If you’ve ever explored Amish cooking, you know simplicity is at the heart of their most treasured dishes. Many beloved Amish desserts rely on a handful of basic pantry staples but deliver warm, comforting flavors that feel like home. Sugar Snow Custard is one of those gems—a creamy, lightly sweet custard that was traditionally made when the year’s first “sugar snow” fell.
In Amish tradition, a sugar snow is a late-season snowfall that arrives just as the maple sap begins to run. It signals good maple syrup production and, for families, an excuse to make simple, celebratory treats. Today, this custard is enjoyed year-round, and the slow cooker makes it wonderfully fuss-free.
What makes this recipe special is that it uses only three ingredients—milk, eggs, and sugar—yet produces a silky, comforting dessert that tastes like something much more elaborate.
Why the Slow Cooker Method Works
Making custard on the stovetop requires attention and a careful hand; a few seconds too long and the mixture curdles. The slow cooker, however, acts like a gentle water bath, surrounding the custard with steady heat. This results in:
A smooth, even texture
No risk of scorching
Minimal hands-on work
A reliable homemade custard every time
You'll simply mix, pour, cover, and walk away. A very Amish philosophy: simple methods producing honest, satisfying food.
Slow Cooker Amish 3-Ingredient Sugar Snow Custard Recipe
Ingredients
4 cups whole milk (whole milk is best for richness)
4 large eggs
½ cup sugar (you may increase slightly if you prefer a sweeter custard)
Optional traditional additions (not required):
Splash of vanilla
Freshly grated nutmeg
A spoonful of maple syrup (a nod to the “sugar snow” season)