It might seem silly to publish a how-to for a product that contains instructions on the packet. But I've seen so many Bird's type custard disasters and explosions that it doesn't feel all that daft at all. So this how to make custard powder custard guide is my way of making this traditional British treat fool proof - quickly, easily and in the microwave.
Measure 3 tbsp Custard Powder and 2 tbsp Sugar into a medium sized mixing bowl.
Pour in a little of 500ml Milk and mix until the powder and sugar makes a paste.
And a little more milk to make a looser liquid.
Pour the rest of the milk in and whisk until fully combined. Make sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to make sure there is no paste or powder left unmixed.
Note – You can do this using a large microwave proof measuring jug. Just fill the jug to just over 500ml when adding the milk.
Microwave on high for 3 minutes.
Take the bowl out the microwave and give the custard a whisk.
Microwave on high for a further 2 minutes. The custard should be at least partially thickened by now – whisk it all together again so it all one texture.
Keep microwaving on high in 30 second bursts and whisking again each time until your preferred thickness. If it is very nearly where you want it, reduce to 10 seconds per time.
Serve as desired.
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 113 kcal
Carbohydrates: 21 g
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 1 g
Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
Cholesterol: 32 mg
Sodium: 84 mg
Sugar: 13 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0.4 g
Reviews
David Le Blang on 2026-03-09 (5 stars): Can the fecipe be doubled or just make 2 batches
Brian on 2025-03-13 (5 stars): Before microwaves were invented my mother used to make powdered custard on the stovetop and it invariably had lumps in it. She used to run it through a sieve. Your microwave method works. And my wife thinks I'm odd, but I love cold custard on cereals for breakfast!
Christine Bellis on 2025-03-10 (5 stars): Eloquent, witty, and oh so satisfying of a reply.
You definitely deserve a shiny trophy for being an official awesome badass!🏆
CJ Black on 2025-02-08 (5 stars): Thank you for this response. I needed a good chuckle today!.
Traci on 2024-09-24 (5 stars): This is one of the only times I've read an entire post. I bought the custard powder in Canada and was expecting a sliceable custard dessert. Now I know! Thanks for all the info and vocabulary lesson to boot - lashings, hob.... I'm off to buy a banana and enjoy it properly
Jerry E Johnson on 2024-04-03 (5 stars): Just bought my first can of Bird's custard powder. Didn't stir it enough after 3 minutes and it boiled over in the microwave at 5 minutes. Should have read your article first. But all was not lost - just a little. It is really, really good. I love custard and what an easy way to get my fix in. Do people eat this by itself? (I love plain custard.) If I use half the milk, will it set up like a regular milk pudding?
Thanks,
JJ (Minneapolis, MN USA)
Joe on 2024-02-11 (5 stars): I did not expect to find a more than detailed guide to exactly what i needed.
Maureen Beecroft on 2023-03-16 (5 stars): You have made my year! My mother, an English war bride who came here to Canada in 1944(brave woman with 2 babies), used to make us “jelly and runny custard”. She died when I was 9 and my sisters and I have talked about this simple favourite desert for many years. Can’t wait to share these hints. Birds custard was a staple in our kitchen here in Canada.
Janice on 2022-09-30 (5 stars): Custard is such a comfort and it's great to see if made properly. The microwave is a great time and energy saver and perfect for making custard powder custard.
