Classic Vanilla Custard Bars

🍮 Classic Vanilla Custard Bars

Buttery shortbread crust topped with silky vanilla custard and a dusting of powdered sugar—simple, elegant, and irresistible!

📝 Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks / 225g) unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

• ¼ tsp salt

For the Vanilla Custard Filling:

• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk

• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream

• 4 large egg yolks

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar

• ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean, scraped)

• Pinch of salt

For Topping:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

• Fresh berries (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Shortbread Crust

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, cream butter & sugar until light. Mix in flour & salt until crumbly.

3. Press evenly into the pan. Bake 15-18 mins until golden. Let cool slightly.

2️⃣ Prepare the Custard Filling

1. In a saucepan, heat milk & cream until steaming (don’t boil).

2. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

3. Slowly pour hot milk into egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return to saucepan.

4. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick (about 5-7 mins).

3️⃣ Assemble & Chill

1. Pour custard over the warm crust, smoothing the top.

2. Refrigerate at least 4 hours (or overnight) until set.

4️⃣ Serve

• Dust with powdered sugar, slice into bars, and top with berries if desired.

💡 Tips & Variations

✔ Extra vanilla flavor? Use vanilla bean paste for specks in the custard.
✔ Lighter texture? Fold 1 cup whipped cream into cooled custard before pouring.
✔ Lemon twist? Add 1 tbsp lemon zest to the custard.

🌟 Why You’ll Love It

✅ Buttery, creamy perfection in every bite.
✅ No fancy ingredients—just classic comfort.
✅ Perfect for tea parties, brunch, or dessert trays.

Pair with: A cup of coffee or Earl Grey tea! ☕

Want a chocolate version? Swap ¼ cup cocoa powder into the crust and add chocolate chips to the custard! 🍫