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Close-up of one Irresistibly Creamy Vanilla Custard Square with a thick yellow top layer and crumbly base.

Creamy Vanilla Custard Squares

  • Author: recipebychefs.com
  • Total Time: 60 min
  • Yield: 9 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A recipe for simple, creamy vanilla custard squares with a shortbread base.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
  2. For the base, combine flour, cold butter, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the base for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
  4. While the base bakes, prepare the custard. Whisk together milk, 1/2 cup sugar, and cornstarch in a medium saucepan.
  5. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens significantly and just begins to bubble. Remove from heat.
  6. In a separate small bowl, lightly whisk the egg yolks. Temper the yolks by slowly whisking about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks.
  7. Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot milk mixture. Return the pan to low heat and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Do not boil.
  8. Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  9. Pour the hot custard evenly over the warm baked base.
  10. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the custard is set and the edges are slightly golden.
  11. Let the squares cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before cutting into squares.

Notes

  • For easier cutting, chill the squares overnight.
  • You can dust the cooled squares lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 40 min
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 20
  • Sodium: 100
  • Fat: 12
  • Saturated Fat: 7
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 32
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 4
  • Cholesterol: 60

Keywords: vanilla custard squares, shortbread crust, creamy dessert, baked custard, vanilla slice

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Find it online: https://recipebychefs.com/irresistibly-creamy-vanilla-custard-squares-recipe/