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Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

Vanilla Custard Cream Squares: Indulge in Classic Elegance

Indulge in Vanilla Custard Cream Squares, a classic dessert that blends flaky pastry with smooth custard for a delightful experience.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 8 squares
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: European
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pastry
  • 1 package Puff Pastry Use store-bought for convenience or homemade for richer flavor.
For the Custard
  • 2 cups Whole Milk Provides richness; lower-fat milk can change texture.
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the custard; natural sweeteners can be used as substitutes.
  • 4 large Egg Yolks Essential for texture and color; avoid substitutions for best results.
  • 1/4 cup Cornstarch Thickens the custard; no direct substitutes recommended.
  • 4 tablespoons Butter Adds silkiness; unsalted is preferred.
  • 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract The key flavor; use pure for the best taste.
For Decoration
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar or Glaze Optional topping that enhances presentation.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Bake puff pastry for 12-15 minutes until golden brown, then let cool completely.
  3. Warm whole milk in a saucepan over low to medium heat for 3-5 minutes.
  4. Whisk together sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth, then gradually add warm milk.
  5. Pour mixture back into saucepan and stir constantly over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
  7. Layer one sheet of puff pastry in a baking dish, spread custard over it, then top with another sheet.
  8. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set.
  9. Dust with powdered sugar or glaze before serving and slice with a sharp knife dipped in hot water.

Nutrition

Serving: 1squareCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store any leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to three days. Can be prepared a day ahead; dust with powdered sugar right before serving.

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