crème anglaise
/kʁɛm ɑ̃.ɡlɛz/feminine
The English word 'custard' can be translated into French as crème anglaise. If unsure, use crème anglaise. Wiktionary also lists custard.
Meaning: sauce (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| crème anglaise | /kʁɛm ɑ̃.ɡlɛz/ | feminine |
| custard | masculine |
In French, crème anglaise is the specific term for the thin, pourable sauce made from milk, egg yolks and sugar. For store-bought custard cups or packaged custard mixes, the term crème dessert is used.
What does it mean word for word?
The term crème anglaise literally means 'English cream'.
Which one should you use?
While English speakers use 'custard' to refer to both the liquid sauce and the more solid dessert, in French, crème anglaise specifically refers to the thin, pourable sauce.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun crème anglaise is feminine, so any accompanying adjectives must also be in the feminine form.
How do you pronounce it?
/kʁɛm ɑ̃.ɡlɛz/
Did you know?
- The word crème shares a deep historical root with the Greek word χρῖσμα, meaning 'anointing oil' or 'ointment'.
- In French culinary tradition, crème anglaise is rarely eaten alone and is almost always served as an accompaniment to a cake or fruit to add moisture.
- French pastry chefs use crème anglaise as a base to create other desserts, such as glace or ice cream, by churning it while frozen.
Examples in context
- Je voudrais une crème anglaise avec mon fondant au chocolat, s'il vous plaît.I would like some custard with my chocolate molten cake, please.
- La crème anglaise est très onctueuse.The custard is very smooth.
- Je prépare une crème anglaise maison.I am making homemade custard.
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are finishing a dessert in the kitchen.
- ManonGabriel, est-ce que tu veux de la crème anglaise ?Gabriel, do you want some custard?
- GabrielOui, s'il te plaît, elle a l'air délicieuse.Yes, please, it looks delicious.
- ManonVoici ta crème anglaise pour ton dessert.Here is your custard for your dessert.
- GabrielMerci Manon, c'est parfait.Thank you Manon, it is perfect.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “custard” translations and entries crème anglaise, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries crème, crème anglaise, CC BY-SA 4.0.
