Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the sheer joy of making vanilla custard cream squares! There’s just something magical about that first bite—the buttery, flaky crust gives way to a rich, creamy filling that’s kissed with vanilla goodness. Every time I whip up a batch, I’m transported back to my childhood, where I’d sneak into the kitchen to steal a square (or two!). Trust me, the combination of textures is heavenly—crispy on the outside, luscious on the inside. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make! You’ll want these delightful squares at every gathering, or just as a sweet treat to brighten your day. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients for Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe
To make these delightful vanilla custard cream squares, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture, so I recommend using fresh, high-quality items whenever possible. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base for our flaky crust.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: It gives richness and helps achieve that delicious crumbly texture.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: For a touch of sweetness and to keep the crust light.
- 1/2 cup milk: Whole milk works best for creaminess.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: This adds a luxurious richness to the custard.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness for the custard filling.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: To help thicken the custard perfectly.
- 2 large egg yolks: Adds richness and a lovely color.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: The star of the show, infusing that wonderful flavor.
How to Prepare Vanilla Custard Cream Squares
Now, let’s get into the fun part—making these scrumptious vanilla custard cream squares! It’s a straightforward process, and I promise, the results are worth every minute spent. First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your crust bakes evenly and gets that lovely golden hue. While that’s heating up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the flour, softened butter, and powdered sugar. Use your hands or a fork to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased baking dish. Bake it for about 15 minutes, just until it’s lightly golden. Keep an eye on it—nobody likes a burnt crust!
While the crust is cooling, let’s whip up the custard. In a saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this part; the key to a smooth custard is patience! Once thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in that heavenly vanilla extract. Now, pour this custard goodness over your cooled crust and spread it out evenly. Finally, let these beauties chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving. This is the hardest part—waiting! But trust me, it’ll be so worth it when you take that first bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup powdered sugar.
- Mix until crumbly, then press the mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden.
- In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 2 large egg yolks.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once thick, remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Pour the custard over the baked crust and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let it set properly.
Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe
Oh, let me tell you why these vanilla custard cream squares are going to become your new favorite treat! Here’s what makes them so special:
- They’re incredibly easy to make, even for beginners!
- The flavor is simply divine, with that rich vanilla shining through.
- Perfectly creamy texture with a flaky crust—what’s not to love?
- They’re ideal for any occasion, from casual family dinners to fancy gatherings.
- Make-ahead friendly, so you can enjoy them without the last-minute rush!
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my tried-and-true tips to ensure your vanilla custard cream squares turn out absolutely perfect every time! First off, always use fresh ingredients—trust me, it makes a world of difference in flavor. When it comes to butter, make sure it’s softened but not melted; this helps achieve that delightful flaky crust. Don’t skip the chilling time; letting the squares set in the fridge is crucial for that perfect texture. If you want an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the custard mix—it really enhances the sweetness! Lastly, resist the urge to rush the cooking process; take your time when thickening the custard for a smooth, luscious finish.
Variations on Vanilla Custard Cream Squares
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up these vanilla custard cream squares! For a fruity twist, try adding fresh berries or sliced peaches on top of the custard before chilling—it adds a beautiful pop of color and flavor. Want to play with flavors? Substitute the vanilla extract with almond or coconut extract for a unique spin. You could also fold in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the custard for extra texture and richness. And if you’re a chocolate lover, why not drizzle some melted chocolate over the top before serving? The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to try them out!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your vanilla custard cream squares is super simple! Just place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days—perfect for snacking later! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. As for reheating, these treats are best served chilled, so no need to warm them up—just slice and enjoy that deliciousness straight from the fridge!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided for these vanilla custard cream squares is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For the most accurate information, I recommend checking the labels of the products you choose. Enjoy these delicious treats in moderation as part of a balanced diet!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of milk? Absolutely! While I love using whole milk for its creaminess, you can substitute it with 2% milk or even almond milk if you prefer a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture might vary slightly.
What can I do if my custard doesn’t thicken? If your custard isn’t thickening as expected, don’t panic! Just keep stirring and cooking it over medium heat a little longer. If it’s still not thickening, you can mix a bit more cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and add it to the mixture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! These vanilla custard cream squares are perfect for making a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge, covered, and they’ll be ready to impress your guests when the time comes!
What’s the best way to cut these squares? For clean cuts, I recommend using a sharp knife and wiping it with a damp cloth between slices. This will help keep the edges neat and allow you to showcase that beautiful custard filling!
Can I add other flavors to the custard? You bet! Feel free to get creative by adding a splash of citrus juice or zest for a refreshing twist, or even mix in some cocoa powder for chocolatey goodness. The sky’s the limit!
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Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe: 5 Dreamy Bites Await
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious vanilla custard cream squares with a flaky crust.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, butter, and powdered sugar in a bowl.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- In a saucepan, combine milk, cream, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks.
- Heat over medium, stirring until it thickens.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Pour the custard over the baked crust.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Chill the squares for a firmer texture.
- Top with whipped cream if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: vanilla custard cream squares recipe