Here is a classic, creamy, bakery-style Vanilla Custard Cream Squares recipe — soft custard on a flaky or buttery base, topped with whipped cream or powdered sugar. Easy, elegant, and perfect for gatherings!
⭐ Vanilla Custard Cream Squares
INGREDIENTS
Crust (Simple Pastry Base)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1–2 tbsp cold water
(You can also substitute the crust with 1 sheet of puff pastry, baked and cooled.)
Vanilla Custard Filling
- 3 cups whole milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 4 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (or 1 tsp vanilla paste)
- 2 tbsp butter
Topping
- Whipped cream OR powdered sugar
- Optional: fresh berries
⭐ INSTRUCTIONS
1. Make the Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine flour + sugar in a bowl.
- Cut in cold butter using a fork or pastry blender until crumbly.
- Add cold water (1 tbsp at a time) until dough just comes together.
- Press evenly into an 8×8 or 9×9 pan.
- Bake 15–18 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool completely.
(If using puff pastry, bake according to package instructions and let cool.)
2. Make the Vanilla Custard
- In a medium pot, whisk together milk, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Heat over medium until warm but not boiling.
- In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks.
- Slowly add about ½ cup of the warm milk mixture into the yolks (temper them).
- Pour yolk mixture back into the pot.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until thick and creamy, about 5–7 minutes.
- Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla.
- Let cool 5 minutes.
3. Assemble
- Pour warm custard over the cooled crust.
- Smooth the top.
- Refrigerate at least 4 hours, or until fully set (overnight is best).
- Top with whipped cream or dust with powdered sugar.
- Cut into squares using a hot knife for clean edges.
⭐ Tips for Perfect Custard Squares
- If the custard is too soft, add 1 extra tablespoon of cornstarch.
- Want bakery-style firmness? Chill overnight.
- Want them extra fancy? Add a thin layer of fruit jam before adding custard.
If you want, I can give you a no-bake version, puff-pastry “Napoleon” style version, or a sugar-free / keto custard square!
