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If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly elegant, the Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe is your new best friend. This dessert perfectly balances a buttery, tender crust with a luscious, velvety vanilla custard, all topped with a cloud of lightly sweetened whipped cream. It’s a classic treat that’s sophisticated enough for special occasions but simple enough to whip up any day when you crave something special. Every bite melts smoothly in your mouth, making it impossible not to reach for another square.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together beautifully in this Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe, each playing a vital role to build that unforgettable flavor and texture. From the flaky crust to the rich vanilla custard and airy whipped cream, these straightforward staples make all the difference.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a sturdy yet tender crust that holds everything together.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust without any graininess, ensuring a smooth texture.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Creates that deliciously flaky and buttery crust you’ll love.
- 2 cups whole milk: Provides creaminess and richness to the custard filling.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard perfectly without overpowering the vanilla.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: Thickens the custard to a pudding-like consistency, giving it that silky finish.
- 4 large egg yolks: Add richness and help set the custard as it cooks.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: The star flavor that infuses warmth and aromatic sweetness throughout the custard.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Whipped to fluffy perfection for a light and creamy topping.
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without weighing it down.
How to Make Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and getting a 9×9-inch baking pan ready by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal and cleanup later.
Step 2: Mix the Crust Ingredients
In a food processor, combine the flour and powdered sugar until well mixed, then add the cold, cubed butter. Pulse the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs—this texture is key for creating that tender, flaky crust!
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Press your crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake it for about 18-20 minutes, until it turns a lovely light golden color. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely to prepare for the custard layer.
Step 4: Make the Custard Base
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar and cornstarch to avoid lumps. Separately, whisk the egg yolks with whole milk until smooth. Slowly pour this egg mixture into the saucepan, whisking continuously for a smooth blend.
Step 5: Cook the Custard
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the custard thickens and reaches a gentle boil. This step is crucial to avoid curdling and to form a luscious, velvety custard. Remove it from the heat, stir in the fragrant vanilla extract, and pour the custard evenly over the cooled crust.
Step 6: Chill to Set
Cover your baking pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This chilling step allows the custard to set beautifully, achieving the perfect sliceable texture that holds its shape.
Step 7: Whip the Cream and Finish
Before serving, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form; this will create a light and fluffy topping. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the custard layer to add a creamy contrast that’s simply irresistible. Finally, cut into squares and serve chilled.
How to Serve Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe even more, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon for warmth, or a few fresh berries for a pop of color and tartness. Edible flowers or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also add an elegant finishing touch that makes your presentation shine.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs exceptionally well with a cup of strong coffee, a fresh fruit salad, or a delicate cup of herbal tea. The creaminess of the custard squares complements crisp, refreshing sides perfectly, especially on warm days or festive gatherings where balance is key.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering these squares in a clear trifle dish for an impressive, multi-layered dessert showcase or serve the squares with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce on small dessert plates. You might even add a dollop of homemade fruit compote alongside, turning the classic Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe into a dazzling centerpiece for any dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe leftovers keep wonderfully in the refrigerator. Store them in an airtight container or cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent the custard from absorbing any stray fridge odors. Enjoy within 3-4 days for the best quality.
Freezing
While freezing custard can sometimes affect texture, you can freeze the crust and custard layers separately if you want to prepare in advance. Wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding freshly whipped cream on top and serving.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed cold, so reheating isn’t recommended. If you want a slightly less chilled treat, let the squares sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This subtle warming lets the custard layers soften just enough while keeping the whipped cream fresh and light.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of milk for the custard?
Whole milk gives the custard its rich, creamy texture, but you can substitute with 2% milk if needed. Keep in mind that lower-fat options might make the custard less rich and slightly thinner in texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can use dairy-free butter alternatives for the crust and substitute whole milk with full-fat coconut milk. Make sure to use a dairy-free whipping cream for the topping. The flavor will have a different twist but remain delicious.
How do I know when the custard is cooked properly?
The custard is ready when it thickens and reaches a gentle boil while stirring constantly. It should coat the back of a spoon and hold its shape. Avoid rushing this step to prevent lumps or curdling.
Can I bake this in a larger pan?
Absolutely! Just remember that a larger pan will result in thinner squares, so adjust your baking time accordingly, especially for the crust layer. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
What’s the best way to cut neat squares?
Use a sharp knife warmed slightly in hot water and wiped dry before slicing. This helps cut through the custard and whipped cream cleanly without smudging, creating perfect squares every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a timeless dessert that feels like a warm hug, the Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe is your answer. It’s approachable, stunning, and utterly delicious—ideal for family dinners, celebrations, or just because you deserve a little sweetness in your day. Give it a try and watch these creamy, dreamy squares disappear fast at the table.
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Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these creamy Vanilla Custard Cream Squares featuring a buttery baked crust topped with rich vanilla custard and a fluffy whipped cream layer. Perfectly chilled, this dessert serves 16 squares ideal for gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Custard Filling
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the crust.
- Make the Crust Mixture: In a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar. Add the cold cubed unsalted butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring a flaky crust texture.
- Press Crust into Pan: Evenly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust base.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare Custard Base: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar and cornstarch until well combined.
- Mix Egg Yolks and Milk: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the whole milk until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Slowly pour the egg yolk and milk mixture into the saucepan with sugar and cornstarch, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and ensure smooth custard.
- Cook Custard: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the custard thickens and comes to a boil, ensuring it doesn’t burn or stick.
- Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract for flavor enhancement.
- Assemble Custard Layer: Pour the thickened custard over the cooled crust in the baking pan, smoothing the surface evenly.
- Chill Custard: Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, allowing the custard layer to set firmly.
- Whip Cream: Before serving, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, creating a light and fluffy topping.
- Top Custard with Whipped Cream: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled custard layer for a creamy finish.
- Serve: Cut the dessert into 16 squares and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is cold when mixing the crust to achieve a crumbly, flaky texture.
- Constant stirring while cooking the custard prevents lumps and burning.
- The custard must be fully refrigerated to set properly before adding the whipped cream topping.
- Use fresh heavy cream for optimal whipping and taste.
- For easier slicing, use a sharp knife warmed in hot water before cutting the squares.
