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If you crave a sweet treat that melts in your mouth, you will love Silky Japanese Custard Purin. This creamy delight is smooth, rich, and perfect for any occasion. In this recipe, I’ll guide you step-by-step so you can impress your friends and family. From simple ingredients to delicious tips, you’ll create a dessert that shines. Let’s dive into the world of purin and discover this delightful dish together!

Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicate Texture: This custard has a wonderfully silky and smooth texture that melts in your mouth, making it an indulgent treat.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create this elegant dessert, perfect for any occasion.
- Customizable Topping: Whether you prefer rich caramel sauce or fresh berries, this custard is versatile and can be topped to your liking.
- Impressive Presentation: The beautiful ramekins and glossy caramel make this dessert a showstopper at any dinner party or gathering.
Ingredients
To make Silky Japanese Custard Purin, you need a few simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating that creamy, dreamy texture and flavor. Here is what you will need:
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– A pinch of salt
– Caramel sauce for drizzling
– Fresh berries for garnish (optional)
These ingredients combine to create a delicious custard. The eggs give it a rich texture. The sugar adds sweetness, while the milk makes it creamy. The vanilla brings warmth and flavor. Cornstarch helps to thicken the custard, ensuring it holds its shape. A little salt balances the sweetness. Caramel sauce adds a sweet finish, and berries make a bright garnish.
Each ingredient matters in this recipe. Using fresh eggs and high-quality milk greatly improves the taste. If you want to experiment, you can swap the caramel sauce for fruit purees or chocolate sauce. This recipe is flexible and fun to make! Enjoy the process of mixing these ingredients to create a delightful treat.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation and Preheating
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for a great bake.
– Prepare six small ramekins. Lightly grease them with cooking spray or butter. This helps the custard come out easily.
Mixing the Custard Base
– In a mixing bowl, whisk together two large eggs and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until it looks frothy and well combined.
– In a saucepan, heat 1 cup of whole milk with 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Warm it up, but do not let it boil. This adds flavor and richness.
Combining and Baking
– Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking. This keeps the eggs from cooking too fast.
– If you want a thicker custard, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with water until dissolved. Stir this into your custard mix.
– To get a super smooth texture, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into another bowl. This removes any lumps.
– Pour the custard evenly into your prepared ramekins.
– Place the ramekins in a deep baking dish. Fill the dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides. This water bath keeps the custard creamy.
– Carefully place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. The custard should be set but still a bit wobbly in the center.
– Once done, take the ramekins out of the water bath. Let them cool for 10 minutes at room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To keep your custard smooth, avoid lumps by whisking well. When you mix the warm milk into the eggs, do it slowly. This helps prevent cooking the eggs too fast. Always strain your custard through a fine-mesh sieve. It catches any lumps and gives you that silky finish.
Using a water bath is key for baking purin. It helps the custard cook evenly and gently. Place your ramekins in a deep baking dish, then fill it with hot water halfway up the sides. This steam helps set the custard without drying it out.
Flavor Enhancements
For fun flavor twists, try adding matcha or coffee to your custard mix. A little bit goes a long way, and it adds a unique taste. You can also mix in some citrus zest for a fresh touch.
When it comes to toppings, caramel sauce is a classic choice. Drizzle it over your purin for extra sweetness. Fresh berries, like strawberries or blueberries, make great garnishes too. They add color and a nice tartness that pairs well with the creamy custard.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Eggs: Fresh eggs will give your custard a better texture and flavor, resulting in a creamier dish.
- Don’t Overheat the Milk: Heating the milk too much can cause the eggs to cook prematurely, leading to a grainy texture. Warm it slowly.
- Strain for Smoothness: Always strain the custard mixture to eliminate any lumps and ensure a silky-smooth finish.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allowing the custard to chill completely will enhance its flavor and texture, making it more enjoyable to eat.

Variations
Traditional vs. Modern Purin
Traditional purin is simple and smooth. It uses just a few ingredients: eggs, milk, and sugar. The flavor is creamy and sweet. Each region of Japan has its own unique twist. For example, in certain areas, they may add matcha for a green tea taste. Others might use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Modern purin often includes more creative ingredients. You might find flavors like chocolate or even fruit blends. The texture can also change, with some recipes using gelatin for a firmer custard.
Creative Twists on Silky Japanese Custard Purin
You can have fun with purin by adding seasonal fruits. Fresh strawberries or mangoes make a bright topping. You can also stir fruit puree into the custard for extra flavor. Unique sauces or syrups can change the dish too. Try a rich caramel sauce or a tangy berry drizzle. You can even use green tea syrup for a fresh taste. These twists make each bite exciting and new. Don’t hesitate to experiment!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Purin
To keep your silky Japanese custard purin fresh, refrigerate it right away. Place each ramekin in a sealed container or cover them with plastic wrap. This helps keep moisture out and prevents the custard from absorbing other odors. Always use clean utensils to scoop out servings.
If you have more leftovers, you can freeze purin. Just make sure to wrap each ramekin tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. You can freeze purin for up to one month. When you are ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Shelf Life
In the refrigerator, your purin will last about three days. Check for any changes in smell or texture. If it looks watery or has a sour smell, it is time to toss it out. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Enjoy your purin while it’s fresh for the best taste!
FAQs
What is Silky Japanese Custard Purin?
Silky Japanese Custard Purin is a soft, creamy dessert. It is similar to flan but lighter. Purin is a popular treat in Japan, often found in homes and restaurants. The dish has a rich history, dating back to the early 20th century. It draws influence from European custards. The Japanese version is known for its smooth texture and delicate flavor. Eating purin feels like a warm hug. It’s a classic dessert that brings joy to many.
Can I make purin without cornstarch?
Yes, you can make purin without cornstarch. Some alternatives include using eggs or gelatin. Eggs help thicken the custard naturally. Gelatin adds a different texture, making it more jelly-like. You can also try using arrowroot powder as a thickener. Adjust the amount based on your preference. Remember, the goal is to achieve that silky smoothness. Experimenting can lead to unique flavors and textures.
How do I serve purin elegantly?
To serve purin elegantly, start by inverting it onto a clean plate. Make sure to run a knife around the edges first. This will help release it easily. Drizzle caramel sauce on top for a sweet touch. Fresh berries add color and freshness. You can also use mint leaves for a pop of green. Consider using small glass cups for a modern look. This dessert is all about presentation and simplicity.
In this post, we explored how to make silky Japanese custard purin. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting texture. Understanding variations and storage helps you enjoy purin for longer. Remember, using a water bath stops lumps and gives a nice cook. Try different flavors or toppings to make it unique. You can impress friends with easy serving ideas, too. This tasty custard can be a fun dessert for any occasion. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this delightful Japanese trea
Silky Japanese Custard Purin
A smooth and creamy Japanese custard dessert, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
Total Time 2 hours hrs 50 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 6
Calories 150 kcal
- 2 large eggs
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 serving caramel sauce
- 1 serving fresh berries
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare six small ramekins by lightly greasing them with cooking spray or butter.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until well combined and slightly frothy.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat until just warm, but do not let it boil.
Gradually pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to create a smooth custard base.
If using cornstarch, mix it with a tablespoon of cold water until dissolved, then stir it into the custard mix until well incorporated.
To achieve an ultra-smooth texture, pour the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into another bowl. This will filter out any lumps.
Distribute the custard evenly among the prepared ramekins.
Place the ramekins in a deep baking dish. Fill the dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
Carefully place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the custard is set but still wobbly in the center.
Remove ramekins from the water bath and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set.
To serve, run a knife around the edges of the custard to release it from the ramekins. Invert onto a plate and drizzle with caramel sauce. Garnish with fresh berries if desired.
For an extra touch, serve with fresh berries.
Keyword custard, dessert, Japanese
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