Ingredients
- •2 cups heavy cream
- •½ cup whole milk
- •½ cup pure maple syrup (grade A dark amber)
- •4 large egg yolks
- •2 large whole eggs
- •¼ tsp kosher salt
- •1 tsp vanilla extract
- •½ tsp maple extract (optional)
- •1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- •3 tbsp unsalted butter
- •3 tbsp maple syrup (for candying pecans)
- •¼ tsp sea salt flakes
- •2 tbsp brown sugar
- •Whipped cream for serving
- •Extra maple syrup for drizzling
Instructions
Make candied pecans - melt butter in a skillet over medium heat
Add chopped pecans and toast for 2–3 min until fragrant
Stir in 3 tbsp maple syrup, brown sugar, and sea salt flakes
Cook for 3–4 min, stirring constantly, until pecans are glossy and caramelized
Spread candied pecans on parchment paper to cool completely, breaking apart any clusters
Make custard base - in a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream and milk
Heat over medium heat until mixture just begins to steam (do not boil)
Remove from heat and let cool for 5 min
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, whole eggs, 1/2 cup maple syrup, and salt
Slowly pour warm cream mixture into egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper eggs
Add vanilla extract and maple extract if using
Whisk until completely smooth and well combined
Strain custard base through fine mesh strainer to remove any cooked egg bits
Divide custard mixture evenly among six 6-oz mason jars or ramekins
Use a spoon to skim off any foam or bubbles from surface of custard
Loosely place lids on jars (do not seal tight - just rest on top)
Preheat sous vide water bath to 176°F (80°C)
Carefully place jars in water bath, ensuring water comes at least 3/4 up the sides
Cook for 1–2 h until custards are set but still have a slight jiggle in the center
When cook time is complete, carefully remove jars from water bath
Let custards cool at room temperature for 20 min
Cover jars and refrigerate for at least 4 h or overnight
Before serving, top each custard with candied pecans
Add a dollop of whipped cream and drizzle with extra maple syrup
Serve chilled directly from jars
Notes
- •Use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for authentic flavor
- •Grade A dark amber syrup has the richest maple flavor
- •Tempering eggs slowly prevents them from scrambling
- •Straining ensures silky-smooth texture
- •Candied pecans can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored airtight
- •These custards keep refrigerated for up to 3 days
