Blackberry Baked Custard

By Amanda Paa – Updated April 23, 2021
4.41 from 5 votes
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I’m calling this blackberry baked custard, but in all honesty, I’m not sure what it’s technical term should because it literally has a 3 pronged evolution. It changes (unexpectedly) from dutch baby, to claufoutis, to custard, depending on when you eat it. What I do know is that it’s incredibly delicious at any and all stages….  Softly sweet, studded with jammy blackberries, and real creamy. One bowl magic with ingredients you probably always have on hand, and the fruit can change with the seasons.

Inspiration came from Martha and Julia, their custard and flan both looked like the perfect way to showcase the berry of fall – blackberries. Both of the recipes used just a little flour, so I substituted tapioca starch and went the unrefined sugar route with maple syrup. Studying their recipes, I pictured it coming out of the oven like you see throughout this post, but I opened the oven to a big, gorgeous, poofy dutch baby.

Blackberry Baked Custard {a cross between a pudding and claufoutis}Blackberry Baked Custard {heartbeet kitchen blog}

Although it wasn’t what I was planning on, I figured I’d go with it, and rushed with the hot pan to photograph it before collapsing. But the fluffy cloud deflated in literally 30 seconds, leaving me a little deflated as well.

So stage one was a dutch baby. That sunk into stage two: a claufoutis. Still warm from the oven, I took a few tastes, trying to decide if it was still good despite it not being what I expected. And it certainly was. Browned on the edges, slightly airy, and a little bit of egg texture left. The flavor was spot on, delicately sweet and a hint of tartness from the blackberries was a nice contrast.

I declared the claufoutis a winner, something I could serve for dessert or an indulgent breakfast and tucked the leftovers in the refrigerator. The next morning it was the first thing I wanted a bite of, so I drove my spoon into the top.

PURE, DENSE, CREAMY BLISS. And a transformation into stage 3, custard, the real winner. My favorite stage of them all. The cold had worked its own kind of magic, solidifying the butter and protein from the eggs, giving it almost a cheesecake texture because it had been baked, rather than a soft pudding-like custard.

Blackberry Baked CustardBlackberry Baked Pudding

Maybe I should have named it a blackberry baked chameleon, but I’m sticking with custard. And as odd of a technique it may be, I’ve written the recipe to reflect the chill and refrigeration, as I liked it best this way. Which also means that it’s a make-ahead dream for entertaining, just save the powder dusting for the grand finale right before serving. xo!

side note: I’m off to Salt Lake City later this week to gather with some blogger friends for a business brainstorm, which got me thinking about my luggage situation. I’d  love to know your suggestions on luggage, both large and carry-on, as my 10 year old purple beasts are on their way out. 

Gluten-Free Blackberry PuddingBlackberry Baked Custard {gluten-free}

If you make this Blackberry Baked Custard recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram with hashtag #heartbeetkitchen or @heartbeetkitchen!

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Blackberry Baked Custard

A baked custard recipe, studded with fresh blackberries.
4.41 from 5 votes
Prep Time :10 minutes
Cook Time :25 minutes
Total Time :35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Author: Amanda Paa

SCALE:

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup butter melted and cooled
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup tapioca starch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 pint blackberries
  • powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 385 degrees F.
  • In a blender, combine eggs, milk, maple syrup, tapioca starch, salt, and vanilla.
  • Use a touch of the butter to wipe the inside of a shallow gratin pan or 9 inch pie plate, then add the butter to blender. Blend until smooth, 30 seconds.
  • Distribute berries evenly in pie plate and pour batter over top. Bake until puffed, a little brown, and just set in middle, 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let deflate, and cool. Refrigerate at least six hours or overnight. (see note above) Before serving, sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Notes

Bake this, and let it completely cool and refigerate overnight for it to be custard. Straight out of the oven it will look like a dutch baby, then deflate into a claufoutis. Still good, but I prefer it cold.

Did you make this?

tag @heartbeetkitchen on instagram and hashtag it #heartbeetkitchen

October 17, 2016

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18 comments

  1. Alison Marie

    I made this and it look so good coming out of the oven I had to try it warm. Amazing! Then I had it cold the next morning and warm is still my preference. But it’s so easy to make I would happily make this at breakfast time.

  2. Manon Tree

    5 stars
    I can’t believe I am this lucky!! This was the first recipe that came up and it’s EXACTLY what I was looking for in a custard. After I make it, I will follow up.

  3. Cindy H

    I’d say if you can afford it, get Samsonite. Otherwise, make sure that the suitcase stands up on it’s own if it only has 2 wheels.

    I think that this dessert is very similar to a German pancake. I always make mine with apples. This is a great idea!

    • amandapaa

      thank you for the luggage suggestion! will check that out. and yes, this is similar to a german pancake. such a good brunch treat!

  4. danielle

    this is so beautiful, amanda! i, too, have been on the ultimate blackberry kick this year and what a perfect way to celebrate. you always do such amazing things with fruit. i’m smitten with the evolutionary nature this custard has, cannot wait to try.

    • amandapaa

      blackberries are so sweet and tart, i just love that profile! made it with apples earlier this week, and whoa. also really good.

  5. Ruby

    This is so beautiful!! I love those kinds of desserts that surprise you midway through the making. Can’t wait to try this, maybe with some of the late-indian-summer plums I’ve been eying lately :) xo

    • Ruby

      Also as for luggage, I have a giant red swissgear suitcase that I swear by! It’s been through a lot and still as strong as ever.

      • amandapaa

        looking this up immediately!

  6. jaime / the briny

    i have no advice re: luggage because i also have 10+ year old purple beasts! mine are a nice, airport grime-tinged raspberry hue. ;)

    this custard chameleon sounds like a cozy hug. sign me up. xo

  7. Lee

    Legit can’t handle how talented you are. THAT POWDERED SUGAR SHOT OMG.

    • amandapaa

      You. I miss you. Please stop going to Milwaukee! Just kidding. :) Hope to see you soon. xo

  8. Abby @ Heart of a Baker

    Oh I love the way you describe this going from dutch baby to custard, it makes me want to scoop up a big bite right NOW! I love the dusting photograph, I think next time we are together you should teach me your ways (still haven’t nailed those shots!). Have so much fun in SLC, hug Liz for me!

  9. Liz @ Floating Kitchen

    Well, you know I’m a big fan of dutch babies/claufloutis/custards, so definitely going to have to try your version. And yes, photographing those big puffy bubbles can be tricky. They are my favorite part, but they don’t last long! See you in a couple days. Eeek!

  10. Tori//Gringalicious

    Oh my, such a gorgeous and sweetly balanced treat! Love it!!!!!

    • amandapaa

      yes, just a little sweet and the powdered sugar touch is more for looks than anything! love the tart berries.

  11. Alison @ Food by Mars

    Floored! This is soooo pretty, lady! I do love blackberries and custard- might try it with coconut milk and see if that’s enough fat. XO

  12. Lily | Kale & Caramel

    THIS LOOKS HEAVENLY!!! I cannot wait to make it. I’ve been obsessed with blackberries this year, and I think this is just going to make me fall even more deeply in love.