🍫 Creamy Vanilla Custard with Chocolate Topping

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Custard

• 4 cups (1 liter) milk
• ½ cup sugar
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch/cornflour
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Pinch of salt

For the Chocolate Topping

• 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon sugar, optional

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Custard

1. Pour about ½ cup of the milk into a bowl.
2. Add the cornstarch and whisk until completely smooth.
3. Add the egg yolks and whisk again.
4. Pour the remaining milk into a saucepan.
5. Add the sugar and a small pinch of salt.
6. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
7. When the milk becomes hot but before it boils, slowly whisk in the cornstarch mixture.
8. Keep stirring continuously.
9. Cook for about 5–8 minutes, until the mixture becomes thick and creamy.
10. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
11. Stir in the vanilla and butter.
12. Mix until the butter melts completely and the custard is silky smooth.

2. Add the Custard to the Dish

Pour the warm vanilla custard into a shallow glass serving dish.

Gently tap the dish on the counter a couple of times to remove large air bubbles. Smooth the surface with a spatula.

Let it cool for about 10–15 minutes.

3. Make the Chocolate Layer

1. Chop the chocolate into small pieces and place it in a heatproof bowl.
2. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until hot but do not boil it.
3. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate.
4. Leave it for about 2 minutes.
5. Add the butter.
6. Stir slowly until the chocolate melts and becomes completely smooth.
7. If you prefer a sweeter topping, add the optional sugar.

4. Add the Chocolate Topping

Slowly pour the chocolate mixture over the cooled custard.

Use the back of a spoon or spatula to spread it gently into an even layer.

Try not to pour it too quickly, because the chocolate can sink into the soft custard.

5. Chill

Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

The custard will become firm enough to scoop or cut while remaining soft and creamy.

How to Serve

Scoop the chilled dessert directly from the dish, or carefully cut it into squares.

For decoration, you can add:

• Chocolate shavings
• Fresh strawberries
• Raspberries
• Chopped nuts
• A little whipped cream
• Cocoa powder

Helpful Tips

For a very smooth custard: Strain the cooked custard through a fine sieve before putting it into the serving dish.

For a firmer dessert: Add an extra ½ tablespoon of cornstarch.

For a thinner chocolate topping: Add another 2–3 tablespoons of warm cream.

For a darker chocolate flavor: Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate.

For the beautiful clean layers shown in the picture: Make sure the custard has cooled and thickened slightly before adding the chocolate topping, then chill the finished dessert thoroughly.

Storage

Keep the dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. It is best served cold straight from the refrigerator.