Description
These Vanilla Custard Cream Squares combine flaky puff pastry layers with a rich, smooth vanilla custard filling, creating an elegant and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion. The crispness of the baked pastry pairs beautifully with the creamy custard, dusted with powdered sugar for a refined finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 package (2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed
Custard Filling
- 3 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Finishing
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Unfold puff pastry sheets and place each on a baking sheet. Prick all over with a fork to prevent puffing. Place another sheet of parchment and a second baking tray on top to weigh down the pastry.
- Bake Pastry: Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Make Custard Base: In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
- Temper Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks. Slowly add about 1/2 cup of hot milk mixture into yolks while whisking to temper them, then pour back into the saucepan.
- Cook Custard: Continue cooking the custard for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly until thick and smooth.
- Finish Custard: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and butter until fully incorporated. Let cool slightly, then refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
- Assemble Squares: Once pastry sheets are cool, cut each into equal rectangles or squares. Spread chilled custard evenly over one pastry layer, then place the second pastry layer on top.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the assembled custard squares for at least 1 hour before cutting into individual squares. Dust with powdered sugar prior to serving.
Notes
- Using store-bought custard can save time, but homemade custard delivers superior texture and flavor.
- For added flavor, layer sliced strawberries or a berry compote between the pastry and custard.
- Ensure custard is fully chilled to prevent it from oozing out when cutting.
- Use cold butter and properly thawed puff pastry for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
