Vanilla Custard Bars

Vanilla custard bars are a delightful dessert that strikes a perfect balance between silky smooth custard and a tender, buttery crust. These bars offer a rich and comforting vanilla flavor in every bite, making them a versatile treat suitable for any occasion. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating your own batch of vanilla custard bars, a dessert that’s sure to become a beloved favorite.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Custard Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients.
3. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press the crumbly mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

1. Place the baking pan with the crust in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the crust start to turn golden.

Step 4: Make the Custard Filling

1. In a saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and granulated sugar.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it’s hot but not boiling.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
4. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the custard mixture over the partially baked crust.
2. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden.
3. The custard should have a slight jiggle when gently shaken.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Allow the vanilla custard bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack.
2. Once completely cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to set the custard.
3. Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
4. Cut the bars into squares or rectangles of your desired size.
5. Serve your velvety vanilla custard bars and relish the creamy, sweet goodness in each bite.

 

Vanilla custard bars are a dessert dream come true, with their velvety custard filling and buttery crust. These bars are a timeless treat that can be enjoyed as a simple indulgence or dressed up with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for special occasions. Create a batch of these custard bars and savor the classic and comforting flavor of vanilla in a delightful, easy-to-enjoy form.