How to Make 5-Minute Silky Lemon Custard
Step 1 — Heat the base
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, lemon zest, vanilla sugar, and regular sugar. Warm over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
Step 2 — Combine the thickener
In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the cornstarch until smooth.
Step 3 — Temper
Slowly pour a small amount of the hot milk into the yolk mixture while whisking to prevent scrambling.
Step 4 — Thicken
Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Whisk continuously over medium heat until the custard thickens—this happens fast!
Step 5 — Add the citrus magic
Remove from heat and whisk in the lemon juice and sweetened condensed milk until silky.
Step 6 — Serve
Pour into cups, bowls, or ramekins.
Enjoy warm (so dreamy!) or chill for a refreshing dessert.
What to Serve With This
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Butter cookies
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Whipped cream
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Fresh berries
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A sprinkle of granola
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A drizzle of chocolate
Tips for Perfect Custard
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Whisk nonstop—this keeps it smooth.
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Don’t boil once the yolks are added or it may curdle.
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Add the lemon juice after removing from heat to avoid splitting.
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Strain through a sieve if you want extra velvetiness.
Storage Instructions
Store chilled in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Do not freeze—the texture won’t survive it.
General Information
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Prep time: 2 minutes
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Cook time: 5 minutes
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Servings: 3–4 cups depending on portion size
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Difficulty: Very easy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without egg yolks?
Yes! Replace the yolks with an extra 10–15 g of cornstarch for a lighter, pudding-style texture.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh is always best, but bottled works in a pinch.
Why did my custard curdle?
Overheating after adding yolks or adding lemon juice while still on the heat can cause curdling. Follow the steps and you’ll be safe!
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just use a larger pot and whisk well.
Conclusion
This irresistible five-minute lemon custard is everything I love in a dessert: simple, comforting, bright, and endlessly customizable. Once you try it, you’ll understand why I never get tired of making it. And if you adore lemon desserts—or easy desserts in general—you’re about to welcome a new favorite into your kitchen rotation.
If you love this one, don’t miss my other peach-inspired treats (coming soon!).
Join the Fun
If you make this recipe, leave a review, share your thoughts, or tag your photos on Pinterest—I love seeing your creations!
Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
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Calories: ~220
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Carbs: 33 g
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Protein: 5 g
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Fat: 6 g
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Fiber: 0 g
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Sugar: 29 g