Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe – Buttery, Creamy, and Irresistible

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these delicious Vanilla Custard Cream Squares! Featuring a crisp, buttery crust and a rich, velvety custard filling, these squares are the perfect bite-sized dessert for any occasion.

🍰 Ingredients

For the Crust:

• All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups
• Sugar: 1/2 cup
• Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), cold and cut into small cubes

For the Custard:

• Whole Milk: 1 1/2 cups
• Sugar: 1/2 cup
• Cornstarch: 1/4 cup
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
• Egg Yolks: 2 large
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Add the cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry blender to blend until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown.
3. Prepare the Custard: While the crust bakes, prepare the custard by whisking the milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat and continue to stir until the mixture begins to simmer gently.
4. Temper the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, lightly whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour a small amount of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking continuously to temper them and prevent curdling.
5. Combine and Thicken: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Once it reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it achieves a thick custard consistency.
6. Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract for a warm, aromatic flavor.
7. Assemble the Custard Squares: Pour the warm custard over the golden crust, spreading it evenly. Allow the dessert to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight) until fully set.
8. Slice and Serve: Once chilled, cut into squares. If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving for a delightful finish. Enjoy your homemade Vanilla Custard Cream Squares!

🌟 Tips for the Best Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

• Use Cold Butter: Cold butter helps create a flaky crust that perfectly complements the creamy custard filling.
• Temper Carefully: Adding the warm milk slowly to the egg yolks prevents scrambling and ensures a smooth custard.
• Chill Completely: For neat slices, let the dessert chill thoroughly before cutting into squares.

🍽️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Vanilla Custard Cream Squares combine classic flavors and textures in each bite, making them a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion. With a buttery crust and a smooth custard layer, they’re a satisfying dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat!