreshing and slightly tart to brighten up your dessert.
Coconut Milk Beverage: A creamy coconut drink can be a delightful non-alcoholic alternative. Its natural sweetness and smooth texture make it a perfect complement to the richness of the custard while adding a tropical twist.
Pizza night is always a favorite, especially when you have great tasting pizza from some of the most popular restaurants.
Got leftovers? We've got recipes. 18 delicious recipes using cooked chicken (plus 9 bonus recipes!)
If you're a fan of the menu at this American chain of restaurants which serves a variety of foods such as burgers, steaks, pasta, and seafood then you'll love this collection of copycat recipes.


Online since 1995, CDKitchen has grown into a large collection of delicious recipes created by home cooks and professional chefs from around the world. We are all about tasty treats, good eats, and fun food. Join our community of 200K+ members - browse for a recipe, submit your own, add a review, or upload a recipe photo.

reviews & comments
November 4, 2014
Not bad for a microwave version of custard. Would probably stick to traditional method but this worked in a pinch.
April 22, 2011
Very simple and quick. I have always liked custard when I'm sick and just made it for my father. I have had better custard, but the boon here is that you can quickly make a small amount. I will make it again. My father's kitchen didn't have vanilla, so I used maple syrup in place of part of the sugar. Skipped the lemon and used allspice because that is what he had.