Almond Biscuit with Creamy Custard

This delightful dessert combines the nutty flavor of almonds with a rich, creamy custard to create a perfect balance of taste and texture. The almond biscuit is soft and light, providing a wonderful base for the smooth, velvety custard that is generously spread over it. Fresh or frozen berries are then used to adorn the dessert, adding a burst of color and a refreshing taste that complements the creaminess. The preparation involves creating a simple almond sponge cake, which is baked to perfection, while the custard is prepared using milk, egg yolks, and vanilla essence. This dessert is not only visually appealing but also easy to make, with each step designed to ensure the best results. It's a dessert suitable for any occasion, simple yet elegant, and sure to impress family and friends. With a preparation time of under an hour, it’s perfect for last-minute gatherings or as a treat for yourself. Enjoy the harmony of flavors in this almond biscuit with creamy custard, a great addition to your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients

Almond Biscuit:

4 large eggs
150 g sugar
200 g almond flour

Creamy Custard:

2 egg yolks
250 ml milk
50 g sugar
25 g flour or starch
Vanilla essence

Decoration:

Fresh or frozen berries

Preparation Time

Total time: 50 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 160°C. Line a 22 or 23 cm diameter cake tin with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Biscuit Batter: In a clean bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture becomes creamy and airy. This should take about 5 minutes.
Incorporate the Almond Flour: Gradually fold in the almond flour into the egg mixture, being careful to maintain the airiness of the batter.
Bake the Biscuit: Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the Custard: While the biscuit is baking, heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it's hot but not boiling.
Mix the Custard Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks with sugar, and add the flour or starch together with a few drops of vanilla essence.
Combine with the Milk: Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling.
Thicken the Custard: Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens to a custard consistency.
Cool the Biscuit: Once baked, remove the biscuit from the oven and allow it to cool in its tin for a few minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assemble the Dessert: Once the biscuit has cooled, place it on a serving platter.
Spread the Custard: Generously spread the thickened custard over the top of the biscuit.
Decorate: Finish by decorating with fresh or frozen berries of your choice, creating a vibrant and colorful top.
Serve: Slice the dessert and serve it on its own or with a light dusting of icing sugar.

Tips

To prevent the eggs from deflating, fold in the almond flour gently.
Ensure the custard is whisked thoroughly to avoid lumps.
Let the biscuit cool completely before adding the custard to prevent it from absorbing into the cake.

Nutrition

Calories: 320 per serving
Protein: 8 g
Fats: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 34 g

Variations

For a gluten-free option, ensure to use gluten-free flour or cornstarch.
Substitute cow’s milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
Add a zest of lemon to the custard for a citrusy twist.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Serve alongside a cup of strong coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine.

Best Places

Cafe Almond Delight - Known for its excellent almond desserts. Location: 123 Tasty Lane, Paris, France.
Sweet Haven - Offers various nut-based treats. Location: 45 Baker Street, London, UK.
Bite Bites - Famous for their custard pastries. Location: 789 Dessert Ave, New York, USA.
Flavors Galore - A haven for dessert lovers. Location: 67 Treat Road, Sydney, Australia.
Patisserie Joy - Combines classic and modern dessert techniques. Location: 101 Delight Way, Vancouver, Canada.
The Sweets Corner - Known for its innovative berry dishes. Location: 56 Cheery Street, Cape Town, South Africa.
Desserts & Co. - Offers a variety of creamy desserts. Location: 98 Sweet Lane, Rome, Italy.
Almond Joy Cafe - Delightful almond-based sweets. Location: 111 Nutty Blvd, Barcelona, Spain.
Pastry Artistry - Masterpieces in flavor and design. Location: 77 Baker's St, Tokyo, Japan.
Berry Bonanza - Specializes in berry-topped desserts. Location: 34 Fruit Lane, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.