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Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

Dessert dreams come true with these Vanilla Custard Cream Squares, a perfect balance of flaky, golden puff pastry and a silky, homemade vanilla custard. They’re elegant enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for a weeknight treat, and the make-ahead option makes them a real lifesaver for busy hosts.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Custard
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Pastry
  • 1 package (about 14 oz/400g) puff pastry sheets thawed
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Equipment

  • 9×9-inch baking pan
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Saucepan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Rolling Pin
  • Fork

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets and cut them to fit a 9×9-inch baking pan. Place the sheets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and prick them with a fork to prevent bubbles. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp, then let cool completely.
  3. In a saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat the mixture until it is just simmering, watching for small bubbles at the edge.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and all-purpose flour until smooth. Slowly pour about half of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
  5. Return the tempered mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the custard thickens. Remove from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract and unsalted butter until the custard is smooth and glossy.
  6. To assemble, place one of the cooled pastry sheets at the bottom of the 9×9-inch pan. Pour the custard over the pastry ensuring it is not too hot, then top with the second pastry sheet. Refrigerate the assembled squares for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
  7. Before serving, dust the custard squares generously with powdered sugar and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to fully develop and to ensure easier cutting.

Notes

These Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are a delightful make-ahead dessert that combine the luxurious taste of homemade custard with the irresistible crispiness of puff pastry. For a twist, you can infuse the milk with a hint of lavender, cardamom, or even add cocoa powder for a chocolate version. They keep beautifully in the refrigerator and are perfect for special occasions or when you simply want to impress. Serve with fresh berries or a steaming cup of coffee for an extra touch of indulgence.