If you love custard but find yourself with leftovers you can’t bear to see go to waste; you may wonder if you can freeze custard. The answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your frozen custard is as delicious as the fresh stuff.
How to Freeze Custard
Freezing is a great option if you have leftover custard or want to make a large batch ahead of time. Custard can be frozen for up to three months following these simple steps.
- Ensure your custard has cooled down completely before placing it into freezer-safe containers. This will help prevent ice crystals from forming and ruining your custard’s texture.
- Once your custard is cold enough, you’ll need to transfer it into freezer-proof containers. You can use anything that will hold up under pressure. So long as the container is sturdy, you should be fine.
- Next, you should fill each container halfway full. This will ensure that the custard doesn’t slosh around while it freezes.
- Once you’ve filled your containers, you should cover them with aluminum foil. This will help prevent condensation from forming on the surface of the custard.
- Finally, put your custard containers in your freezer. Ensure the temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit). Ideally, you should aim for -18 degrees Celsius (-0.4 degrees Fahrenheit), but that depends on how much room you have in your freezer.
- Write the date of preparation and the use-by date on the top of the freezer-safe container. Then Place the container in the freezer for up to three months.
Additional Tips To Freezing Custard
If you want to make sure that your custard doesn’t end up tasting like ice cream, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. For one thing, you don’t want to store your custard too long because it will start to lose its flavor.
Freeze Your Custard Separately
If you plan on freezing custard in batches, it makes sense to keep each portion separated. This way, you won’t have to worry about getting custard stuck together.
Aerate While Frozen
Aeration helps to loosen up frozen custard, making it easier to pour. To achieve this, simply whisk the custard vigorously while it’s still frozen. You’ll notice that the mixture starts to become less solid, and you’ll find that it flows much better.
Defrost Properly
We understand that defrosting custard isn’t fun, but there are a few things to consider. First off, you need to take care not to overheat it. Heat will cause the custard to melt and run down the sides of the container. Secondly, you must ensure you don’t let it thaw too quickly.
How Long Does Custard Last in the Fridge?
Custard is best stored in the fridge. However, you shouldn’t expect it to last more than three (3) months. After that time, the custard will begin to spoil.
How Do You Defrost Custard?
You can do this in several different ways, but here’s what worked best for me. First off, take your custard out of your freezer and let it thaw at room temperature.
Then, dip all of the contents of the separated custard into a large heavy-based saucepan.
Now, heat up the custard slowly over low heat on the hob. Make sure there isn’t anything sticking to the bottom of the pot. Once heated, start whisking the custard regularly. Continue to whisk until it reaches the desired consistency.
Does Custard Freeze Well?
The answer depends on the ingredients used to make your custard. In general terms, custards tend to freeze better than creams because they contain less fat. So, if you use milk rather than cream or eggs rather than butter, you’ll end up with a smoother product. On the other hand, if you add too much sugar, the mixture will start to crystallize during the freezing process.
To prevent splitting, make sure you use a freezer container that is deep enough to allow room for expansion. You should also place the containers in a larger freezer bag to ensure that air cannot enter the container during storage.
Can You Refreeze Custard?
We recommend not refreezing custard. As we’ve mentioned, custard splits and requires some time and care to return it to the desired texture. If you refreeze it, you may not be able to achieve the texture you want.
Can You Reheat Custard in a Microwave?
Yes, you can reheat custard in the microwave. Just remember that it takes longer to cook the custard in the microwave than it does when cooked on the stovetop. We suggest cooking custard in small portions so that you can monitor how it’s progressing.
