Heres a delightful Vanilla Custard Cream Squares recipe, featuring a rich and creamy custard filling layered between a buttery, flaky crust! Perfect for a dessert or special treat!
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter cold, cut into small cubes
For the Vanilla Custard Filling:
2 cups whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into small cubes
For the Topping:
Powdered sugar for dusting, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Shortbread Crust
Preheat your oven to 350F 175C. Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some to hang over the sides for easy removal.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even layer.
Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the custard filling.
Step 2: Make the Vanilla Custard Filling
In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved and the milk is hot, but not boiling.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth.
Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and begins to boil. Once it boils, cook for 1-2 minutes, continuing to whisk, then remove from heat.
Stir in the vanilla extract and butter until the custard is smooth and the butter is melted.
Let the custard cool for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Squares
Pour the vanilla custard filling over the cooled shortbread crust in the baking pan, spreading it evenly.
Refrigerate the custard squares for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
Step 4: Serve
Once set, dust the top with powdered sugar before cutting the custard into squares.
Serve chilled and enjoy these rich, creamy squares!
Enjoy!
These Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are a perfect balance of smooth custard and buttery shortbread, ideal for any occasion!