The Best Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

Introduction

Few desserts deliver the creamy satisfaction and elegant simplicity of The Best Vanilla Custard Cream Squares. This classic treat features a silky custard filling sandwiched between delicate, flaky pastry layers—perfect for impressing at gatherings or indulging in a refined sweet fix.

With a balanced vanilla flavor, luscious texture, and melt-in-your-mouth pastry, custard cream squares are the ideal choice when you want a dessert that’s both nostalgic and sophisticated.

Why You’ll Love These Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

The appeal of this recipe lies in its irresistible combination of crisp, buttery pastry and a luxuriously smooth vanilla custard center. Each bite offers comforting flavors and a delightful contrast of textures that’s sure to please a crowd. Home bakers will also appreciate that this dessert can be made ahead, transporting perfectly for potlucks, picnics, or family celebrations.

Making the Silky Custard Filling

For the creamiest custard, it’s essential to blend your ingredients thoroughly and cook them gently. Measure your ingredients precisely for perfect results every time—using an Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display ensures accuracy, especially when handling flour and sugar. Whisk together eggs, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth before tempering with warm milk. Cooking the mixture slowly while stirring constantly leads to a thick, glossy vanilla custard with a velvety texture.

Finish by mixing in real vanilla extract for authentic, aromatic flavor. If desired, infuse the milk with a vanilla bean pod for an even richer profile. Let the custard cool completely before assembling to maintain clean layers.

Perfecting the Pastry Layers

You can opt for ready-made puff pastry for convenience, rolling it out evenly before cutting and baking until golden. To avoid sticking and promote a crisp bottom, line your baking tray with a sheet from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll. This simple step makes removal and cleanup a breeze.

After baking, allow the pastry to cool fully on a rack. For neat, uniform squares, use a sharp chef’s knife or kitchen shears for trimming edges once assembled.

Assembly and Finishing Touches

Spread the cool vanilla custard evenly over one layer of pastry, then top with the second sheet, pressing lightly. Chill the assembled dessert for at least two hours to allow the custard to set and flavors to develop.

For clean slicing, use a hot, dry knife—simply dip it in hot water and wipe dry between cuts. Add a dusting of powdered sugar for a classic touch, or drizzle with melted chocolate for an elegant twist.

If you plan to transport your custard squares to a party or picnic, a set of airtight Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers keeps them fresh and intact.

Serving Suggestions for the Best Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

Serve these squares as a stand-alone dessert or alongside fresh berries and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent presentation. A sturdy, nonstick SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet helps toast almonds or hazelnuts for a nutty garnish if desired.

Whether for family dinners, afternoon tea, or special events, custard cream squares always disappear fast!

Nutritional Information and Yield

This recipe makes about 16 squares. Each serving offers approximately 220–250 calories, depending on your portion size and choice of pastry. The result is a lighter dessert option that feels rich and satisfying—the perfect treat to enjoy as an occasional indulgence.

The Best Vanilla Custard Cream Squares (Recipe Recap)

Vanilla custard cream squares bring together flaky pastry and a creamy custard in a harmonious, crowd-pleasing dessert. With straightforward preparation and stunning results, this recipe may soon become your new family favorite.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy, even baking of the puff pastry.
2. Roll out each puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to fit an 8×8-inch baking pan. Transfer pastry to prepared trays, prick all over with a fork, and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Cool completely.
3. While pastry cools, prepare the custard. Warm milk in a saucepan until steaming but not boiling. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until pale and creamy.
4. Gradually pour hot milk over yolk mixture, whisking constantly. Pour mixture back into saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring with a silicone spatula or the Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher until thick and bubbling, about 3–5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat. Stir in butter and vanilla extract (or seeds). Pour custard into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and cool completely in the fridge.
6. To assemble, place one pastry sheet in your 8×8-inch pan. Spread chilled custard evenly over pastry (using an offset spatula for a smooth finish). Top with second pastry sheet, gently pressing down. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
7. Once set, use a sharp knife (warmed in hot water for clean cuts) and slice into 16 squares. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with almonds or berries if using.
8. Store leftovers in a Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Chill Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Enjoy the perfect blend of creamy custard and flaky pastry in every square—these custard cream bars will win over every dessert lover at your table!