Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsLittle Donna'sBay Leaf Custard Recipe

Bay Leaf Custard Recipe

Inspired by Little Donna's
Time1h 30m
Serves6

and Biscuits

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Ingredients

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Custard

Biscuits

Method

Custard Preparation

  1. 1

    Infuse the Milk and Cream

    In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 2 whole bay leaves. Heat over medium heat until just simmering, then remove from heat. Cover and let steep for about 30 minutes.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Egg Mixture

    In a mixing bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup of sugar, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.

  3. 3

    Combine Mixtures

    After the milk and cream have steeped, strain the mixture to remove the bay leaves. Gradually whisk the warm milk and cream into the egg mixture until fully combined.

  4. 4

    Bake the Custard

    Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Pour the custard mixture into ramekins or a baking dish. Place in a larger baking pan and fill the pan with hot water to create a water bath. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

  5. 5

    Cool and Serve

    Remove the custard from the water bath and let cool at room temperature. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Biscuits Preparation

  1. 6

    Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp of baking powder, and 1 tsp of salt.

  2. 7

    Cut in the Butter

    Add 1 stick of cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes, to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  3. 8

    Add Wet Ingredients

    Stir in 3 tbsp of milk and 1 tbsp of sugar until just combined. Do not overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.

  4. 9

    Shape the Biscuits

    Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Pat the dough into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Cut into rounds or squares using a biscuit cutter or knife.

  5. 10

    Bake the Biscuits

    Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the biscuits on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

  6. 11

    Serve

    Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving with the bay leaf custard.

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