Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

These Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are a luscious, old-fashioned dessert featuring layers of flaky puff pastry and silky smooth vanilla custard cream. Light, creamy, and perfectly sweet, they’re a crowd-pleasing treat for tea time, potlucks, or special occasions.

Ingredients:

For the Pastry:

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed

For the Custard Cream:

• 2 cups whole milk

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup cornstarch

• 4 large egg yolks

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

For Topping:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Bake the Pastry:

   • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

   • Roll out puff pastry sheets slightly and place on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

   • Prick all over with a fork to prevent puffing.

   • Place another sheet of parchment and a baking tray on top to weigh it down.

   • Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden and crisp.

   • Let cool completely, then cut into even squares.

2. Make the Custard Cream:

   • In a saucepan, heat milk and cream over medium heat until warm.

   • In a separate bowl, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until pale and creamy.

   • Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.

   • Return to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.

   • Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla.

   • Cover with plastic wrap directly on the custard and let cool completely.

3. Assemble the Squares:

   • Spread the custard evenly over one sheet of baked pastry.

   • Top with the second sheet.

   • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours for easy slicing.

4. Serve:

   • Dust generously with powdered sugar before slicing into squares.

   • Serve chilled.

Tips:

• For a bakery-style finish, drizzle with a light glaze or decorate with melted chocolate.

• Best enjoyed the day it’s assembled, as the pastry softens over time.

Would you also like a no-bake version using graham crackers and instant pudding?
If yes, say “Yes, no-bake version!” 🍮✨