Introduction
In case you were a child watching Teletubbies, you know what I am about to discuss. Yes, the one, the only–Tubby Custard Recipe! The mere mention of it reminds me of those pink rolling hills, giggles, and endless repetition of the phrase again that made up the show. I am not the only one who used to sit there as a kid and ask myself what Tubby Custard was really like.
At the time, I thought it was a kind of magic combination of pudding, whipped cream, and pink frosting. And we never actually did obtain an official recipe of the show (those Teletubbies were a closed book!), but I have learned how to make the concept come true in my own kitchen. And about let me tell you now–it is as good a game to make as it is to eat.
So, buckle up. It is not merely a recipe, but a journey back to childhood, twisted in creamy sweetness, with a touch of playfulness in it all, to both adults and children.
What is Tubby Custard?
Tubby Custard on the show was that silly pink jelly which was sucked through the magic bowl by the Teletubbies. It was light, white, and appeared to be between pudding and mousse.
In the real world, we are not able to make the cartoon magic, but we are certainly able to make equal fun with a custard. My Tubby Custard Recipe is a combination of homemade custard (thick, creamy, and smooth), colored with fun strawberry-pink and vanilla-flavored with a tint of berry. It is the childhood dream dessert in an actual sense.
Flavor Profile
This Tubby Custard Recipe is beautiful in its proportions. The custard itself is fat, silky, creamy, and not too sweet. The vanilla makes it warm, and the strawberry can be added to it to make it taste like the most nostalgic fruit. The color? A happy pink that makes you feel like a child.
Equipment You’ll Need
Fortunately, you do not need Teletubby devices to do it in your home:
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Serving small bowls or jars
Tubby Custard Recipe Ingredients.
Here’s the magical lineup:
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream (for richness)
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 drops red food dye (to achieve that pink iconic look)
- 1/4 cup strawberry puree or syrup (optional, to add fruitiness)
Toppings (optional but fun):
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries
- Sprinkles (because why not?)
Instructions
Step 1
Add milk and cream to a saucepan and bring it to a medium heat until steaming. Don’t let it boil.
Step 2
Add egg yolks, cornstarch, and sugar into a bowl and whisk to a smooth texture.
Step 3
Gradually add a small portion of hot milk into the egg mixture as the mixture is whisked. This will eliminate scrambled eggs. Tempered eggs are then added once more to the saucepan.
Step 4
Bake in the medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard becomes thick enough to smear the back of a spoon.
Step 5
Add in vanilla extract, food coloring, and strawberry puree (where applicable). Stir until the custard is creamy and delicious-pink.
Step 6
Pour into small bowls or jars. Wrap plastic (so as to prevent skin growing on top) and refrigerate at least 1-2 hours.
Step 7
Before serving, add whipped cream, strawberries or sprinkles. Then see the children (and grown-ups) glow!
Success Tips for Perfect Tubby Custard.
Low and Slow: Do not turn on the heat–custard adores slow cooking.
Constant Whisking: Makes the mixture smooth without any lumps.
Real Vanilla: There is a big difference in flavor.
Pink Power: Set the color of your Tubby-pink food.
Make It Fun: Eat in colored bowls or use wacky straws, just as the Teletubbies.
Each and every spoonful is smooth, creamy, and invigorating- just what you would think the Tele tubbies were sucking on television.
Variations to Try
Chocolate Tubby Custard: Use chocolate in place of strawberry puree.
Berry Mix: Add raspberry or blueberry puree to add variety.
Vegan Tubby Custard: Substitute milk with coconut milk and omit the eggs (use cornstarch alone).
Party Version: Top with rainbow sprinkles or crushed cookies.
Tubby Custard Recipe Memories.
I can not stop smiling every time I make a batch. My niece now orders the pink custard whenever she comes, and even now, I have been caught by myself preparing the custard on one night when I needed comfort food. It is easy, and nostalgic, and makes one happy in a manner few desserts do.
Wondering what Tubby Custard would have tasted like, you are in luck with this recipe.
Final Thoughts
It is not just the Tubby Custard Recipe of making custard, but re-creating the source of joy in the past. It is stupid, it is entertaining, and it is so tasty. It can be enjoyed with children or simply feeding your inner child, but whatever the case may be, this custard will brighten your day.
And pour a pinch of whisk, a pinch of pink, And give your chin and cheek another dunk In this old-fashioned sweet. The reason is that there are those recipes that remind us of the happiest moments of our childhood and thus make them the best recipes.
Tubby Custard Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Serving small bowls or jars
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream for richness
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 drops red food dye to achieve that pink iconic look
- 1/4 cup strawberry puree or syrup optional, to add fruitiness
Toppings (optional but fun):
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries
- Sprinkles because why not?
Instructions
- Add milk and cream to a saucepan and bring it to a medium heat until steaming. Don’t let it boil.
- Add egg yolks, cornstarch, and sugar into a bowl and whisk to a smooth texture.
- Gradually add a small portion of hot milk into the egg mixture as the mixture is whisked. This will eliminate scrambled eggs. Tempered eggs are then added once more to the saucepan.
- Bake in the medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard becomes thick enough to smear the back of a spoon.
- Add in vanilla extract, food coloring, and strawberry puree (where applicable). Stir until the custard is creamy and delicious-pink.
- Pour into small bowls or jars. Wrap plastic (so as to prevent skin growing on top) and refrigerate at least 1-2 hours.
- Before serving, add whipped cream, strawberries or sprinkles. Then see the children (and grown-ups) glow!
Hi, I’m Olivia Brooks! Cooking is my passion, and I love turning everyday ingredients into meals that bring joy to the table. On CulinaryPearl, I share simple recipes, helpful kitchen tips, and inspiration for food lovers everywhere