Strawberry Custard Recipe: Easy Spanish Natillas Dessert 2026

Strawberry custard is a delightful twist on the classic Spanish natillas, blending sweet pureed strawberries into a silky, vanilla-scented custard. This easy dessert comes together in just 20 minutes and chills to a refreshing finish, perfect for warm days or a light after-dinner treat.

The natural sweetness of ripe strawberries infuses every spoonful, while eggs and whole milk create that signature velvety texture. A touch of cornstarch thickens the mixture gently, and a few hours in the fridge transform it into a cool, creamy delight.

Whether you serve it in small glasses or shallow bowls, this strawberry custard is a crowd-pleaser that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It's a wonderful way to use seasonal berries and enjoy a taste of Spanish home cooking.

Ingredients for Strawberry Custard

For 3 servings (about 550 ml total)

• 175 g strawberries
• 2 large eggs
• 40 g sugar
• 1 level tablespoon cornstarch
• 300 ml whole milk
• 2 strawberries, for decoration (optional)

How to Make Strawberry Custard Step by Step

1. Prepare the Strawberry Puree

Remove the stems from 175 g of strawberries and blend them until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and achieve a silky texture. Set aside.

2. Beat Eggs and Sugar

In a separate bowl, whisk 2 large eggs with 40 g of sugar using a hand whisk until the mixture becomes pale and slightly frothy.

3. Add Cornstarch

Add 1 level tablespoon of cornstarch to the egg mixture and whisk until fully incorporated and smooth.

4. Incorporate Milk

Pour 300 ml of whole milk into the bowl and mix well until everything is evenly combined.

5. Mix with Strawberry Puree

Add the reserved strawberry puree to the milk mixture and stir until fully integrated, creating a uniform pink liquid.

6. Thicken and Chill

Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. This should take about 15 minutes. Once thickened, divide the custard among 3 serving dishes, let cool slightly, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

7. Decorate and Serve

Before serving, decorate the custards with whole strawberries cut into slices. Serve chilled.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Custard

Customize the Flavor

You can personalize this dessert by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a aromatic touch or a few finely chopped mint leaves for a refreshing twist. Feel free to experiment with different garnishes like whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Chill Thoroughly

These custards taste best when served well chilled. For optimal flavor and texture, let them rest in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the custard to set perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the custards in individual glasses or small bowls. For a festive presentation, top with whipped cream just before serving. You can also layer fresh fruit or crushed cookies for added texture.

30 Go-To Recipes I Keep Coming Back to at Home

If you're anything like me, your kitchen rotation probably includes a little bit of everything—cozy comfort classics, tried-and-true dishes from around the globe, and sweets that make everyone happy.

When a rich, indulgent treat is calling my name, I'll reach for this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this sophisticated Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a luscious Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And on days when I want something fruity and cozy, this timeless French Tarte Tatin recipe is my reliable pick.

Come breakfast time or when I'm after a lighter bite, I'll whip up these airy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a hearty Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these bright Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And for a gluten-free staple I can keep on hand, this no-fuss Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe does the trick.

For tapas nights and Mediterranean-inspired spreads, I'll bounce between this punchy Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, golden Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, velvety Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and a cool Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. And when the occasion calls for something a touch fancier, this elegant Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe is a favorite of mine to serve.

Hearty midday meals and slow, cozy suppers are where these shine: the warming Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, time-honored Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, deeply savory Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and silky Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. Craving something even more substantial? I'll bake up this hearty Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, a homey Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultimate comfort plate, this French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

When street-food cravings hit or I'm feeding a crowd, out come this succulent Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crunchy Salchipapas recipe, boldly seasoned Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crisp Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These fuss-free Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe also make a great little appetizer or snack.

And when I'm mixing drinks and planning a whole spread for company, dinner often gets paired with a cool Original Cuban Mojito recipe, a strong Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To tie the whole meal together, I like setting out this zesty French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side, or finishing the table with this eye-catching Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

Even More Tasty Recipes the Whole Family Will Enjoy

After years of cooking, testing, and tweaking in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the finest dishes are built on three things: simplicity, dependable technique, and serious flavor.

These are the recipes I find myself making over and over—whether it's a fast solo meal or a festive spread for loved ones.

On the sweet side, the rich, velvety Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is a go-to when I want something that feels fancy yet comes together easily. Another dessert I adore is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, modeled after the beloved Central European chimney cake. If baking is your thing, knowing how to make syrup for better dessert texture really helps, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe walks through exactly how I do it at home.

For something light and effortless, I'll typically make the traditional Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a flawlessly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. When I want a heartier comfort dish, I'm quick to suggest the filling Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the speedy weeknight winner, this One Pot Pasta Recipe.

I'm also a big fan of sharing dishes rooted in tradition from all over the world, like the genuine Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crisp Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and Spain's classic Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer cooking is another category I turn to often, since it delivers great texture without eating up time. My regular lineup includes the Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for those steering clear of wheat, my cozy Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that a classic baked pasta can still be indulgent, cheesy, and completely satisfying without any gluten.

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