Print

Creamy Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

vanilla custard cream squares - featured image
Print Recipe

A simple and indulgent dessert featuring a smooth vanilla custard atop a light, buttery crust. Perfect for family gatherings or casual tea times, this recipe delivers a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar (for crust)
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (for custard)
  • ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch
  • 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour, ⅓ cup sugar, and a pinch of salt.
  2. Add cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Work the butter into the flour using fingertips or a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 8×8-inch baking pan, packing firmly but not too compressed.
  4. Bake crust for 15-18 minutes until light golden brown around edges. Remove and let cool slightly.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup sugar and cornstarch until combined.
  6. Add egg yolks and whisk until smooth. Slowly pour in whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
  7. Transfer mixture to a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 7-10 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and softened butter until fully incorporated.
  9. Pour warm custard evenly over baked crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
  10. Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to set.
  11. Cut into 12 squares with a sharp knife, wiping the knife between slices for clean cuts.

Notes

If custard lumps, strain through a fine mesh sieve while warm. Keep heat low and stir constantly to avoid scrambled eggs or grainy texture. Use a heated knife for clean cuts. Chilling overnight improves flavor and texture. For dairy-free, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives. For gluten-free, use almond flour and adjust butter accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: vanilla custard, custard cream squares, easy dessert, homemade dessert, creamy custard, buttery crust, simple dessert

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/creamy-vanilla-custard-cream-squares-easy-homemade-delightful-dessert-recipe/