vanilla custard bars
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Yields: 12 bars
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Vanilla Custard Filling:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Topping (Optional):
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter.
- Mix until the dough comes together.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden.
Make the Vanilla Custard Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the whole milk and heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Do not boil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
- Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent curdling.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the vanilla custard filling over the baked crust.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the custard is set.
- The custard should have a slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken.
Cool and Chill:
- Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish.
- Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the custard is fully set.
Cut and Serve:
- Cut into bars of your desired size.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
Note: For clean cuts, dip the knife in hot water before slicing.
Enjoy these delicious Vanilla Custard Bars as a delightful treat with a smooth and creamy custard filling on a buttery crust.
