Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

Vanilla Custard Cream Squares! These sweet and creamy treats are a perfect balance of luscious vanilla custard and tender pastry, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are sure to satisfy your dessert cravings.

Now, let’s gather our kitchen equipment and ingredients to embark on this delicious baking journey:

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

1. 9×13 inch baking dish
2. Medium saucepan
3. Whisk
4. Mixing bowls
5. Electric mixer (optional)
6. Rolling pin
7. Fork or pastry cutter
8. Cooling rack

Ingredients: For the Pastry Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg, beaten

For the Vanilla Custard Cream Filling:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt for the pastry base. Add the chilled cubed butter and using a fork or pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the beaten egg to the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake the pastry base in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly on a wire rack.
5. While the pastry base is baking, prepare the vanilla custard cream filling. In a medium saucepan, heat the whole milk over medium heat until it comes to a simmer. Remove from heat.
6. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth and creamy.
7. Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
8. Return the mixture to the saucepan and place it back over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
9. Remove the custard from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
10. Pour the vanilla custard cream filling over the cooled pastry base, spreading it out evenly.
11. Allow the custard cream squares to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the custard is set.
12. Once set, slice the Vanilla Custard Cream Squares into squares or rectangles and serve.
13. Enjoy these delicious Vanilla Custard Cream Squares as a delightful dessert for any occasion!