Vanilla Custard Cream Squares: A Soft, Dreamy Dessert for Every Occasion
If you love desserts that are light, creamy, and irresistibly smooth, Vanilla Custard Cream Squares will quickly become one of your favorite recipes. With layers of tender pastry or biscuit crust topped with a silky homemade vanilla custard, this dessert brings together simplicity and elegance in every bite. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or a comforting treat at home, these custard squares are both nostalgic and timeless.
What Makes This Dessert Special?
Vanilla custard has long been a classic in bakeries and home kitchens around the world. Its delicate sweetness, creamy texture, and familiar aroma make it universally loved. Transforming it into square-shaped bars makes serving easy—and makes the dessert ideal for parties, potlucks, and family celebrations.
The combination of a soft base and melt-in-your-mouth custard topping creates a dessert that feels like a cross between a bakery slice and a cozy homemade treat.
Ingredients
For the base:
1 package butter biscuits or graham crackers (or puff pastry sheet baked and cooled)
4 tablespoons melted butter (if using biscuit crust)
For the vanilla custard:
4 cups milk
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup cornstarch
4 egg yolks
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
For topping (optional):
Powdered sugar
Whipped cream
Fresh berries
Instructions
1. Prepare the base
If using a biscuit crust, crush the biscuits and combine with melted butter. Press the mixture into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish. Set aside.
If using puff pastry, bake according to package instructions, let cool, then place in the baking dish.
2. Make the vanilla custard
In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar and cornstarch. Add milk gradually, whisking to remove lumps. Add egg yolks and continue whisking until combined.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Once it reaches a smooth pudding-like consistency, remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract.
3. Layer the dessert
Pour the warm custard over the prepared base, spreading it evenly.
4. Chill
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours—or overnight for best texture—until the custard is fully set.
5. Slice and serve
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