Classic Vanilla Custard Bars are a delightful dessert with a smooth, creamy vanilla custard filling layered over a buttery crust. These bars are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress with their rich flavor and elegant simplicity.
📋 Ingredients:
For the Crust:
🍞 2 cups all-purpose flour
🧂 1/4 tsp salt
🍯 1/2 cup granulated sugar
🧈 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Vanilla Custard Filling:
🥚 4 large eggs
🍯 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
🥛 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
🍦 1/2 cup heavy cream
🥛 2 cups whole milk
🍦 2 tsp vanilla extract
🧂 A pinch of salt
For Topping:
🍚 Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
📝 Directions:
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat Oven: 🔥 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix the Crust Ingredients: 🍞 In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the Crust: 🍞 Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to form the crust. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the custard filling.
Prepare the Vanilla Custard Filling:
- Whisk the Eggs and Sugar: 🥚 In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until well combined and slightly thickened.
- Add the Flour and Liquids: 🍦 Add the flour, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the egg mixture. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
- Pour the Custard: 🥛 Pour the custard mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly.
Bake the Bars:
- Bake: 🔥 Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The top should be lightly golden.
- Cool and Chill: ❄️ Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the custard to fully set.
Serve:
- Slice and Dust with Powdered Sugar: 🍮 Once chilled, lift the custard bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into squares or rectangles. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
🍽 Serve:
Enjoy your smooth and creamy Classic Vanilla Custard Bars, a perfect dessert for any occasion!
⏱ Preparation Time: 20 minutes
⏱ Cooking Time: 40 minutes
⏱ Chilling Time: 2 hours
⏱ Total Time: 3 hours
🍽 Servings: 12-16 bars
🔥 Calories: 250 kcal per bar
💡 Notes:
- For a twist, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the custard mixture for a hint of citrus flavor.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy your rich and elegant Classic Vanilla Custard Bars! 🍮✨