Velvety Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe – Sweet Indulgence

Dessert lovers rejoice as this classic vanilla custard cream squares recipe promises pure indulgence with every delectable bite.

Silky smooth layers of creamy custard nestled between delicate pastry will make your taste buds dance with delight.

The combination of rich vanilla and buttery crust creates a heavenly treat that melts in your mouth.

Each square delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

The recipe requires simple ingredients but yields extraordinary results that will impress even the most discerning dessert enthusiasts.

These squares are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of comfort and elegance on a plate.

Grab your apron and get ready to create a masterpiece that will become an instant favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 13

Vanilla Custard Cream Squares: What You’ll Need

• Puff Pastry Sheets: Delivers delicate, flaky foundation that provides crisp texture and elegant structure for dessert.
• Baking Sheets: Essential for creating golden, even-baked pastry surfaces.

• Whole Milk: Creates rich, smooth custard base with luxurious creamy consistency.
• Egg Yolks: Provides silky texture and deep golden color to custard.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize custard mixture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens custard and ensures smooth, stable consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor and enhances overall dessert profile.
• Rum (Optional): Introduces sophisticated, subtle depth to custard flavor.
• Egg Whites: Contributes light, airy texture when folded gently into mixture.

• Heavy Whipping Cream: Delivers luxurious, cloud-like layer with rich mouthfeel.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds delicate sweetness and creates elegant finishing touch.

Tools to Make Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

• Electric Mixer: Essential for beating egg whites and whipping cream to perfect, fluffy peaks.
• Saucepan: Crucial for gently heating and thickening the milk and custard mixture.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for whisking egg yolks, sugar, and combining custard ingredients.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for layering pastry, custard, and creating the final dessert.
• Whisk: Handy for blending egg yolks, sugar, and ensuring smooth custard consistency.
• Baking Sheets: Used to bake puff pastry sheets until golden brown.
• Measuring Cups: Important for accurately measuring milk, sugar, and other ingredients.
• Spatula: Helpful for spreading custard and whipped cream evenly in the dish.
• Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer: Great for dusting powdered sugar on top of the dessert.

Step-by-Step Guide for Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

• Pastry Foundation

Warm your oven and place delicate pastry sheets on baking trays, allowing them to transform into golden treasures. Let them cool and rest after baking.

• Milk Transformation

Create a warm milk bath in a saucepan, bringing liquid to a gentle bubbling point. Meanwhile, whisk egg yolks with sugar until they become a creamy, pale mixture.

• Custard Magic

Combine the whisked egg mixture with heated milk, stirring carefully until the liquid thickens into a luxurious custard. Softly fold fluffy egg whites into the creamy base.

• Layer Construction

Spread the silky custard onto the first pastry sheet inside a rectangular dish. Allow the creation to chill and set in the refrigerator.

• Cream Cloud Topping

Whip fresh cream until it forms cloud-like peaks. Gently spread this airy layer over the cooled custard.

• Final Decoration

Arrange crisp pastry squares across the cream surface. Return the dessert to the refrigerator to firm up completely.

• Elegant Finish

Before serving, dust the entire dessert with a delicate snowfall of powdered sugar, creating a sophisticated presentation.

Flavor Swaps for Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

• Explore flavor variations by infusing the milk with different spices like cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, or orange zest during heating to add subtle aromatic notes.
• Replace rum with other liqueurs like Grand Marnier, amaretto, or even a splash of bourbon to create unique flavor profiles that complement the vanilla custard's richness.
• Reduce calorie content by using low-fat milk and replacing heavy whipping cream with Greek yogurt or a lighter whipped topping for a healthier dessert option.
• Ensure crisp puff pastry layers by thoroughly cooling them before assembling and avoiding excess moisture that could make the pastry soggy during preparation.
• Elevate presentation by topping squares with fresh berries, toasted almond slivers, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce to add visual appeal and complementary textures.

Plating Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Beautifully

• Serve Alongside Chilled Beverages: Pair these creamy squares with cool, refreshing drinks like iced tea, lemonade, or a light white wine to complement the dessert's rich, smooth texture.
• Garnish with Fresh Berries: Top each square with a handful of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to add a burst of color and a tangy contrast to the sweet custard.
• Create a Dessert Platter: Arrange the Vanilla Custard Cream Squares on a beautiful serving plate with other delicate pastries, creating an elegant dessert spread that looks as amazing as it tastes.
• Add a Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dark or milk chocolate and lightly drizzle it over the squares just before serving, adding an extra layer of decadence to this already luxurious treat.

Keeping Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Fresh

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store these delightful squares in an airtight container within your refrigerator, keeping them fresh for up to 3-4 days. The cool environment helps maintain the custard's smooth texture and prevents bacterial growth.
• Portion and Protect: Separate each square with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve the delicate whipped cream layer. This technique ensures each slice remains picture-perfect when serving.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These treats can be frozen for up to 2 weeks, offering a convenient make-ahead dessert option for spontaneous gatherings.
• Serve Chilled: Remove squares from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to allow slight softening, which enhances the creamy texture and brings out the rich vanilla flavors.

Silky Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering vanilla custard cream squares combine classic French pastry techniques with delicate layered textures. Sweet vanilla-infused custard nestles between crisp puff pastry, creating an elegant dessert that delights sophisticated palates.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
• 8 eggs, separated
• 4 cups (946 ml) whole milk
• 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
• 1 ¼ cups (156 g) all-purpose flour
• 3 tsps vanilla extract
• 2 tbsps rum (optional)
• 2 tbsps powdered sugar, plus more for dusting

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Instructions

1. Pastry Preparation: Ignite the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position two baking sheets for puff pastry. Bake pastry sheets for 10 minutes until achieving a rich golden complexion, then allow complete cooling at ambient temperature.
2. Custard Foundation: Gently heat milk in a medium saucepan until it reaches a soft boil. Simultaneously, whisk egg yolks and sugar until transforming into a pale, silky mixture. Integrate flour, vanilla extract, and optional rum, gradually blending with remaining milk to create a smooth base.
3. Custard Development: Pour heated milk into egg yolk mixture, stirring vigilantly to prevent curdling. Simmer over low heat until achieving a luxurious, pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat and allow slight cooling.
4. Texture Enhancement: Whip egg whites to glossy, stiff peaks and tenderly fold into the custard, preserving its delicate airiness.
5. Assembly Technique: Layer one pastry sheet in a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading custard uniformly. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until completely set.
6. Cream Embellishment: Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until forming stiff peaks. Spread cream elegantly over chilled custard layer.
7. Final Composition: Slice second pastry sheet into 15 precise squares, arranging delicately over whipped cream. Refrigerate an additional 2 hours.
8. Presentation: Before serving, dust Vanilla Custard Cream Squares with a whisper of powdered sugar, creating an elegant finish.

Notes

• Prevent Curdling: Stir continuously and maintain low heat when combining hot milk with egg yolks to avoid scrambling the eggs.
• Egg White Technique: Whip egg whites to stiff peaks for a lighter, more airy custard texture that adds volume and smoothness.
• Chilling is Crucial: Allow sufficient refrigeration time (1-2 hours) to set the custard and allow flavors to meld completely.
• Pastry Precision: Ensure puff pastry sheets are golden-brown and fully cooled before layering to maintain crisp texture and prevent sogginess.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg