cranberry spiced custard, silky custard dessert, holiday cranberry custard

If there’s one dessert that captures the soul of cozy autumn evenings and festive winter gatherings, it’s Silky Cranberry Spiced Custard. This luxurious dessert blends tart cranberries with warming spices and a velvety custard base that practically melts on your tongue. It’s elegant enough for holiday tables and simple enough for a quiet night in. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, this custard delivers comfort, beauty, and irresistible flavor in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love Silky Cranberry Spiced Custard

This isn’t just any custard—it’s a sensory experience. The creamy texture contrasts beautifully with bright cranberry notes, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves wrap everything in warmth. It’s:

• Silky smooth and rich
• Balanced between sweet and tart
• Naturally elegant for entertaining
• Perfect for fall and winter holidays
• Easy to customize with toppings and flavors

Cranberries bring a refreshing tang that cuts through the richness, making each bite light yet indulgent. The spices elevate the flavor profile into something festive and deeply comforting.

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Ingredients

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large egg yolks
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ⅛ tsp ground cloves
• Pinch of salt
• Optional garnish: sugared cranberries, whipped cream, cinnamon dust

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Instructions

1. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ¼ cup water. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until cranberries burst and thicken slightly. Set aside.
2. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, cornstarch, and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Heat milk and cream in another saucepan over medium heat until just steaming. Do not boil.
4. Slowly pour hot milk into egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
5. Return mixture to saucepan and cook on medium-low, stirring constantly, until thick and silky (about 5–7 minutes).
6. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and pinch of salt.
7. Spoon cranberry mixture into the bottom of serving cups.
8. Pour custard over the cranberries and smooth the tops.
9. Chill at least 2 hours before serving.
10. Garnish with sugared cranberries or cinnamon before serving.

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The Magic Behind the Texture

What makes this custard silky is gentle heat and constant stirring. Cornstarch stabilizes the custard while egg yolks add richness. When treated patiently, the mixture thickens into a smooth, luxurious dessert that feels far more complex than it really is.

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Flavor Variations

Want to make it your own? Try these:

• Orange Cranberry Custard – Add orange zest to the milk
• Vanilla Bean Cranberry Custard – Use real vanilla bean seeds
• White Chocolate Cranberry Custard – Stir in melted white chocolate
• Gingerbread Spiced Custard – Add ginger and allspice

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Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled in small glasses, ramekins, or tea cups. Pair with:

• Crisp butter cookies
• Ginger snaps
• Biscotti
• Shortbread

It also makes a stunning dessert in layered parfait glasses with whipped cream and cookie crumbs.

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Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

This custard is perfect for prep-ahead entertaining.

• Make up to 2 days in advance
• Store covered in the fridge
• Do not freeze (texture will change)

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Fun Food Fact

Custards date back to medieval Europe and were originally baked in pastry shells. Today’s stovetop custards are quicker and smoother—perfect for modern kitchens.

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Perfect For…

• Thanksgiving
• Christmas
• Autumn dinner parties
• Romantic desserts
• Holiday brunches

This dessert feels fancy without the stress.