Vanilla custard bars are a delicious and classic dessert that combines a buttery crust with a smooth and creamy vanilla custard filling. Here’s a basic recipe for vanilla custard bars:
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- A pinch of salt
For the Custard Filling:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan (typically 9×9 inches) or line it with parchment paper.
2. Make the Crust: a. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. b. Mix until the ingredients come together to form a crumbly dough. c. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. d. Bake the crust for about 15 minutes or until it’s lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and let it cool.
3. Prepare the Custard Filling: a. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Be careful not to boil it. b. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until well combined. c. Slowly pour the hot milk and cream mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling. d. Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. e. Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Assemble and Bake: a. Pour the custard over the cooled crust in the baking pan. b. Smooth the top with a spatula. c. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the custard is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. d. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
5. Chill and Serve: a. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or until they are well-chilled. b. Once chilled, cut into squares or bars and serve.
These vanilla custard bars are rich, creamy, and have a delightful combination of buttery crust and smooth vanilla custard. Enjoy!
