Imagine sinking your teeth into a delicate, buttery pastry, layered with a rich, velvety vanilla custard cream. Each bite is like a mini celebration of sweetness that melts in your mouth. Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are a timeless dessert, perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to elegant tea parties. The combination of crisp, flaky pastry and smooth custard filling creates a harmonious balance of textures and flavors. In just five simple steps, you can create these delicious squares that will leave everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need a few basic ingredients to make the delicious crust and custard cream filling. Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need:

For the Pastry:

1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
2-3 tablespoons ice water (as needed)
Pinch of salt

For the Custard Cream Filling:

2 cups (480ml) whole milk
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Topping:

Powdered sugar, for dusting

These ingredients combine to create a rich, indulgent dessert that will delight anyone with a sweet tooth.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

Start by making the pastry crust. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold cubed butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s important that the butter stays cold to achieve a flaky texture.

Next, add the egg yolk and mix it into the dough. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to come together. You may not need all the water, so be sure to add just enough to form a dough that’s moist but not sticky. Once combined, shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Roll Out the Pastry

After the dough has chilled, lightly flour your countertop and rolling pin. Roll the dough into a rectangle (approximately 10×8 inches). If the dough starts to crack, simply press the edges together. Transfer the rolled dough into a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking pan. Press the dough gently into the corners and trim any excess dough hanging over the sides.

Using a fork, prick the dough several times to prevent it from puffing up as it bakes. Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. Once baked, remove it from the oven and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Make the Vanilla Custard Cream

While the crust is cooling, you can prepare the custard cream. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s just about to boil, stirring occasionally. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until the mixture becomes smooth and pale.

Once the milk reaches a near-boil, slowly pour about half of the milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and avoid curdling. Then, pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk, whisking continuously.

Cook the custard over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until smooth and glossy. Allow the custard to cool for a few minutes before pouring it over the cooled pastry crust.

Step 4: Assemble the Squares

Pour the prepared vanilla custard cream onto the baked and cooled pastry. Smooth it out evenly with a spatula. You want the custard to fill the entire surface of the pastry without any gaps. Once spread evenly, refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours to allow the custard to set properly. This cooling time ensures the custard solidifies and makes the squares easier to cut.

Step 5: Cut and Serve

After the custard has set, remove the dessert from the fridge. Using a sharp knife, cut it into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. Dust the top lightly with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.

These Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are now ready to be served and enjoyed!

Conservation and Storage

Vanilla Custard Cream Squares can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The custard remains smooth and creamy, while the pastry keeps its slight crispiness, although it will soften slightly with time. If you have leftovers, it’s best to consume them within this timeframe for optimal freshness.

To freeze, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. They will last for up to 1-2 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw them in the fridge for several hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Variations

While the classic vanilla flavor is delicious on its own, you can experiment with different variations to suit your taste or occasion. Here are a few ideas:

Chocolate Custard Cream: Add melted chocolate to the custard mixture to create a rich, chocolate-flavored version of these squares. This is perfect for chocolate lovers!
Fruit Filling: Top the custard with a layer of fresh berries or sliced fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or kiwi before refrigerating. The fresh fruit adds a pop of color and tang that complements the sweet custard.
Almond-Flavored Custard: For a slightly nutty twist, replace the vanilla extract with almond extract. It will add a unique flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the creamy custard.
Caramelized Topping: For an extra indulgent touch, caramelize a little sugar over the top of the squares for a crispy, sweet finish. Simply sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over the custard, then use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar.

Serving Suggestions

These Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

Tea Parties: Serve these squares with a hot cup of tea, such as Earl Grey, chamomile, or even iced tea, for an elegant afternoon treat.
Birthday Parties: Decorate with colorful sprinkles or edible flowers for a festive, fun dessert.
Dinner Parties: Serve them as a light dessert after a rich meal. Their sweetness balances out savory dishes beautifully.
Breakfast or Brunch: These squares are decadent enough to be enjoyed as a special treat for breakfast or brunch, paired with fresh coffee or mimosas.

Conclusion

Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are a timeless dessert that combines rich custard and flaky pastry in every bite. With just five simple steps, you can create a treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic vanilla flavor or explore creative variations, this dessert will always be a crowd-pleaser. The versatility, ease of preparation, and irresistible flavor make these squares a must-try. So, the next time you want to impress your guests or treat yourself, these sweet squares are the perfect choice!

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Vanilla Custard Cream Squares: 5 Steps to Sweet Bliss

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 12 squares 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the perfect dessert with Vanilla Custard Cream Squares. A delicate, buttery pastry is topped with a rich and velvety vanilla custard cream filling. This easy-to-make treat is ideal for any occasion and promises to satisfy your sweet tooth with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pastry:

1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour

1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 large egg yolk

2–3 tablespoons ice water (as needed)

Pinch of salt

For the Custard Cream Filling:

2 cups (480ml) whole milk

1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar

4 large egg yolks

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Topping:

Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt.

Add cold cubed butter to the mixture. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add the egg yolk and blend it into the dough. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms. You may not need all the water.

Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Roll Out the Pastry

After chilling, lightly flour your countertop and rolling pin.

Roll out the dough into a rectangle (10×8 inches). Transfer it to a greased or parchment-lined baking pan.

Prick the dough with a fork to prevent puffing. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes until golden. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Make the Custard Cream

Heat milk over medium heat in a saucepan until it’s almost boiling, stirring occasionally.

Whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a separate bowl until smooth.

Gradually pour half of the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan with the remaining milk and cook, whisking, until thickened (5-7 minutes).

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and butter until smooth. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before pouring it over the cooled pastry crust.

Step 4: Assemble the Squares

Pour the custard over the cooled pastry and spread it evenly.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the custard to set.

Step 5: Cut and Serve

After the custard has set, cut the dessert into squares or rectangles.

Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.