Toasted Coconut Lime Custard Cups
Silky coconut custard with toasted flakes and lime zest makes a bright 38-minute dessert.
Prep: 15 · Cook: 23 · Total: 38 · Serves: 6 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.7/5 (84 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
An original baked custard that balances creamy coconut with bright lime and a crisp toasted topping.
Story
Casey likes these little custards because they feel celebratory without requiring a fussy cake. The water bath keeps the centers soft, while toasted coconut gives every spoonful a little contrast. Make them earlier in the day and add the topping just before serving.
By Casey
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon finely grated lime zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- Whipped cream, for serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 325 F, place six 4-ounce ramekins in a baking dish, and bring a kettle of water to a simmer.
- Whisk the coconut milk, whole milk, sugar, egg yolks, egg, vanilla, lime zest, lime juice, and salt until smooth.
- Divide the custard among the ramekins, pour hot water into the baking dish until it reaches halfway up their sides, and cover the dish loosely with foil.
- Bake for 18 minutes, remove the foil, and bake for 5 minutes more until the edges are set and the centers still wobble slightly.
- Toast the shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes until pale golden, stirring often.
- Carefully remove the ramekins from the water, cool for 5 minutes, top with toasted coconut and whipped cream, and serve warm or chilled.
Chef Tips
- A gentle wobble in the center means the custard will stay silky as it cools.
- Use a towel or jar lifter to remove hot ramekins from the water bath.
- Toast coconut in a dry pan because it browns quickly once it starts.
- The custards can be chilled for up to two days before topping.
Cook's Notes
- Do not skip the water bath.
- Look for a gentle center wobble.
- Toast coconut carefully.
- Add whipped cream at serving time.