Vanilla maple custards with berries and cacao nibs

Photographer: Melanie Jenkins

These vegan custards are deliciously creamy while still being low-calorie, and by making the day before, you can take some of the stress out of Christmas day by knowing these fancy desserts are ready to go.

Serves: 6

Time to make: 10 mins , plus cooling and chilling

Hands-on time: 10 mins

Ingredients

More weights & measures

2 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
1 ¼ teaspoons agar agar powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste
4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons cornflourcornstarchX
250g fresh berries
1 tablespoon cacao nibs

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Instructions

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In a saucepan, place 2 1/4 cups of the almond milk. Whisk in agar agar powder, vanilla extract and bean paste and 3 tablespoons of the maple syrup. Bring to the boil over a medium-high heat, stirring often to prevent agar from sinking.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk cornflour and remaining almond milk to make a runny paste. When the agar and milk mixture has come to the boil, reduce heat slightly and simmer for 1 minute. Whisk in cornflour paste and cook for a further minute, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and pour into 6 small ramekins or bowls. Set aside for 20 minutes to cool, before placing in the fridge for 1-2 hours or overnight, to chill.
To serve, evenly divide berries among custards. Drizzle over remaining maple syrup and scatter over cacao nibs.

Variations

Make it low FODMAP: Choose low-FODMAP berries such as strawberries, raspberries or blueberries.

HFG tip

You can make this recipe in advance and refrigerate for 1-2 days.

You’ll find agar agar powder at health food stores or Asian grocery stores. Choose plain agar if buying from the latter.

Nutrition Info (per serve)

Calories 99 cal

Kilojoules 410 kJ

Protein 1 g

Total fat 4 g

Saturated fat 1 g

Carbohydrates 15 g

Sugar 11 g

Dietary fibre 2 g

Sodium 50 mg

Calcium 110 mg

Iron 1 mg

Note: This nutrition analysis is a guide only. Nutrition composition will vary depending on the exact ingredients used. See our guides on your optimal daily nutrition intake, and supermarket shopping.