Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

Here’s a perfect, old-fashioned Vanilla Custard Cream Squares recipe — soft, creamy, church-cookbook style, and super nostalgic. These always go viral because they’re EASY and taste like a bakery dessert.

Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the vanilla custard:

  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste)
  • Pinch of salt

For the whipped cream topping (optional but recommended):

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For topping:

  • Extra powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Make the crust

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
  3. Add cold butter and cut it into the mixture until crumbly.
  4. Press into an ungreased 9×13-inch pan.
  5. Bake 18–20 minutes or until lightly golden.
  6. Let cool completely.

2. Make the vanilla custard

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
  2. Add milk and whisk well until everything dissolves.
  3. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened.
  4. Temper the egg yolks:
    • In a bowl, whisk yolks.
    • Add a small amount of hot custard into yolks while whisking.
    • Pour yolk mixture back into the pan.
  5. Cook 2–3 more minutes until very thick and creamy.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
  7. Let custard cool slightly (warm, not hot).

3. Assemble

  1. Pour warm custard over the cooled crust.
  2. Spread evenly.
  3. Let chill at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture.

4. Optional whipped cream topping

  1. Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
  2. Spread over chilled custard layer.
  3. Dust with powdered sugar.

5. Slice & Serve

Slice into neat squares using a hot knife (wipe after each cut).


Tips for Perfect Cream Squares

  • Use whole milk for rich custard.
  • Custard must be thick before pouring — don’t remove too early.
  • Overnight chilling gives the cleanest slices.
  • Can add shredded coconut or crushed vanilla wafers on top.

Enjoy !!!

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