Hey there, fellow dessert lovers! I’m beyond excited to share my vanilla custard cream squares recipe with you. This delightful dish is the epitome of simple yet indulgent. Trust me, you won’t believe how easy it is to whip up these creamy, dreamy squares that will have everyone begging for seconds! I remember the first time I made them for a family gathering; the smiles on their faces when they took that first bite were priceless. The buttery crust combined with the silky custard filling is just a match made in heaven! Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion—be it a picnic, a potluck, or just a sweet treat at home. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This will form the base of our buttery crust, giving it stability and that lovely texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Make sure it’s softened! This adds richness and flavor to the crust.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: This adds just the right amount of sweetness to our crust without making it too gritty.
- 2 cups milk: Use whole milk for a creamier custard, but feel free to substitute with your favorite milk alternative.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the custard filling perfectly—don’t skip it!
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: This helps thicken the custard so it sets beautifully.
- 4 egg yolks: They give the custard its rich color and a velvety texture—don’t use the whites in this recipe!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For that heavenly vanilla flavor! Trust me, the quality of your extract matters here.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key to getting that perfect crust!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, softened unsalted butter, and powdered sugar. Mix until you get a crumbly texture. It should feel nice and sandy!
- Now, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a baking dish to create your crust. Make sure it’s even so it bakes nicely.
- Bake the crust for about 15 minutes or until it turns a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on it—nobody likes a burnt crust!
- While that’s baking, let’s whip up the custard! In a saucepan, combine the milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in those luscious egg yolks and vanilla extract until everything is combined and smooth. You’ll want to do this quickly to avoid scrambling the eggs!
- Pour the silky custard over the baked crust, smoothing it out gently.
- Now, the hard part—chill this beauty in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This helps it set up perfectly, which makes for cleaner cuts when you’re ready to serve!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip these up in no time!
- Easy to follow: Each step is straightforward, making it perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike.
- Delightfully creamy texture: The silky custard filling paired with a buttery crust is a match made in dessert heaven!
- Perfect for gatherings: These squares are always a hit at parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in with friends.
- Vegetarian-friendly: A delicious treat that everyone can enjoy, regardless of their dietary preferences!
Tips for Success
To ensure your vanilla custard cream squares recipe turns out perfectly, here are a few nuggets of wisdom from my own kitchen adventures! First, always use high-quality vanilla extract—trust me, it makes a world of difference in flavor. If you can, opt for fresh vanilla beans for an extra luxurious touch!
When baking the crust, watch it closely as oven temperatures can vary. You want it to be golden brown, not burnt, so set a timer if that helps. Also, be patient during the chilling phase; letting it set for a full 2 hours is crucial for clean cuts and that perfect silky texture.
For presentation, consider dusting the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or adding a dollop of whipped cream before serving. It adds a beautiful touch and elevates the dessert to a whole new level!
Variations
One of the best things about my vanilla custard cream squares recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your taste! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the vanilla extract for almond or coconut extract for a delightful twist. Just a teaspoon can completely change the flavor profile!
If you want to add a fruity touch, consider folding in some fresh berries or sliced bananas into the custard before pouring it over the crust. This not only adds a pop of color but also gives a refreshing taste that pairs beautifully with the creamy custard.
For a seasonal spin, you can infuse the milk with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor, perfect during the colder months. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious vanilla custard cream squares fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to 4 days, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long because they’re just too tempting!
If you find yourself with extra squares and want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each square individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for about 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. No reheating is necessary—serve them cold for that delightful creamy texture!
Just remember, if you’ve topped them with whipped cream or any fruit, it’s best to add those fresh just before serving to keep everything looking and tasting its best!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional content of my vanilla custard cream squares recipe! Each square is approximately 180 calories, making it a delightful treat without the guilt. You’ll find about 8 grams of fat in each serving, with 5 grams being saturated fat. It also packs around 3 grams of protein and 25 grams of carbohydrates, including 12 grams of sugar. If you’re watching your sodium intake, each square contains about 50 mg of sodium. Remember, these values are estimates, so always feel free to adjust based on your ingredients and portion sizes!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of milk for the custard?
Absolutely! While I love using whole milk for that creamy texture, you can substitute it with almond milk, oat milk, or any other milk alternative. Just keep in mind that it may slightly change the flavor and texture.
How do I know when the custard is thick enough?
You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon. If you run your finger through it, it should hold a line without immediately running back together. Just keep stirring and be patient!
Can I make these squares ahead of time?
Yes, these vanilla custard cream squares are perfect for making in advance! They actually taste better after chilling for a few hours, so feel free to prepare them a day ahead of your event.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
If you’re out of cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute, but you’ll need to increase the amount slightly. Just remember that cornstarch gives a smoother texture, so it’s worth using if you can!
Can I add toppings to my squares?
Definitely! A dollop of whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can take your vanilla custard cream squares to the next level. Get creative and have fun with it!
Vanilla custard cream squares recipe to Delight Your Senses
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares 1x
Description
A delicious vanilla custard cream squares recipe that is simple to make and delightful to taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 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 a baking dish to form the crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until golden.
- In a saucepan, combine milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened.
- Remove from heat and whisk in egg yolks and vanilla extract.
- Pour the custard over the baked crust.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh vanilla for best flavor.
- Allow squares to set properly for cleaner cuts.
- Top with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: vanilla custard cream squares recipe