Here’s a delicious, classic recipe for Vanilla Custard Cream Squares—soft, creamy, and perfect for a dessert tray. 🍰
Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Vanilla Custard:
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For Topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
1. Make the Cake Base
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a square baking pan (8×8 inches / 20×20 cm).
- In a bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold into the wet mixture.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
2. Make the Vanilla Custard
- In a saucepan, heat milk until warm (do not boil).
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Slowly pour warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking to temper.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Squares
- Pour the custard over the cooled cake base and spread evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until set.
4. Serve
- Cut into squares.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Tips
- Prevent lumps: Whisk cornstarch into sugar and egg yolks before adding milk.
- Even layers: Let cake cool completely to prevent custard from mixing into it.
- Make ahead: Can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; custard will firm up more as it chills.
If you want, I can make a faster, no-bake version of Vanilla Custard Cream Squares that’s just as creamy but takes under 30 minutes.
Do you want me to do that?
