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Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe

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4.6 from 99 reviews

Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are a deliciously creamy dessert featuring a crisp buttery crust topped with smooth vanilla custard lightened by whipped cream. This make-ahead treat is perfect for gatherings or as an elegant sweet ending to any meal, offering a rich, velvety filling with a subtle vanilla flavor balanced by a powdered sugar dusting and optional fresh mint garnish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the custard filling:

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups heavy cream, whipped

Topping:

  • Powdered sugar, for dusting
  • Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift out the dessert later.
  2. Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and granulated sugar. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the crust layer.
  3. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until it is lightly golden. Remove and allow it to cool completely before adding the filling.
  4. Make the Custard Filling: In a large saucepan over medium heat, warm the whole milk until just simmering. Meanwhile, whisk together granulated sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks in a separate bowl until smooth. Gradually add a small amount of the hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
  5. Cook the Custard: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and reaches a boil. Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to fully activate the cornstarch. Remove from heat.
  6. Flavor the Custard: Stir in vanilla extract and salt. Pour the custard into a large bowl and cover the surface tightly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool to room temperature.
  7. Finish the Filling: Once the custard is cooled, gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until combined, giving the custard a light and airy texture. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled crust in the baking dish.
  8. Chill: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours or until fully set. After chilling, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the custard squares out of the dish. Cut into individual squares for serving.
  9. Serve: Dust the top with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy this elegant vanilla custard cream dessert!

Notes

  • Temper the Eggs: Gradually adding hot milk to the egg yolks helps avoid curdling and ensures a smooth custard texture.
  • Make-Ahead: Prepare the dessert the night before and let it chill overnight for the best texture and flavor.
  • Whipped Cream Fold: Gently folding in whipped cream preserves the light, airy quality of the custard filling.
  • Substitute for Mint Garnish: If fresh mint is unavailable, try dusting with cocoa powder or adding fresh berries for an attractive alternative.

Keywords: Vanilla Custard Cream Squares, custard dessert, creamy custard recipe, easy custard squares, vanilla dessert, baked custard, whipped cream custard

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