Vanilla Custard Puff Pastry Bars

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Description

Vanilla Custard Puff Pastry Bars are a light, flaky dessert made with buttery puff pastry layers filled with smooth, creamy vanilla custard. They are perfect for tea time, parties, or as an elegant homemade treat.

Ingredients

For the Pastry Layers

  • 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
  • 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

For the Vanilla Custard Filling

  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For Topping (Optional)

  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Melted chocolate for drizzling

Instructions

Prepare the Puff Pastry

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  3. Place puff pastry sheets on the tray and prick them all over with a fork.
  4. Brush lightly with milk and sprinkle sugar if using.
  5. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden and puffed.
  6. Remove from oven and gently press down if too puffy. Let cool completely.

Make the Vanilla Custard

  1. In a saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until warm (do not boil).
  2. In a bowl, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth.
  3. Slowly pour warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously.
  4. Return mixture to the saucepan and cook on low heat, stirring constantly.
  5. Cook until thick and creamy (about 5–7 minutes).
  6. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract.
  7. Cover with plastic wrap touching the surface and let cool.

Assemble the Bars

  1. Place one pastry sheet on a serving tray.
  2. Spread the cooled custard evenly on top.
  3. Place the second pastry sheet over the custard.
  4. Gently press to set.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Serve

  1. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate.
  2. Cut into bars or squares.
  3. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips

  • For extra crisp pastry, bake with another tray on top to keep layers flat.
  • Always cool custard completely before assembling to avoid soggy pastry.
  • Add lemon zest or almond extract for flavor variation.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
  • Use ready-made custard if short on time.

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