Indulge in Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

Introduction

Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are the dessert of your dreams—an irresistible combination of pillowy, golden puff pastry and silky-smooth vanilla custard. This show-stopping treat balances mellow sweetness with a creamy texture, delivering elegance in every bite. Crowd-pleasing yet remarkably simple, these squares are the ultimate choice when you want to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Whether you serve them at a dinner party, holiday brunch, or as a sweet surprise for family, these vanilla custard squares exude classic charm and never fail to wow a table.

Why Custard Cream Squares Deserve a Spot on Your Dessert Table

The secret to their popularity lies in the perfect layers—each bite blends buttery pastry crunch with the luscious creaminess of homemade custard. The recipe requires only pantry staples and basic kitchen tools, making it easy for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, you can prepare these squares ahead of time, making them ideal for gatherings.

The Dreamy Vanilla Custard Filling

The custard for these squares is a standout: creamy, lightly sweet, and rich in natural vanilla flavor. For a flawlessly smooth result, whisk the filling steadily and strain it before use to ensure a silk-like consistency. If you need to achieve perfectly even custard, a reliable Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display, Black and Stainless Steel is invaluable for measuring your ingredients accurately, ensuring the texture is spot-on every time.

Assembly Tips for Picture-Perfect Squares

Baking the puff pastry until deeply golden provides an irresistible crisp snap. For best results and easy cleanup, line your baking tray with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll before adding pastry—this prevents sticking and makes it simple to lift and cut the finished product. When slicing your squares, a sharp, large chef’s knife will deliver the cleanest cuts.

A cooled custard is crucial for neater assembly and defined layers; if you need to quickly chill without flavor loss, transfer the custard to Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers and pop into the fridge to expedite the process.

Serving and Storing Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

Dust your finished squares with a generous sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Serve well-chilled for the most satisfying texture and to help the custard set firmly. These treats hold up wonderfully for up to 2 days in the fridge—store them in a Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Container to maintain freshness and prevent fridge odors from seeping in.

Pair with fresh berries or a cup of tea for a timeless afternoon treat.

Nutritional Info and Yield

This recipe produces 9 large, indulgent squares. Each one contains approximately 320–350 calories, depending on your choice of milk and any garnish. With its luxurious feel and balanced sweetness, even a modest square feels deeply satisfying.

Indulgent Vanilla Custard Cream Squares (Recap)

Delicate, creamy, and undeniably sophisticated, these Vanilla Custard Cream Squares unite the classic flavors you love in an effortlessly refined dessert. With their irresistibly crisp pastry and luscious filling, they’re a guaranteed hit for any occasion where you want to indulge and impress.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll to prevent sticking and promote even crisping.
2. Unfold the puff pastry sheets and roll them out to smooth any creases. Place both sheets on the prepared baking tray and prick all over with a fork to prevent excessive puffing. Bake for 14–16 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Let cool completely, then carefully trim each sheet to fit a square 8-inch pan (or similar size).
3. In a medium saucepan, heat 2 cups of milk over medium heat until steaming (do not boil). In a bowl, whisk together the remaining ½ cup milk, sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
4. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and bubbling—2 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter and vanilla extract until glossy and thoroughly combined.
5. For the silkiest texture, pour the custard through a fine mesh strainer (use the bowl of your Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display, Black and Stainless Steel to catch any lumps) and cool the custard to room temperature, pressing plastic wrap on the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
6. To assemble, place one pastry sheet in the bottom of your baking pan. Spread the custard evenly over the pastry, then top with the remaining sheet. Press gently to set. Chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to fully set.
7. Lift the square from the pan using the parchment, dust generously with powdered sugar, and cut into 9 squares using a sharp knife or bench scraper for clean edges. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep them fresh and set.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours minimum
Total Time: About 4 hours, 45 minutes

Indulge in these Vanilla Custard Cream Squares for a dessert experience that’s simultaneously classic, luscious, and truly unforgettable.