Steamed Palm Sugar Custards

May 23, 2023May 23, 20230 10

Authentic Steamed Palm Sugar Custards recipe from Southeast Asia

by The Chefin Dessert

Prep

10 min

Cook

25 min

Ready In

35 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

415

Sugar

19g

Fat

37g

Steamed palm sugar custards are a popular dessert in Southeast Asian cuisine. Coconut milk and palm sugar are two key ingredients in many recipes, giving them a unique and delicious flavor. These silky-smooth custards are deceptively simple to make, and can be served chilled or at room temperature, garnished with fresh fruit or just on their own.

Instructions

1.	In a medium saucepan, heat the milk, grated palm sugar, star anise, and cinnamon stick over medium heat until just simmering.
2.	In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until they are frothy and pale.
3.	Gradually whisk the hot milk mixture into the beaten eggs until well combined.
4.	Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pouring jug, then use the jug to fill 6 small heatproof ramekins.
5.	If steaming the custards, cover each ramekin tightly with foil and place in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and steam the custards for about 15-20 minutes, or until just set. Alternately, bake the custards in a bain-marie in a preheated oven set to 350°F, checking for doneness after about 25 minutes.
6.	When done, remove the ramekins from the heat and allow them to cool, then remove the foil and refrigerate until chilled.

PROS

These steamed palm sugar custards are a delicious, creamy dessert packed with Southeast Asian flavors.

They are easy to prepare and perfect for a dinner party or special occasion.

CONS

Palm sugar can be difficult to find outside Southeast Asia, but can be substituted with dark brown sugar.

The custards are high in fat and calories, so they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While not particularly healthy, these custards are a delicious treat to be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Coconut milk, a common ingredient in Southeast Asian cooking, is rich in vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5, and B6, as well as minerals including iron, selenium, calcium, and magnesium.

	3 cups milk
	1/3 cup grated dark palm sugar
	1 star anise
	1 cinnamon stick
	2 eggs