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Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe

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4.1 from 10 reviews

Vanilla Custard Cream Squares offer a delectable combination of flaky pastry and luscious vanilla custard. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with layers of buttery crust and smooth, creamy filling, ideal for any occasion or afternoon treat.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pastry

  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2–3 tablespoons ice water
  • pinch of salt

Custard Filling

  • 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Finishing

  • powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the dough.
  2. Make Pastry Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cold cubed butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and 2-3 tablespoons of ice water and knead briefly until a smooth dough forms.
  3. Roll and Bake Pastry: Roll out the dough on a floured surface and fit it into a baking dish to form an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown and slightly firm.
  4. Prepare Custard: In a saucepan, heat the whole milk and sugar just until it starts to simmer. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture while whisking continuously to temper the eggs.
  5. Thicken Custard: Transfer the combined mixture back to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and unsalted butter until fully incorporated.
  6. Assemble: Pour the warm custard evenly over the baked pastry base in the dish.
  7. Chill: Refrigerate the dessert until the custard is fully set, at least 2 hours for best results.
  8. Serve: Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

Notes

  • Chill the custard thoroughly before serving to achieve the best creamy texture.
  • For added flavor and visual appeal, top the squares with fresh fruits like berries or sliced kiwi.
  • You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour if desired.
  • Use cold butter to ensure a flaky pastry crust.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://cozykitchenbymaya.com/vanilla-custard-cream-squares-recipe/