Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these vanilla custard cream squares! They’re like a little hug on a plate—sweet, creamy, and oh-so-delicious! I can still remember the first time I had them at my aunt’s house during a family gathering. The moment I took a bite, I was hooked! The buttery crust perfectly cradles the velvety vanilla custard, making every bite feel like a decadent treat. Trust me, once you try these squares, they’ll become a staple at your dessert table. They’re not only delightful to eat but also super simple to whip up, so let’s dive into this delicious recipe together!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Vanilla Custard Cream Squares
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get our hands a little floury and dive into making these divine vanilla custard cream squares! Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with a delightful treat.
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a nice, even bake for our buttery crust!
- In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, softened unsalted butter, and powdered sugar. You want to combine them until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It should feel a bit like sand between your fingers—trust me, it’s going to be amazing!
- Next, take that crumbly mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a greased baking pan. Make sure it’s even, so every square has a perfect crust. I like to use the back of a measuring cup to help press it down evenly.
- Now it’s time to bake that crust! Pop it into the oven for about 15 minutes, just until it’s lightly golden. You’ll start to smell that buttery goodness wafting through your kitchen—yum!
- While the crust is baking, let’s whip up the vanilla custard. In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, egg yolks, granulated sugar, cornstarch, salt, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined; you don’t want any lumps!
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly. This part is crucial! Keep stirring until the custard thickens to a lovely creamy consistency. It should take about 5-7 minutes—don’t rush it!
- Once thickened, carefully pour the custard over your baked crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula so every bite has that creamy goodness.
- Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the custard is set and just slightly wobbly in the center.
- After baking, let the squares cool in the pan for a bit, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is the tough part—waiting! But trust me, it’ll be worth it.
Once cooled, cut them into squares, and don’t forget to sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for that extra touch of sweetness before serving. Enjoy every bite of these delicious squares!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re incredibly simple to make, requiring just a handful of basic ingredients and minimal time. Seriously, you’ll be in and out of the kitchen in no time!
- The combination of the buttery crust and the rich vanilla custard is simply irresistible. Each bite is a delightful balance of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for more.
- These squares are perfect for any occasion! Whether it’s a cozy family gathering, a festive potluck, or even a casual weeknight dessert, they fit right in.
- They can be made ahead of time, which makes them a fantastic option for entertaining. Just whip them up, store them in the fridge, and your dessert is ready when you are!
- They’re a crowd-pleaser! Trust me, everyone will be raving about these delicious vanilla custard cream squares when you serve them.
Quick and Easy to Make
This recipe is all about simplicity. With just a few straightforward steps, you can create something that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare! You don’t need advanced baking skills; just follow along, and you’ll see how fun and easy it is to make these delightful squares. Plus, the clean-up is a breeze!
Perfect for Any Occasion
No matter the event, these vanilla custard cream squares are a hit! They’re elegant enough to impress at a dinner party but also cozy enough for a family dessert night. They travel well too, which makes them a fantastic choice for potlucks or picnics. Trust me, when you show up with these squares, you’ll be the star of the gathering!
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your vanilla custard cream squares turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to help you achieve the best results:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened and your eggs are at room temperature. This helps everything blend together smoothly, giving you that dreamy custard texture.
- Don’t Rush the Baking: Keep an eye on your crust while it’s baking. You want it to be just lightly golden, not brown. A perfect crust is key to contrasting with that creamy filling!
- Stir Constantly: When you’re cooking the custard, keep stirring! This prevents any lumps and ensures a silky smooth texture. It’s totally worth the little arm workout!
- Cool Completely: Patience is essential! Let those squares cool completely before cutting. If you rush this step, they may crumble instead of cutting beautifully. Trust me, waiting is the hardest part, but it’s crucial!
- Presentation Matters: A sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving elevates the look and taste! It adds a lovely touch and makes them feel extra special.
Follow these tips, and I promise you’ll be the proud creator of the most delectable vanilla custard cream squares around!
Nutritional Information
Here’s some estimated nutritional information for each delicious square of vanilla custard cream squares. Keep in mind these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
These tasty squares are a delightful treat, and knowing the nutrition can help you enjoy them guilt-free! Happy baking!
FAQs About Vanilla Custard Cream Squares
Can I use low-fat milk for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use low-fat milk if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the custard might be a tad less creamy than if you used whole milk, but it’ll still work beautifully. The key is to whisk it well and cook it gently to get that lovely thick consistency!
How do I store leftover vanilla custard cream squares?
Storing these delightful squares is super easy! Just place them in an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for a little longer, you can wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze them for future indulgence!
Can I make these squares in advance?
You bet! These vanilla custard cream squares are perfect for making ahead of time. Just whip them up, let them cool completely, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. They’ll be just as delicious, and you’ll save yourself some time on the day of your gathering. Just be sure to sprinkle that powdered sugar on right before serving for the best presentation!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover vanilla custard cream squares is a breeze! To keep them fresh and delicious, simply place the squares in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty for up to 3 days, perfect for snacking or dessert cravings!
If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can freeze them! Just wrap each square individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just transfer the squares to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight. No reheating is necessary—enjoy them chilled for that refreshing taste!
Just a little tip: If you’re serving them after freezing, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top just before serving to give them that lovely finish. Enjoy every bite of your delicious squares, whether they’re fresh from the oven or thawed from the freezer!
Print
Vanilla Custard Cream Squares: 7 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious vanilla custard cream squares with a buttery crust.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, butter, and powdered sugar until crumbly.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- In a saucepan, whisk together milk, egg yolks, granulated sugar, cornstarch, salt, and vanilla.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Pour the custard over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: vanilla custard cream squares, dessert, baking
