Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a square baking dish and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine flour, softened butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely.
- In a saucepan, whisk together milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold whipped cream into the cooled custard.
- Pour custard over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
- Cut into squares and dust with powdered sugar (optional).
Expert Tips
- Cool the custard completely before folding in the whipped cream for a lighter texture.
- For extra smooth custard, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before chilling.
- Chill for at least 2 hours to ensure the custard sets properly.
Variations
- Add a layer of fresh berries for a fruity twist.
- Sprinkle with chocolate shavings or toasted nuts for added crunch.
- Substitute 1/4 cup of the flour with cocoa powder for chocolate custard squares.
- Experiment with almond or lemon extract instead of vanilla.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these chilled squares on their own, or elevate them with whipped cream and cocoa powder. A scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce makes a truly decadent treat!
FAQs
Q: Can I make the crust ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the crust a day in advance and store it in an airtight container.
Q: How long can I store the squares?
A: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Q: Can I freeze the squares?
A: Yes, freeze for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container.
Enjoy!
These Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Happy baking!
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