Description
Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are a creamy, luscious dessert featuring a smooth vanilla-infused custard atop a crisp shortbread crust. Perfectly portioned and versatile, this elegant yet simple treat is ideal for family gatherings, dinner parties, or a comforting solo indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Custard Filling
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 vanilla bean (seeds scraped) or 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Crust
- 1 ½ cups shortbread crust or pastry base (prepared)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Press the shortbread crust mixture evenly into a baking pan. Bake until lightly golden and firm to the touch, about 15-20 minutes. Remove and let cool, creating a sturdy foundation for the custard.
- Heat the Milk and Vanilla: Gently warm the whole milk with vanilla bean seeds or vanilla extract over medium heat. Heat until hot and fragrant but do not boil. Remove from heat promptly to preserve vanilla aroma.
- Whisk Egg Yolks, Sugar, and Cornstarch: While the milk warms, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and pale in color.
- Temper the Egg Mixture: Slowly drizzle the warm milk into the egg yolk mixture while whisking continuously to prevent curdling and start the thickening process.
- Cook the Custard: Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the custard thickens to a creamy, pudding-like consistency, about 5-8 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in butter until melted and incorporated.
- Assemble and Chill: Pour the warm custard over the baked crust and smooth the top evenly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until fully set and chilled, allowing flavors to meld perfectly.
Notes
- Use fresh eggs, quality vanilla, and real butter for best flavor and texture.
- Allow custard squares to chill completely for clean slicing and ideal creaminess.
- Cook custard over low heat to avoid curdling or burning.
- Temper eggs slowly with warm milk to keep custard silky and lump-free.
- Use a sharp, warm knife when slicing to create neat squares without cracks or smears.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 70g)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 65 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg