Vanilla Custard Bars
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry
thawed
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 6 egg yolks
- Powdered sugar
optional
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
Place one sheet of the puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet. Prick it all over with the tines of a fork.
- 3
Add a layer of parchment paper to the top of the laid-out puff pastry, and place the second sheet of puff pastry on top of the piece of parchment paper. Prick this second layer with a fork as well.
- 4
Lay another sheet of parchment paper on top of the second puff pastry and place a second baking sheet on top of everything to weigh down the puff pastry and keep it from rising too much when baked.
- 5
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the puff pastry is cooked through. Remove the sheets from the oven and allow them to cool.
- 6
Once cool, cut each of the sheets of puff pastry to fit into a 9x9 baking dish.
- 7
In a large pot over medium heat, add the butter, milk, heavy whipping cream, and sugar.
- 8
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and water, and then pour the mixture into the pot.
- 9
Stir the custard mixture until the butter is melted and the sugar has dissolved. At that point, remove your pot from the heat. Add the vanilla and combine it well.
- 10
Whisk together the egg yolks in a bowl, and pour in a little of the mixture from the pot, whisking continuously as you do. This will temper the eggs to give your custard a thick and silky texture.
- 11
Once the egg yolks have been tempered, whisk them into the pot and return the pot to the heat.
- 12
Bring the entire mixture to a boil for 1 minute, remove it from the heat, and allow the custard to cool and thicken.
- 13
Lay a layer of cooked puff pastry in the bottom of a well-greased 9x9 baking dish and top it with the custard.
- 14
Add another layer of puff pastry on top.
- 15
Chill the baking pan in the refrigerator until the custard has set. Once ready, dust the top of the bars with some powdered sugar if desired, cut, and enjoy!
Vanilla Custard Bars
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 2 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a dessert that's both elegant and utterly delightful, yet surprisingly simple to create? These Easy Vanilla Custard Bars are your answer, bringing the luxurious taste of velvety vanilla custard embraced by flaky puff pastry right to your kitchen.
The magic of these bars lies in the harmonious interplay of textures and classic flavors. You get the irresistible contrast of a rich, deeply flavored vanilla custard that's wonderfully smooth, perfectly balanced by the crisp, airy layers of golden puff pastry. This clever pairing elevates humble ingredients into an extraordinary sweet treat with surprising ease.
When you bite into these vanilla custard bars, expect an experience of pure indulgence. The custard melts in your mouth with a creamy, sweet richness, its full-bodied vanilla notes shining through with every spoonful. This exquisite vanilla custard is beautifully cradled by the light, buttery layers of puff pastry, which provide a delicate crunch and a satisfying counterpoint to the soft filling. The result is a dessert that feels both comforting and sophisticated, simple in its presentation but complex in its delightful texture and taste profile, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
While delicious on its own, you can easily adapt these bars to your preference. Consider experimenting with the vanilla extract—using a high-quality, pure extract will intensify the flavor, or you could explore vanilla bean paste for visible specks and a deeper aroma. For an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a lovely, delicate finish to these elegant treats.
These sweet bars are perfect for any occasion, from an elegant brunch to a delightful after-dinner dessert. Serve them chilled, perhaps with a fresh berry garnish, for a truly memorable experience.