These Vanilla Custard Bars are a deliciously creamy and smooth treat with a rich vanilla flavor. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, these bars feature a buttery crust and a luscious custard filling that will melt in your mouth.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the custard filling:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Prepare the Custard Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, flour, and salt until well combined.
- Gradually add the warm milk to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the custard filling over the pre-baked crust in the pan.
- Return to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, lift out of the pan using the parchment paper, cut into squares, and serve.
Enjoy your homemade Vanilla Custard Bars!