Oh, let me tell you about my love for vanilla custard cream squares! These little bites of heaven are like a creamy hug for your taste buds. I remember the first time I tried them at a quaint French café, and I was instantly hooked by that silky vanilla custard filling nestled in a flaky pastry crust. The texture is just divine, smooth yet firm enough to hold its shape. Trust me, when you take a bite, the rich flavors dance on your palate, making every moment feel special. It’s a dessert that brings back sweet memories, and I can’t wait to share my recipe with you!
Ingredients List
To whip up these delightful vanilla custard cream squares, you’ll need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Gather 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream for that rich, creamy texture. You’ll also need ¾ cup of sugar to sweeten things up, along with 4 large egg yolks for a luscious custard base. Don’t forget ¼ cup of cornstarch, which helps thicken your custard perfectly, and a tablespoon of pure vanilla extract for that dreamy flavor. A pinch of salt (just ¼ teaspoon) is key to enhancing all those lovely tastes. Lastly, grab a pre-made pastry crust to save time and make the process a breeze!
How to Prepare Vanilla Custard Cream Squares
Now, let’s get into the fun part—making your vanilla custard cream squares! It’s a straightforward process, and I promise you’ll feel like a pastry chef by the end. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because a properly heated oven helps the custard set just right.
- Next, grab a medium saucepan and combine the milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat until it starts steaming, but don’t let it boil—keep an eye on it!
- While that’s heating, whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and salt in a mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined. It should look creamy and delightful!
- Now, slowly pour the steaming milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. This step is key to prevent scrambling the eggs—keep whisking!
- Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously. You’ll want to keep stirring until it thickens, which takes about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
- Once thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in that heavenly vanilla extract. The aroma will be simply irresistible!
- Pour your luscious custard into the pre-made pastry crust, spreading it evenly.
- Finally, bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the custard is set and lightly golden on top. Let it cool completely before slicing into squares. Trust me, the waiting will be worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Luxuriously creamy vanilla custard that melts in your mouth.
- Easy-to-follow steps make it accessible for all skill levels.
- A delightful balance of sweetness and a hint of salt enhances the flavor.
- Perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or a cozy night in.
- Can be topped with fresh fruit or whipped cream for an extra treat.
- Leftovers are just as delicious, making it a great make-ahead dessert!
Tips for Success
To make sure your vanilla custard cream squares turn out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, when heating your milk and cream, watch closely to avoid boiling—steaming is ideal! Also, be gentle when whisking the hot milk into the egg mixture; this helps keep your custard smooth and prevents any scrambling. If you notice lumps while cooking, don’t panic! Just keep stirring until it thickens. Lastly, allowing the custard to cool completely before slicing is crucial; it will hold its shape beautifully. These simple steps will ensure your squares are a creamy dream come true!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your experience with these vanilla custard cream squares, consider serving them alongside a dollop of freshly whipped cream for that extra indulgence. A sprinkle of fresh berries—like strawberries or raspberries—adds a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness. If you’re in the mood for something warm, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a rich chocolate espresso pairs beautifully, creating a delightful contrast. These simple additions will take your dessert experience to the next level!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious vanilla custard cream squares tasting fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last for about 3-4 days, but trust me, they’re usually gone before that! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. No need to reheat—these treats are best served chilled, and the flavors will still be just as delightful!
Nutritional Information
These vanilla custard cream squares are a delightful treat with an estimated nutritional profile per square. You’re looking at about 250 calories, 15g of fat (with 9g of that being saturated), 3g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates including 20g of sugar. Just keep in mind that these values are estimates, so enjoy them guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of crust? Absolutely! While I love the convenience of a pre-made pastry crust, you can use a graham cracker crust or even a homemade shortcrust if you’re feeling adventurous.
How long do these vanilla custard cream squares last? They’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just remember to store them in an airtight container to maintain that creamy goodness.
Can I make these custard squares ahead of time? Yes, they’re perfect for making a day in advance. Just let them chill in the fridge until you’re ready to serve!
What if my custard doesn’t thicken? If your custard isn’t thickening, it might need a bit more cooking time—just keep stirring over medium heat until it reaches that perfect creamy consistency.
Can I add other flavors to the custard? Definitely! While vanilla is classic, you can experiment with almond extract or even a hint of citrus zest for a fun twist.
Z nadrukami
Vanilla Custard Cream Squares: 7 Irresistible Tips to Indulge
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 8 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A rich and creamy vanilla custard cream squares dessert.
Składniki
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 pre-made pastry crust
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan, combine milk and cream. Heat over medium until steaming.
- In a bowl, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
- Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the custard into the pre-made pastry crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until set. Let cool before serving.
Uwagi
- Chill the custard for better texture.
- Top with whipped cream or fruit if desired.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: French
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 square
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 20g
- Sód: 50mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 9g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 4g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 0g
- Białko: 3g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Słowa kluczowe: vanilla custard cream squares, dessert, custard, baking
