This Vanilla Custard Cream Squares recipe is a dreamy, bakery-style dessert made with layers of buttery pastry and silky vanilla custard, finished with a cloud of whipped cream — soft, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or when you’re craving something beautifully indulgent.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
Vanilla Custard Cream
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Topping (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Make the Crust
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Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
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In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and cold butter. Rub together with your fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbly.
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Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 8×8-inch baking pan.
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Bake for 18–22 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool.
Prepare the Custard
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In a saucepan, whisk sugar and cornstarch together.
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Slowly whisk in milk and egg yolks.
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Place over medium heat and stir constantly until thick and smooth (about 5–7 minutes).
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Remove from heat. Stir in butter, vanilla, and salt.
Assemble
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Pour warm custard over cooled crust. Smooth the top.
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Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until fully set.
Serve
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Slice into squares. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired.