Cookbook:Custard Powder

Custard powder is a powder that is cooked to make a custard. It should not be confused with instant pudding mix, which requires no cooking.

Characteristics
Commercially-available custard powders typically contain starch (e.g. cornstarch), milk powder, vanilla powder or vanilla sugar, and yellow food coloring. Depending on the brand, they may contain sweeteners and additional components, such as thickeners, emulsifiers, or flavorings. Many varieties do not contain any eggs.

Selection and storage
Store custard powder in an airtight container at room temperature.

Use
Custard powder is typically mixed with hot milk—and sometimes sugar if necessary—and stirred over medium heat to make a thickened custard. In this way, it is similar to instant pudding mix. For the most part, it is used as a convenience instead of preparing something like a crème anglaise, pastry cream, or vanilla pudding from scratch and with eggs. It is very common in England, Australia, and Canada, where it forms the base of assorted desserts like trifles.

Substitution
If you don't have custard powder, you can substitute cornstarch plus a little vanilla and yellow food coloring. You may need to add sugar as well, depending on the specific custard powder called for in the recipe.