This slow cooker Amish 3-ingredient sugar snow custard is a gentle, old-fashioned dessert built on the beauty of simple pantry staples. Rooted in Amish and Mennonite cooking traditions, it relies on milk, eggs, and sugar to create a softly set, spoonable custard with a pale “snowy” look. The slow cooker provides steady, gentle heat, so there’s no need for stovetop fuss or complicated techniques. It’s a comforting, nostalgic dessert that feels soothing, familiar, and surprisingly elegant in its simplicity.
Slow Cooker Amish 3-Ingredient Sugar Snow Custard
Servings: 4–6 servings
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Large eggs | 4 |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Whole milk | 3 cups |
Instructions
Prepare the slow cooker: Set a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker on a stable surface. Place a folded kitchen towel in the bottom to soften the heat and prevent the custard cups from shifting.
Prepare the dishes: Lightly grease four to six small heatproof ramekins or custard cups with butter or neutral oil. Arrange them evenly on top of the towel.
Mix the custard: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until smooth and slightly lighter in color, helping the sugar dissolve fully.
Add the milk: Slowly whisk in the whole milk until the mixture is fully blended and thin.
Fill the ramekins: Pour the custard mixture evenly into the prepared ramekins, leaving a little space at the top.
Create a water bath: Carefully pour hot tap water into the slow cooker around the ramekins until it reaches halfway up the sides, keeping water out of the custard.
Cook: Drape a clean kitchen towel over the slow cooker, then place the lid on top to catch condensation. Cook on LOW for 2–3 hours, until the custard is mostly set with a gentle wobble in the center.
Check doneness: For accuracy, the center should read about 175–180°F on an instant-read thermometer. The custard will continue to firm up as it cools.
Cool: Carefully remove the ramekins and let them cool on a wire rack to room temperature.
Chill or serve: Chill for at least 2 hours for a classic snow custard texture, or serve slightly warm. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.
Variations & Tips
For a richer custard, replace 1 cup of milk with heavy cream for a firmer, more decadent texture. A teaspoon of vanilla or a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon adds gentle flavor while keeping the recipe traditional. Using 2% milk creates a lighter custard, though chilling is recommended for better structure. To serve a crowd, double the recipe and use a single large heatproof dish instead of ramekins. For contrast, serve chilled custard over crushed graham crackers or simple butter cookies just before serving.
