What's the Best Substitute for Custard Powder?
Whether you're out of Custard Powder or looking for a healthier alternative, finding the right substitute can save your recipe. Pre-mixed powder containing cornstarch, vanilla, and coloring, used to make instant custard and desserts. Perfect for Nanaimo bars, Bird's custard, and baking applications. In this guide, we'll explore the best substitutes that work in most recipes and help you achieve similar results.
Quick Answer
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.
Best Substitutes for Custard Powder
Cornstarch + Vanilla + Sugar
Ratio
1:1 with 1 tsp vanilla per 2 tbsp cornstarch
Best For
- custards
- puddings
- desserts
- baking
- nanaimo bars
- bird's custard
- vanilla custard
Description
Mix cornstarch with vanilla extract and sugar to replicate custard powder. Perfect for Bird's custard powder substitute.
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
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- quick desserts
- custards
- puddings
- baking
- instant custard
- vanilla custard
Description
Pre-mixed powder that makes instant pudding and custard. Great instant custard powder substitute.
Very similar to custard powder. May have different flavor profile. Perfect for instant custard powder substitute.
Homemade Custard Powder
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- custards
- puddings
- desserts
- baking
- nanaimo bars
- bird's custard
- vanilla custard
Description
Make your own blend with cornstarch, vanilla, and coloring. Perfect for Bird's custard powder substitute.
Mix 1 cup cornstarch, 1 tsp vanilla powder, 1/4 cup sugar, and yellow food coloring. Store in airtight container.
Arrowroot Powder + Vanilla
Ratio
1:1 with 1 tsp vanilla per 2 tbsp arrowroot
Best For
- custards
- puddings
- desserts
- gluten-free baking
Description
Alternative thickener with vanilla for similar results
Arrowroot is gluten-free and works similarly to cornstarch. Add vanilla for flavor.
Tapioca Starch + Vanilla
Ratio
1:1 with 1 tsp vanilla per 2 tbsp tapioca
Best For
- custards
- puddings
- desserts
- gluten-free baking
Description
Alternative thickener that creates smooth, glossy texture
Tapioca creates a slightly different texture but works well. Add vanilla for flavor.
Flour + Vanilla + Sugar
Ratio
1:1 with 1 tsp vanilla per 2 tbsp flour
Best For
- basic custards
- puddings
- emergency substitution
Description
Basic thickener with vanilla and sugar for simple substitution
Not as smooth as cornstarch but works in a pinch. May need to cook longer.
Corn Flour + Vanilla + Sugar
Ratio
1:1 with 1 tsp vanilla per 2 tbsp corn flour
Best For
- custards
- puddings
- baking
- nanaimo bars
Description
Corn flour can substitute for custard powder with vanilla and sugar
Corn flour works similarly to cornstarch. Can substitute custard powder for corn flour in reverse.
Vegan Custard Powder
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- vegan desserts
- custards
- puddings
- baking
- dairy-free options
Description
Plant-based alternative using cornstarch, vanilla, and plant milk
Mix cornstarch with vanilla and use plant milk instead of dairy. Perfect vegan custard powder substitute.
Custard Powder as Egg Substitute
Ratio
1 tbsp custard powder = 1 egg
Best For
- baking
- cakes
- muffins
- quick breads
Description
Custard powder can work as an egg substitute in some recipes
Mix 1 tbsp custard powder with 2 tbsp water to replace 1 egg. Not suitable for all recipes.
How to Choose the Right Substitute
When choosing a substitute for Custard Powder, consider the recipe's requirements for taste, texture, and cooking method. Think about whether you need something that mimics the original exactly or if a different but complementary flavor would work. Also consider dietary restrictions and availability of ingredients.
Cooking Tips
Custard powder is perfect for making quick, instant custard
Use in trifles, Ă©clairs, 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
Perfect 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
Always taste and adjust seasonings when using substitutes
Consider the cooking method - some substitutes work better in certain applications