Milk Soft Recipe
Make Milk Soft Recipe in just 3h 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Milk Base
Softening Agents & Texture
Optional Finishes & Serving
Method
Milk Base
- 1
Combine dairy and flavor
Pour 4 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream into a medium saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla (or scrape seeds from one vanilla bean and add pod), and 1 teaspoon fine sea salt. Stir to combine.
- 2
Softening Agents & Texture
- 3
Bloom gelatin
While the milk warms, sprinkle 1 teaspoon powdered gelatin evenly over 2 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl. Let sit 3–5 minutes until gelatin is spongy and has absorbed the water.
- 4
Prepare cornstarch slurry
In a separate small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold milk (taken from the warmed milk or extra) to make a smooth slurry with no lumps.
- 5
Incorporate thickening agents into milk
When the milk mixture is hot and steaming, remove about 1/2 cup of the hot liquid and whisk it into the gelatin to dissolve it completely. Pour the dissolved gelatin back into the saucepan, whisking. Then whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Return to very low heat and stir constantly for 2–3 minutes until the mixture slightly thickens and becomes velvety. Do not boil. Remove the vanilla pod if used.
Finish & Set
- 6
- 7
Chill to set
Pour the warm mixture into individual serving glasses or a shallow container. Cover with plastic wrap (pressing the wrap gently onto the surface to prevent a skin) and refrigerate until set but still very soft, about 2–3 hours. The gelatin and cornstarch will give a tender, custard-like softness rather than a firm gel.
Optional Finishes & Serving
- 8
Serve
Once set to a soft custard consistency, remove from refrigerator. Drizzle each serving with 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste). Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or crushed pistachios and add a few fresh berries if desired.
- 9
Storage
Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Texture will remain soft but may firm slightly; whisk briefly if you want to loosen before serving.