custard

noun

cus·​tard ˈkə-stərd 

plural custards

: a cooked mixture made of eggs and milk or cream and usually having a thick, creamy consistency

By the eighteenth century it had become the dessert we know today: a layered treat of sponge cake, custard, fruit, jam, whipped cream and spirits.

—Bon Appétit

We toss a laurel wreath to the chefs for their … pastitsio and moussaka, both of which sported a savory custard topping.

—Greg Morago et al.

Smooth and creamy, custard lends itself to a range of both sweet and savory dishes.

—Gabrielle Shaughness

custardy

ˈkə-stər-dē 

adjective

Examples of custard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The pie typically has a golden brown top, warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a custard filling firm enough to eat by hand. —Ahmed Ali Akbar, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025

Wyatt said that coffee pairs well with flavors like these, and suggested adding a little espresso powder to the custard. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2025

Close would surprise him at his condo with his favorite lemon custard ice cream from Baskin-Robbins. —Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 5 Jan. 2025

Uncover, and continue baking until golden brown and custard is set, about 25 minutes longer. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 24 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, a kind of pie, alteration of crustarde, crustade, probably from Anglo-French *crustade, from cruste crust, from Latin crusta — more at crust

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing custard

• custard apple

Kids Definition

custard

noun

cus·​tard ˈkəs-tərd 

: a sweetened mixture of milk and eggs baked, boiled, or frozen