Vanilla custard bars are a delicious dessert that combines the creamy goodness of custard with a buttery, crumbly crust. These bars are typically made with a few basic ingredients, including eggs, sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a simple crust made from flour, butter, and sugar. Here’s a basic recipe for vanilla custard bars:
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Custard Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups whole milk
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar for the crust. Add the cold, cubed butter, and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also use a food processor for this step.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to pack it down firmly.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until it turns golden brown. Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- While the crust is cooling, prepare the custard filling. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the milk to the egg mixture, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Pour the custard mixture over the partially baked crust.
- Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the custard is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the custard bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and cut into squares or bars.
- Dust the top of the custard bars with powdered sugar if desired, and serve.
These vanilla custard bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed on their own or with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Feel free to customize them by adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flavor. Enjoy!
