Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

For Garnish (optional):

– Powdered sugar: For dusting on top of the finished dessert, adding a decorative touch.
– Whipped cream: For serving, adding lightness and creaminess to complement the rich custard.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together.
3. Roll Out the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a square or rectangle large enough to fit your baking dish. Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring that it’s even and fully covers the bottom.
4. Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Once baked, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Custard Filling

1. Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Bring it to a simmer, but be careful not to let it boil. Remove from heat once it begins to steam.
2. Mix the Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
3. Temper the Eggs: To prevent the egg yolks from curdling, slowly pour a small amount of the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. Once the eggs have warmed up, slowly whisk the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk.
4. Cook the Custard: Place the saucepan back over medium heat and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and reaches a pudding-like consistency. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat.
5. Finish the Custard: Stir in the vanilla extract and butter, and continue stirring until the butter melts completely into the custard.

Step 3: Assemble the Squares

1. Pour the Custard into the Crust: Once the custard is finished, pour it evenly over the baked crust. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure it’s level.
2. Chill the Dessert: Place the dessert in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 3-4 hours, or until the custard is fully set. For best results, let it chill overnight.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

1. Slice and Serve: Once the custard is set, carefully remove the dessert from the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board and cut into squares.
2. Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar and serve with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. You can also add fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair.

Tips for Perfect Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

– Chill the Custard: Be patient and allow the custard to set completely in the fridge. This will ensure that the squares hold their shape and are easy to cut.
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Adjust the Sweetness**: If you prefer a sweeter custard, feel free to increase the amount of sugar, but remember that the sweetness should be balanced with the richness of the crust.
– *Use Fresh Ingredients*: Fresh, high-quality eggs and vanilla extract will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of your custard.
– *Customize the Crust*: Feel free to experiment with the crust. If you want a more indulgent treat, try using a shortbread crust instead of a simple pastry dough for an extra buttery flavor.

Conclusion

Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy, rich yet refreshing, and elegant yet easy to make. This dessert will impress your guests with its beautiful layers and delicious taste. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a treat, these squares are sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. With a smooth custard filling and a golden, buttery crust, Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are a delightful way to end any meal, and they’re sure to become a favorite among friends and family alike.