Custard powder substitutes
Custard powder substitutes — 9 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Cornstarch + vanilla + sugar
Same amount as the custard powder
With 1 tsp vanilla per 2 tbsp cornstarch
The best substitutes for custard powder are cornstarch with vanilla, instant pudding mix, or homemade custard powder blend. For Bird's custard powder, use cornstarch with vanilla and yellow coloring.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- custards
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of custard powder | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cornstarch + vanilla + sugarcustards | Same amountWith 1 tsp vanilla per 2 tbsp cornstarchWorks | Works |
| 2 | Instant pudding mixquick desserts | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Homemade custard powdercustards | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Arrowroot powder + vanillacustards | Same amountWith 1 tsp vanilla per 2 tbsp arrowrootWorks | Works |
| 5 | Tapioca starch + vanillacustards | Same amountWith 1 tsp vanilla per 2 tbsp tapiocaTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Flour + vanilla + sugarbasic custards | Same amountWith 1 tsp vanilla per 2 tbsp flourTweak it | Tweak it |
| 7 | Corn flour + vanilla + sugarcustards | Same amountWith 1 tsp vanilla per 2 tbsp corn flourWorks | Works |
| 8 | Vegan custard powdervegan desserts | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 9 | Custard powder as egg substitutebaking | 1 egg per 1 tbsp custard powderYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
Cornstarch + vanilla + sugar
similar taste and texture
Mix cornstarch with vanilla extract and sugar to replicate custard powder. Good for Bird's custard powder substitute.
- Best for
- custards, puddings, desserts, baking, nanaimo bars, bird's custard, vanilla custard
Add vanilla extract and sugar to cornstarch. For Bird's custard powder substitute, add yellow food coloring. May need to adjust sweetness.
Instant pudding mix
similar taste and texture
Pre-mixed powder that makes instant pudding and custard. Great instant custard powder substitute.
- Best for
- quick desserts, custards, puddings, baking, instant custard, vanilla custard
Very similar to custard powder. May have different flavor profile. Good for instant custard powder substitute.
Homemade custard powder
similar taste and texture
Make your own blend with cornstarch, vanilla, and coloring. Good for Bird's custard powder substitute.
- Best for
- custards, puddings, desserts, baking, nanaimo bars, bird's custard, vanilla custard
Mix 1 cup cornstarch, 1 tsp vanilla powder, ¼ cup sugar, and yellow food coloring. Store in airtight container.
Arrowroot powder + vanilla
similar taste and texture
Alternative thickener with vanilla for similar results.
- Best for
- custards, puddings, desserts, gluten-free baking
Arrowroot is gluten-free and works similarly to cornstarch. Add vanilla for flavor.
Tapioca starch + vanilla
similar taste, different texture
Alternative thickener that creates smooth, glossy texture.
- Best for
- custards, puddings, desserts, gluten-free baking
Tapioca creates a slightly different texture but works well. Add vanilla for flavor.
Flour + vanilla + sugar
similar taste, different texture
Basic thickener with vanilla and sugar for simple substitution.
- Best for
- basic custards, puddings, emergency substitution
Not as smooth as cornstarch but works in a pinch. May need to cook longer.
Corn flour + vanilla + sugar
similar taste and texture
Corn flour can substitute for custard powder with vanilla and sugar.
- Best for
- custards, puddings, baking, nanaimo bars
Corn flour works similarly to cornstarch. Can substitute custard powder for corn flour in reverse.
Vegan custard powder
similar taste and texture
Plant-based alternative using cornstarch, vanilla, and plant milk.
- Best for
- vegan desserts, custards, puddings, baking, dairy-free options
Mix cornstarch with vanilla and use plant milk instead of dairy. Good vegan custard powder substitute.
Custard powder as egg substitute
different taste and texture
Custard powder can work as an egg substitute in some recipes.
- Best for
- baking, cakes, muffins, quick breads
Mix 1 tbsp custard powder with 2 tbsp water to replace 1 egg. Not suitable for all recipes.
Questions
12 questionsWhat's the difference between custard powder and cornstarch?
Custard powder is cornstarch mixed with vanilla, sugar, and coloring. Cornstarch alone is just a thickener without flavor or color.
Can I use instant pudding mix instead of custard powder?
Yes, instant pudding mix is very similar to custard powder and can be used as a 1:1 substitute in most recipes.
How do I make custard powder at home?
Mix 1 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon vanilla powder, ¼ cup sugar, and a few drops of yellow food coloring. Store in an airtight container.
Is custard powder gluten-free?
Most custard powders are gluten-free as they're made from cornstarch, but always check the label to be sure, especially if you have celiac disease.
What is a substitute for custard powder in Nanaimo bars?
For Nanaimo bars, use cornstarch with vanilla and yellow food coloring as a Bird's custard powder substitute. Mix 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp vanilla, and a few drops of yellow coloring.
Can I substitute corn flour for custard powder?
Yes, you can substitute corn flour for custard powder by adding vanilla extract and sugar. Corn flour works similarly to cornstarch as a thickener.
What is a good substitute for Bird's custard powder?
The best Bird's custard powder substitute is cornstarch with vanilla extract, sugar, and yellow food coloring. Mix 1 cup cornstarch, 1 tsp vanilla, ¼ cup sugar, and yellow coloring.
How to substitute custard powder in baking?
For baking, use cornstarch with vanilla and sugar. Mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1 tbsp sugar to replace 2 tbsp custard powder.
What can I substitute custard powder with?
You can substitute custard powder with instant pudding mix, cornstarch with vanilla, homemade custard powder blend, or arrowroot powder with vanilla.
Is there a substitute for custard powder?
Yes, there are several substitutes for custard powder including cornstarch with vanilla, instant pudding mix, homemade custard powder, and arrowroot powder with vanilla.
What is a vegan custard powder substitute?
For a vegan custard powder substitute, use cornstarch with vanilla extract and plant milk instead of dairy. Mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tsp vanilla and use almond or coconut milk.
Can custard powder be used as an egg substitute?
Yes, custard powder can work as an egg substitute in some baking recipes. Mix 1 tbsp custard powder with 2 tbsp water to replace 1 egg, though it's not suitable for all recipes.
Tips for substituting custard powder
15 tips- Custard powder is good for making quick, instant custard
- Use in trifles, éclairs, and other desserts that need custard
- Great for making custard tarts and pies
- Custard powder can be used in baking for added flavor and texture
- Store in a cool, dry place to prevent clumping
- Mix with cold milk before heating to prevent lumps
- Custard powder adds vanilla flavor and yellow color to desserts
- Good for making custard-based ice cream and frozen desserts
- Essential for Nanaimo bars - use Bird's custard powder substitute if unavailable
- Can substitute custard powder for corn flour in many recipes
- Custard powder works as an egg substitute in some baking recipes
- For vegan custard powder substitute, use plant milk instead of dairy
- Instant custard powder substitute works great for quick desserts
- Bird's custard powder substitute should include yellow food coloring
- Custard powder in baking adds moisture and vanilla flavor to cakes