Carnivore Egg Custard Recipe

Egg custard is a classic dessert that’s naturally high in protein, fat, and very low in carbs—making it ideal for a carnivore diet. This version uses only a few ingredients to create a creamy, smooth custard with a subtle sweetness from the natural richness of the eggs and heavy cream.

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs (preferably pasture-raised for extra flavor and nutrition)
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (full-fat, unsweetened)
• 1/4 cup water (helps to achieve the right consistency)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (optional, but adds a warm depth of flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness and enhances flavor)
• 1-2 tablespoons powdered erythritol or other carnivore-friendly sweeteners (adjust based on your sweetness preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, adds a warm touch)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). You’ll need a water bath (bain-marie) to cook the custard gently, so prepare a larger baking dish for the water bath as well.

Step 2: Prepare the Custard Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, water, salt, and any optional ingredients like vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sweetener. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and all the ingredients are fully incorporated. The consistency should be slightly thick but still pourable.

Step 3: Strain the Mixture (Optional)

For an ultra-smooth texture, you can strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any unwanted bits from the eggs or spices. This step will result in an even silkier texture once baked.

Step 4: Prepare the Water Bath

Place a baking dish (like a 9×9-inch square or 8×8-inch round pan) in your oven. Then, fill a larger pan with hot water, ensuring the water reaches halfway up the sides of your custard baking dish. This water bath will help cook the custard gently and prevent it from curdling.

Step 5: Bake the Custard

Pour the egg custard mixture into your chosen baking dish. Place the baking dish into the larger pan filled with hot water, making sure not to spill any water into the custard mixture.

Bake the custard for about 30-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly wobbly when you gently shake the pan. If you have a kitchen thermometer, the custard should reach an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C). Avoid overcooking the custard, as it can become too firm and lose its smooth texture.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, carefully remove the custard from the water bath and allow it to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Afterward, refrigerate the custard for at least 2 hours to let it firm up and chill. The custard can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When you’re ready to serve, you can enjoy the custard as is, or top it with whipped cream (for an extra creamy treat), or a few berries if you’re feeling adventurous and want a bit of natural sweetness.

Nutritional Benefits:

This Carnivore Egg Custard is high in healthy fats and proteins, providing an excellent source of energy. The heavy cream contributes rich fats, and the eggs provide both protein and healthy fats. With minimal carbs (thanks to the absence of sugar), it fits perfectly into a carnivore or keto diet. It’s also an excellent source of vitamins A, D, and B12, as well as calcium from the heavy cream.

Customization Tips:

• Sweetener Options: If you prefer your custard on the sweeter side, you can adjust the amount of sweetener based on your taste. Erythritol is a great zero-carb sweetener for a carnivore-friendly dessert, but you can also use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of erythritol.
• Flavor Variations: You can experiment with different spices like nutmeg or even a tiny pinch of ground ginger for a bit of warmth. A dash of almond extract can also be used instead of vanilla for a unique twist.
• Dairy-Free Version: If you’re following a strict carnivore diet and prefer not to use heavy cream, you can try substituting it with a full-fat coconut cream (though the flavor will be slightly different).

Serving Suggestions:

This custard is rich and satisfying on its own, but if you’re craving more texture, consider pairing it with carnivore-friendly toppings like a few crispy bacon crumbles (the salty contrast pairs nicely with the sweetness), or enjoy it with a side of crispy carnivore crackers for a more filling dessert.

Final Thoughts:

This Carnivore Egg Custard is an indulgent yet simple dessert that’s packed with healthy fats and proteins, perfect for a carnivore or keto lifestyle. It’s versatile enough to serve as a rich treat after a meal or as a snack throughout the day. Enjoy its creamy texture and deliciously subtle flavor—guilt-free!