Vanilla Custard Bars

Here’s a sweet and creamy recipe for Vanilla Custard Bars — a dessert with a buttery crust, silky vanilla custard filling, and a light dusting of powdered sugar on top.

🍮 Vanilla Custard Bars

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¼ cup powdered sugar

For the Custard Filling:

• 2 cups whole milk

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 2 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean, scraped)

• ¼ tsp salt

For Topping:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Make the Crust:

   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

   • In a bowl, mix flour, butter, and powdered sugar until crumbly.

   • Press mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan.

   • Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove and let cool slightly.

2. Make the Custard:

   • In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, flour, and salt.

   • Slowly whisk in milk until smooth.

   • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and begins to bubble.

   • Remove from heat.

   • In a small bowl, beat eggs. Slowly whisk a little of the hot custard into the eggs to temper.

   • Pour egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking continuously.

   • Return to medium-low heat and cook for 2–3 minutes more until thick.

   • Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract.

3. Assemble & Bake:

   • Pour custard over the baked crust and spread evenly.

   • Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 20 minutes to set.

   • Let cool completely, then refrigerate at least 2 hours.

4. Serve:

   • Dust with powdered sugar.

   • Cut into squares or bars and serve chilled.

✨ Optional Variations:

• Add a layer of whipped cream on top before serving.

• Sprinkle with toasted coconut or sliced almonds.

• Swirl in some raspberry or strawberry jam before baking for a fruity twist.