Mary Berry’s Custard Creams are a classic British biscuit that’s buttery, crumbly, and filled with a smooth custard-flavored cream. These delightful sandwich biscuits are perfect for afternoon tea, a sweet treat, or sharing with friends and family. With a light vanilla custard filling and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth biscuit texture, custard creams are a nostalgic favorite that’s easy to make at home.
What Are Mary Berry Custard Creams?
Mary Berry’s Custard Creams are delicate biscuits made with a buttery dough infused with custard powder, giving them a unique flavor and creamy texture. Each biscuit is sandwiched with a sweet custard-flavored filling that enhances the buttery flavor of the biscuit itself. These iconic British treats are perfect for tea time or as a homemade gift.
Other Popular Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Black Forest Gateau
- Jamie Oliver Cheese And Onion Pasties
- Mary Berry Farmhouse Fruit Cake
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Classic British Delight – A timeless favorite loved by all ages.
- Simple Ingredients – Uses pantry staples for easy baking.
- Delicate and Buttery – Melts in your mouth with every bite.
- Perfect for Tea Time – Ideal for pairing with tea or coffee.
- Great for Gifting – A lovely treat to share with friends and family.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Custard Creams
Here’s what you’ll need to create these lovely custard creams:
For the Biscuits
- All-Purpose Flour (1 ¾ cups) – Provides structure for the biscuits.
- Custard Powder (¼ cup) – Adds the signature custard flavor and color.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp) – Helps the biscuits rise slightly for a light texture.
- Butter (½ cup, softened) – Adds richness and a crumbly texture.
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup) – Sweetens the biscuits to perfection.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Adds a subtle depth of flavor.
For the Filling
- Butter (¼ cup, softened) – Creates a smooth and creamy filling.
- Custard Powder (2 tbsp) – Enhances the custard flavor in the filling.
- Powdered Sugar (¾ cup) – Sweetens the filling and adds smoothness.
- Milk (1-2 tsp) – This helps bring the filling to a spreadable consistency.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Custard Creams
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, custard powder, and baking powder. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a small round biscuit cutter to cut out circles of dough and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the biscuits are lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Filling: While the biscuits are cooling, beat together the butter, custard powder, and powdered sugar in a small bowl. Add 1-2 teaspoons of milk to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Assemble the Custard Creams: Once the biscuits are completely cool, spread a small amount of filling on the flat side of one biscuit, then sandwich with another biscuit.
- Serve: Enjoy your custard creams immediately, or store them in an airtight container for later.
What Goes Well with Mary Berry Custard Creams
- Cup of English Tea – A classic pairing that complements the biscuit’s delicate flavor.
- Coffee or Espresso – Balances the sweetness of the custard creams.
- Fruit Compote – Adds a touch of freshness and acidity.
- Whipped Cream – Makes for a rich, creamy contrast.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Enhances the custard flavor of the biscuits.
- Fresh Berries – Adds a pop of color and flavor.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Custard Creams
- Use Softened Butter – Soft butter blends smoothly, creating a light texture.
- Chill the Dough if Needed – If the dough becomes too soft, chill for 10-15 minutes for easier handling.
- Roll Dough Evenly – Ensure the dough is an even thickness to bake uniformly.
- Don’t Overbake – Bake until just lightly golden to keep them tender.
- Cool Before Filling – Let biscuits cool completely to avoid melting the filling.
- Customize the Shape – Use a decorative biscuit cutter for a unique look.
- Store Properly – Keep in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Custard Creams
- Chocolate Custard Creams – Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolate twist.
- Lemon Custard Creams – Add lemon zest to the biscuit dough and filling for a citrusy flavor.
- Nutty Custard Creams – Add finely ground almonds or hazelnuts to the biscuit dough.
- Cinnamon Custard Creams – Mix a dash of cinnamon into the filling for extra warmth.
- Vanilla Bean Filling – Use vanilla bean paste instead of extract for a richer vanilla flavor.
- Orange Custard Creams – Substitute vanilla with orange zest for a fresh, fruity taste.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Custard Creams
- Room Temperature Storage – Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Separate with Parchment – Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Refrigerate for Longer Storage – Store in the fridge for up to a week if desired.
- Freeze the Biscuits Only – Freeze the biscuits without filling for up to 2 months, and add filling after thawing.
Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Custard Creams
- Avoid Microwave Heating – Heating can make them soft, so enjoy at room temperature.
- Allow to Reach Room Temperature – If stored in the fridge, bring to room temperature before serving.
- Oven Reheat (if desired) – Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 2-3 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
How Can I Make Mary Berry Custard Creams Healthier?
- Use Whole Wheat Flour – Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Reduce Sugar – Use slightly less sugar in both the biscuit and filling to lower the sweetness.
- Try Dairy-Free Alternatives – Use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives for a dairy-free version.
- Use Coconut Sugar – Substitute sugar with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener option.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
FAQs
Can I make custard creams without custard powder?
Yes, you can make custard creams without custard powder by substituting it with an equal amount of cornstarch and adding a little extra vanilla extract. This will provide a similar texture, though the custard flavor will be lighter.
How do I keep custard creams from going soft?
To keep custard creams from going soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent moisture buildup, which helps maintain their crisp texture.
Can I freeze custard creams?
Yes, you can freeze custard creams, but it’s best to freeze the biscuits without the filling. Once baked, allow the biscuits to cool, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a sealed container. When ready to serve, thaw them at room temperature and add the filling.
What type of filling works best for custard creams?
The classic filling for custard creams is a custard powder buttercream, which provides a rich and creamy custard flavor. Alternatively, you can use a vanilla buttercream or a chocolate buttercream for a different taste.
Final Words
These Mary Berry Custard Creams are a delightful treat with a nostalgic touch. Whether you enjoy them with tea, coffee, or as a simple dessert, these biscuits bring a classic British charm to your table. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, custard creams are a sweet indulgence that’s sure to please!
More By British Baking Recipes
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Mary Berry Custard Creams
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 12-15 custard creams (24-30 individual biscuits)
- Category: Biscuits
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Custard Creams are delicate biscuits made with a buttery dough infused with custard powder, giving them a unique flavor and creamy texture. Each biscuit is sandwiched with a sweet custard-flavored filling that enhances the buttery flavor of the biscuit itself. These iconic British treats are perfect for tea time or as a homemade gift.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these lovely custard creams:
For the Biscuits
- All-Purpose Flour (1 ¾ cups) – Provides structure for the biscuits.
- Custard Powder (¼ cup) – Adds the signature custard flavor and color.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp) – Helps the biscuits rise slightly for a light texture.
- Butter (½ cup, softened) – Adds richness and a crumbly texture.
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup) – Sweetens the biscuits to perfection.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Adds a subtle depth of flavor.
For the Filling
- Butter (¼ cup, softened) – Creates a smooth and creamy filling.
- Custard Powder (2 tbsp) – Enhances the custard flavor in the filling.
- Powdered Sugar (¾ cup) – Sweetens the filling and adds smoothness.
- Milk (1-2 tsp) – This helps bring the filling to a spreadable consistency.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, custard powder, and baking powder. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a small round biscuit cutter to cut out circles of dough and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the biscuits are lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Filling: While the biscuits are cooling, beat together the butter, custard powder, and powdered sugar in a small bowl. Add 1-2 teaspoons of milk to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Assemble the Custard Creams: Once the biscuits are completely cool, spread a small amount of filling on the flat side of one biscuit, then sandwich with another biscuit.
- Serve: Enjoy your custard creams immediately, or store them in an airtight container for later.
