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Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

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Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are elegant, layered desserts featuring crisp puff pastry, silky vanilla custard, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Creamy and delicate, they’re perfect for entertaining or a refined sweet treat.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes (including chilling)
  • Yield: 9 to 12 squares
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: European
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 2 sheets puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 5 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract or 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting
  • Whipped cream or whipped topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Roll out puff pastry sheets and prick all over with a fork. Bake 12–15 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool completely.
  3. In a saucepan, heat milk and cream over medium heat until steaming (do not boil).
  4. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and pale.
  5. Slowly pour warm milk mixture into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly. Return to saucepan.
  6. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbling. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
  7. Let custard cool slightly. Spread over one baked puff pastry sheet in a square or rectangular dish.
  8. Top with the second pastry sheet, pressing gently.
  9. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to set.
  10. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and top with whipped cream if desired. Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Add fruit jam or fresh berries between layers for a fruity twist.
  • Use vanilla bean paste for a stronger vanilla flavor.
  • Substitute half-and-half for cream for a lighter version.
  • Store uncovered to help preserve pastry crispness.
  • Best served cold directly from the fridge.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://allcookedup.com/vanilla-custard-cream-squares/