How to Prevent Skin on Custard

Last Updated: March 1, 2024 Tested

It's relatively easy to prevent skin on custard, but it's a step that's sometimes missed. The basic principle for preventing skin on custard is the same as preventing skin on any flan, sauce, or pudding: cling wrap. Follow the steps below to learn more.

1

Prepare your custard.

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Follow the directions exactly. At some point in whatever custard recipe you are using, you will be asked to cook the custard.

2

Cook the custard properly.

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If the custard is allowed to set, a skin will form. Keep the custard stirred well with a wire whisk to prevent a skin from forming.

3

Strain the custard.

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You can do this with a strainer or a slatted spoon. You may notice a thin skin as you are cooking or when you are ready to pour.

4

Pour the custard.

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If you are adding the custard to other ingredients in a special custard recipe, follow the directions of the recipe for when to pour the custard.

5

Cover the custard.

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The wrap should be bigger than the size of the dish.

6

Stick the cling wrap or waxed paper to the top of the custard.

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It should be actually touching the top of the custard. It is important that the wrap or paper be placed directly on the surface of the custard mixture, not just above it.

7

Refrigerate the custard mixture according to the recipe.

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Leave the cling wrap or waxed paper in place until the custard is served.

8

Remove covers before serving.

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Remove the cling wrap or waxed paper carefully before serving or adding the custard to the rest of the custard recipe you are preparing. There should be no skin on the custard.

9

Keep skin from forming once the custard is served.

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The sugar will work toward keeping the skin away.

10

Finished.

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Question

How can I stop a skin from forming on a pastry cream?

Joanne Kristine Olinares

Community Answer

To prevent skin formation on top of a custard, directly cover the surface with plastic wrap. Make sure there are no air pockets, because exposure to air is the culprit for skin formation on top of custards.

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Tips

Some people like to butter the waxed paper or parchment paper before placing it over the custard. Some recipes actually recommend spreading butter on top of the custard or pouring melted butter over the custard.

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If you have no cling wrap or waxed paper, you can also use parchment paper like the kind used for baking. Parchment paper has a non-stick surface.

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Things You'll Need

Custard recipe
Wire whisk
Slatted spoon
Cling wrap
Wax paper
Parchment paper
Dish

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How to Prevent Skin on Custard

Steps

Prepare your custard.

Cook the custard properly.

Strain the custard.

Pour the custard.

Cover the custard.

Stick the cling wrap or waxed paper to the top of the custard.

Refrigerate the custard mixture according to the recipe.

Remove covers before serving.

Keep skin from forming once the custard is served.

Finished.

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