Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

Discover the joy of baking with these Vanilla Custard Cream Squares, a delightful dessert treat that combines a rich custard filling with flaky pastry. Perfect for special occasions or a comforting treat, this easy recipe guides you through every step with simple ingredients and clever tips. Don’t miss out on impressing your family and friends with this scrumptious dessert! Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your dessert game today!

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Ingredients

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 large egg yolks

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 pre-made puff pastry sheet (thawed if frozen)

Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Fresh berries (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish (about 9x9 inches) with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface until it's slightly larger than your baking dish. Place it into the baking dish, pressing it down to fit snugly. Prick the surface with a fork to prevent it from puffing up too much. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove and let it cool.

Make the Custard: In a medium saucepan, combine milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk together until blended.

Add Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are light in color. Slowly temper the egg yolks by adding a few tablespoons of the warm milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly. Once combined, pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the milk mixture.

Cook the Custard: Place the saucepan over medium heat, and continue to whisk constantly. Cook until the mixture thickens and begins to boil. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Assemble the Squares: Pour the thickened custard over the baked puff pastry, spreading it evenly. Let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.

Cut and Serve: Once set, lift the custard square from the baking dish using the parchment paper. Cut into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

- Presentation Tips: Serve the squares on a dessert platter and garnish with fresh berries for a pop of color. You can drizzle a bit of caramel or chocolate sauce for added visual appeal and flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes | Servings: 9 squares