Irresistible Vanilla Custard Cream Squares: A Sweet Solution for Busy Days
Ah, the delightful world of desserts! Sometimes, all we need is a little sweetness to lift our spirits, right? If you’re like many of us, balancing work, family, and life can leave little room for extravagant baking adventures. But fear not! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that not only tastes divine but is also incredibly easy to whip up: Vanilla Custard Cream Squares. Trust me; these luscious squares will bring joy to your kitchen without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love These Vanilla Custard Cream Squares
Picture this: A buttery crust cradling a velvety vanilla custard, topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar. Could anything be more tempting? These squares are perfect for impressing guests at your next gathering, satisfying that mid-afternoon sweet craving, or simply treating yourself after a long day. And—you won’t believe how simple they are to make!
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we dive into the fun part—which is baking, of course—let’s gather our stars of the show. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
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For the Crust:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg yolk
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For the Custard Filling:
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
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For the Topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting (because who doesn’t love a little magic?)
Getting Down to Business: Step-by-Step Directions
Now that we have our ingredients laid out, let’s turn that kitchen into a delightful haven of baking smells! Ready? Let’s go!
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Make the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your crust. Grab a mixing bowl and beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Add that lovely egg yolk and mix until combined.
- Gradually add in the flour, mixing until the dough comes together. It should be soft and slightly crumbly.
- Press this delicious dough into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking dish. No need to get too fancy; just make sure it covers the pan evenly.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Take it out and let it cool for a bit; the custard needs a cozy home!
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Prepare the Custard:
- In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally (check the pictures I’ve shared on my blog for what this should look like). You want it to be warm but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and salt until smooth. Once the milk is warm, slowly whisk about half of it into your egg mixture. This step is crucial to avoid scrambling your eggs!
- Pour the egg mixture back into the pan with the remaining milk. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the custard thickens—about 5-7 minutes. Spooky how it transforms right before your eyes!
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour this creamy goodness over the cooled crust and spread it evenly.
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Assemble and Chill:
- Let the squares cool to room temperature, then chill them in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until set. Patience is key, my friends, but worth every minute!
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once fully chilled, dust the top with powdered sugar and cut into squares. Serve these delightful treats to your family, or, if you want to be sneaky, keep them all to yourself. No judgment here!
Cooking Tips & Tricks
- Egg-cellent Substitute: If you’re out of eggs, you can substitute with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce for the crust!
- Texture Perfection: For a creamier texture in your custard, feel free to use half-and-half instead of whole milk.
- Powdered Sugar Fun: Dust the squares with powdered sugar right before serving to maintain that beautiful, snowy look. Voilà, instant gourmet!
Speaking of powdered sugar, I remember the first time I tried this recipe; I went a bit overboard with the dusting and jokingly said my dessert looked like an abominable snowman. Not my finest moment, but hey, it tasted fantastic!
FAQs
Can I substitute almond milk for the custard?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that it might slightly alter the flavor.
How can I store leftovers?
These tasty squares can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just try not to finish them in one sitting!
Conclusion
So there you have it—a recipe for Vanilla Custard Cream Squares that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen! Imagine delighting your family with these captivating squares while you all sit around the table, sharing stories and laughter. It’s the little moments that matter the most, and these treats will certainly sweeten them up. Happy baking, and remember—if life gets tough, just whip up a batch of these custard squares. They’re a guaranteed way to brighten your day!
Meta Description:
Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are the perfect recipe for busy days. Quick, easy, and delicious, these treats will bring joy to your kitchen!
A Sweet Solution for Busy Days
Description
Indulge in the delightful Vanilla Custard Cream Squares, featuring a buttery crust and velvety custard topped with powdered sugar. Quick, easy, and delicious, perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Add the egg yolk and mix until combined. Gradually add in the flour, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Press the dough into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking dish. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let it cool.
- In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warm but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Gradually whisk half of the warm milk into the egg mixture to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Pour the egg mixture back into the pan with the remaining milk and continue to cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the custard thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
- Let the squares cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar and cut into squares.
Notes
- For a creamier texture in your custard, consider using half-and-half instead of whole milk. Dust with powdered sugar right before serving for the best presentation.