Experience the perfect blend of crisp puff pastry and rich vanilla custard with these Vanilla Custard Cream Squares. Every bite delivers a heavenly, creamy texture that’s sure to delight.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. - Prepare Puff Pastry:
Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to fit the bottom of the prepared pan. Press it into the pan and trim the edges. - Bake Pastry:
Bake the puff pastry in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool. - Make Custard:
In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam (do not boil). In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. - Combine Ingredients:
Gradually whisk the hot milk into the sugar mixture until smooth. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and starts to bubble. - Add Egg Yolks:
Remove the saucepan from the heat. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Gradually add a small amount of the hot custard mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook for 1-2 more minutes, stirring continuously. - Add Vanilla:
Stir in the vanilla extract. Remove from heat and let the custard cool slightly. - Assemble Squares:
Pour the custard over the baked puff pastry in the pan, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set. - Serve:
Once set, remove from the pan and cut into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calorie Count: 200 kcal per square
Tips and Variations
- Berry Topping: For an added flavor, you can sprinkle some fresh berries on top before serving.
- Make Ahead: These squares can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. They are a great make-ahead dessert for entertaining.
- Custard Variations: Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or lemon, for a unique twist on the classic vanilla custard.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of pastry?
Yes, you can substitute with other types of pastry like shortcrust, though puff pastry gives the best texture for these squares. - How long will these squares keep?
They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze the custard cream squares?
It is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze them. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
These Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are a deliciously indulgent treat, combining flaky pastry with smooth, velvety custard. Perfect for a sophisticated dessert or a sweet addition to any gathering, they are sure to impress and satisfy.
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Vanilla Custard Cream Squares
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Description
Delight in these Vanilla Custard Cream Squares with a flaky puff pastry base and a rich, creamy custard filling. Perfect for a sophisticated dessert or a sweet treat!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Prepare Puff Pastry:
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to fit the bottom of the prepared pan. Press it into the pan and trim the edges.
3️⃣ Bake Pastry:
- Bake the puff pastry in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
4️⃣ Make Custard:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam (do not boil). In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
5️⃣ Combine Ingredients:
- Gradually whisk the hot milk into the sugar mixture until smooth. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and starts to bubble.
6️⃣ Add Egg Yolks:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Gradually add a small amount of the hot custard mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook for 1-2 more minutes, stirring continuously.
7️⃣ Add Vanilla:
- Stir in the vanilla extract. Remove from heat and let the custard cool slightly.
8️⃣ Assemble Squares:
- Pour the custard over the baked puff pastry in the pan, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
9️⃣ Serve:
- Once set, remove from the pan and cut into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, you can sprinkle some fresh berries on top before serving!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes