Made with custard powder, milk, and a variety of seasonal fruits and nuts, fruit custard is a rich, creamy, and refreshing treat. All around India, people love this delicious dessert, which is also known as fruit salad with custard. At festive feasts, parties, and family get-togethers, a bowl of chilled fruit custard is usually provided, much like famous Indian sweets like gulab jamun, rasmalai, or carrot halwa. It’s the best summer dessert to wow your friends and family.
What is Fruit Custard?
Chopped fruits are mixed with a creamy, cooled custard sauce to make fruit custard, a smooth and sweet treat. Traditionally, custard was made with milk, cream, and eggs, but now many people like variants that don’t have eggs.
Using custard powder, as in this recipe, is the easiest and most usual way to create it nowadays.
I’ve made use of a custard powder without eggs that has a vanilla flavor and is free of artificial colors and flavors. You may find custard powder from a variety of manufacturers; some of the flavors available include vanilla, banana, apple, mango, and pineapple. On the other hand, most flavoured ones include artificial essence, so going with vanilla is a better, healthier option.
Check the label on custard powder to be sure it doesn’t have any unnatural additives. Don’t worry if it is not easily accessible where you are; you can easily make your own version at home.
How to Make Custard Without Custard Powder
Normally custard powder is Corn flour (cornstarch) with added flavoring. If you can’t find it, you can make it at home with corn flour or Arrowroot powder.
Add a little vanilla extract or a little bit of vanilla bean Pod to give it that custard smell. You can also add 3 to 4 teaspoons of milk powder while cooking to make the flavor stronger.
You can use any fruits that are in season for this dessert. I really like bananas, apples, pomegranates, and mangoes. Choose fruits that are naturally sweet over those that are sour or acidic.
Avoid adding citrus fruits like oranges, kiwis, grapefruit, or mandarins to the custard because they have the potential to curdle it. You should also stay away from grapes and pineapple for this meal.
Other Summer Desserts You Might Like
- Kulfi
- Rabri
- Basundi
- Falooda
- Ice Cream Recipes
Ingredients for Fruit Custard
For Custard Base
- 2½ cups full-fat milk (or toned milk)
- 4 to 5 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3 tablespoons custard powder (vanilla flavor preferred)
- ¼ cup milk (to mix custard powder)
For Fruit Mix
- ½ cup chopped banana
- ½ cup diced apple (peeled and cored)
- ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
- ½ cup chopped mango (ripe and sweet)
- ¼ cup chopped papaya (optional)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons grapes (optional, seedless)
For Garnish (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped cashews
- 1 tablespoon chopped almonds
- A few pomegranate seeds
- 1 tablespoon tutti frutti or jelly cubes
Optional Flavor Enhancers
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (if using plain corn flour instead of custard powder)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk powder (for extra richness)
- Pinch of cardamom powder (for aroma)
Step-by-Step Photo Guide: How to Make Fruit Custard
- In a pan with a thick base, pour 2 and 3/4 cups of milk. Heat it over medium heat, then stir in 4 or 5 teaspoons of sugar. Add the sugar and stir until it melts.


- Whisk together 3 tablespoons of custard powder and 1/4 cup of milk (at least slightly warm or at room temperature) in a separate bowl. Beat until smooth. If you don’t want lumps, use cold milk.


- Ensure that the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps.
- When the milk in the pan is heated (but not boiling), turn down the heat. Mix 2 tablespoons of the custard mixture into the milk right away after adding it.

- To avoid lumps, mix constantly with a spatula or whisk.
- Continue whisking in 2 more tablespoons of the custard mixture. Once you’ve added all of it, repeat the process in three batches. The custard may become lumpy if you pour it all at once. If you think it needs extra sugar, give the mixture a taste.

- Cook, stirring constantly, over a moderately high heat. Thickening of the custard will begin in a matter of minutes. When the consistency is reached, turn off the heat.

- Make sure the mixture is smooth and creamy by whisking it well. Right now is the time to add whatever flavoring you like.
- As soon as you see the custard, cover it to stop a skin from forming. After it cools, put it in the fridge until chilled.
- Also, make sure to wash and freeze your fruits.
- Cut the fruits into small pieces before serving.
- Place in a serving bowl.
- Whisk the custard again to make it smooth, then pour it over the fruit. Stir gently.

Chill the fruit custard and garnish with chopped almonds or pomegranate seeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to make Custard without Fruit?
Yes! You can make plain custard and replace the fresh fruits with dry fruits and nuts. Skip the sugar and use natural sweeteners like Dates or figs, or simply add almonds, pistachios, jelly cubes, and tutti frutti.
This dry fruit custard variation is a fantastic option for kids’ parties. Just remember to mix in the dry fruits right before serving to keep them crunchy.
How to make fruit custard at home with custard powder?
Homemade fruit custard is as easy as combining custard powder with a splash of milk and whisking until smooth. Carefully whisk in the custard mixture while gently adding the boiled milk and sugar, being careful not to create lumps. Cook until it thickens, then let it cool completely before adding chopped seasonal fruits like bananas, apples, and mangoes. For the most delicious flavor, chill before serving.
Which fruits are best for fruit custard recipe?
Apples, bananas, mangoes, pomegranates, papayas, and chikoos are some of the best fruits to use in fruit custard because of their sweetness and lack of citrus. Custard can curdle if it’s made with acidic fruits like grapes, kiwis, pineapple, or oranges. Fruits are best chilled before blending for a smooth and refreshing dessert.
Can I make fruit Custard without eggs or custard powder?
Yes! A substitute for custard powder, such as corn flour (Cornstarch) or arrowroot powder, can be used to create an Eggless Fruit Custard. For flavor, you can add milk powder or vanilla extract. After it has cooled, add your preferred fruits using the same procedure as the custard preparation. It has the same rich, tasty flavor!
Is Fruit Custard Safe for Toddlers?
Fruits and milk don’t always get along; in fact, they can occasionally cause indigestion in young children. For this reason, I refrained from using dairy milk in fruit custard when my kids were little.
Instead, I made with homemade almond milk and used arrowroot powder to thicken it. The custard is still creamy and light, but it’s gentler on the stomach.
You can also turn this recipe into chocolate custard by adding 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and using brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Alternatively, mix in a few chocolate chips or chunks once the custard cools slightly for a rich chocolatey twist.
Another delicious option is mango custard—just stir in 1 cup of thick, sweet mango puree into the cooled custard for a fruity, tropical flavor.
Tips for the Best Fruit Custard
- Make sure the custard and fruit are chilled before mixing.
- Citrus fruits and other watery fruits could curdle the combination, therefore it’s best to avoid them.
- To keep the fruits fresh and crunchy, simply add them right before serving.
- Change the amount of sugar based on how sweet your fruits are.
Desserts like fruit custard will always be in demand. It’s a great way to end any dinner, especially on hot summer days. It’s easy to make and tastes great.
Your One-Stop Destination for Every Kind of Recipe
Explore more from our kitchen! Here are some of our previously published blogs you’ll love – filled with easy steps and authentic flavours