Name: Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; ⅓ cup melted butter; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 5 large egg yolks; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 7 reviews

I just adore sharing this Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe with you because it’s one of those delightful treats that feels both nostalgic and indulgently luscious all at once. The creamy, velvety custard layered over a buttery, crunchy crust creates a harmony of textures and flavors that always brings a warm smile to my face. Whether I’m making it for a casual family dinner or a special gathering, these squares never fail to impress with their classic vanilla richness and satisfying sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe

What really captivates me about this Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe is how beautifully smooth and rich the custard turns out every single time. The blend of whole milk, heavy cream, and egg yolks creates a custard that’s silky without being too heavy, while the vanilla flavor is perfectly pronounced but never overpowering. It’s the kind of dessert that comforts you, making each bite feel like a cozy hug.

Another reason I’m so enthusiastic about this recipe is how straightforward it is to prepare. You don’t need any fancy equipment or exotic ingredients—just pantry staples that come together quickly. Plus, you can easily make it ahead of time, which means less stress when you’re entertaining. Honestly, I find it hard to think of a better dessert for everything from afternoon tea to festive celebrations. It stands out because it’s timeless, yet always feels special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a creamy, thick yellow mixture that has small black specks of vanilla throughout. A metal whisk with a black handle rests inside the bowl, holding some of the smooth, glossy mixture on its wires. The mixture is swirled in the bowl, showing a soft, rich texture with gentle peaks and folds. The light reflects gently on the creamy surface, emphasizing its smooth and dense consistency. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully simple but each plays a crucial role in bringing out the perfect flavor and texture. The graham cracker crumbs give you that irresistible crunch for the crust, while the blend of milk, cream, and egg yolks creates that luscious custard filling that’s rich and creamy with a stunning vanilla aroma.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Graham cracker crumbs: They create a buttery, crunchy base that balances the smooth custard.
Melted butter: Helps bind the crust crumbs together and adds richness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both crust and custard, giving just the right amount of sweetness.
Whole milk: Provides creaminess without heaviness, perfect for custard.
Heavy cream: Adds a luscious, velvety texture that makes the custard extra special.
Large egg yolks: The backbone of the custard, giving it body and that lovely yellow color.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or lightly grease a square baking pan to make sure your custard squares release easily after baking.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated and the mixture sticks together when pressed.

Step 3: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake this in the oven for about 10 minutes, until it’s lightly golden and fragrant. Let it cool while you prepare the custard.

Step 4: In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine whole milk, heavy cream, and ¾ cup granulated sugar. Warm the mixture gently, stirring occasionally, until it’s just about to simmer—do not let it boil.

Step 5: While the milk mixture is warming, whisk the egg yolks in a separate bowl until smooth and pale. Slowly pour about half a cup of the warm milk mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to temper them and prevent scrambling.

Step 6: Pour the tempered egg yolks back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Lower the heat and cook gently, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step; patience is key for perfect custard.

Step 7: Once thickened, remove the custard from heat and pour it immediately over the cooled graham cracker crust. Spread gently and evenly with a spatula.

Step 8: Let the custard layer cool to room temperature, then refrigerate the squares for at least 4 hours—or better yet, overnight—until fully set.

Step 9: When ready to serve, cut into neat squares with a sharp knife. For a clean cut, rinse the knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts.

Servings and Timing

This Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe makes about 9 generous servings, perfect for sharing at any gathering. Preparation time is around 15 minutes, with about 10 minutes for baking the crust. The custard cooking takes roughly 10 minutes, and you’ll need at least 4 hours of chilling time, meaning total time is around 4 hours and 35 minutes. The chilling step is crucial to let the custard firm up into those perfectly sliceable squares.

How to Serve This Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe

A close-up image of a square slice of a layered dessert shows two thin, light golden-brown flaky pastry layers on the top and bottom, with a thick creamy yellow custard filling in the middle. The top pastry layer is dusted lightly with white powdered sugar. The pastry layers have a crisp texture with visible thin sheets, while the custard filling looks smooth and creamy with a pale yellow color. The dessert is placed on brown parchment paper over a wooden surface with a soft-focused dark background. Some of the creamy custard has spilled slightly onto the parchment paper. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving these custard squares, I love presenting them chilled for a refreshing, silky treat. They’re wonderful alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea, which perfectly balances the sweetness and richness. For a little extra flair, I often garnish each square with a dusting of cinnamon or a few fresh berries on top to add color and a tart contrast that wakes up your palate.

This dessert is ideal for a variety of occasions. Whether it’s a casual weekend get-together or a festive holiday dinner, these squares add a touch of elegance without fuss. If you want to make it extra special for a party, try arranging the squares on a pretty platter with edible flowers or a drizzle of caramel sauce alongside. I also find that these custard squares pair beautifully with light sparkling wines or chilled dessert wines, but they’re just as lovely with a sparkling water infused with lemon or mint.

If you’re after a cozy after-dinner treat, serving them at room temperature allows the flavors to bloom even more, inviting you to savor every bite. I usually cut the squares into moderate-sized portions to keep the experience indulgent yet balanced, so each serving feels just right.

Variations

I’m always excited to tinker with this Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or crushed nuts—it works beautifully and adds a slightly different crunch. For those wanting to keep it dairy-free, almond or oat milk paired with full-fat coconut cream can replace the milk and heavy cream, though the custard will have a subtle nutty undertone.

If you’re looking to mix up the flavors, adding a splash of almond extract or stirring in some finely grated lemon zest into the custard brings a fresh brightness that cuts through the richness wonderfully. Another fun twist is layering in a thin spread of fruit preserves between the crust and custard, like raspberry or apricot, for a bit of fruity surprise.

For a different cooking method, I’ve also steamed the custard mixture in a water bath instead of cooking it on the stove, which creates an ultra-smooth consistency reminiscent of flan. This method requires a bit more time but yields a wonderfully delicate texture that’s worth trying if you want to explore new custard techniques.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I find it best to store leftover Vanilla Custard Cream Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keeping them chilled helps maintain the custard’s smooth texture and keeps the crust crisp. Properly stored, these squares will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, though they’re usually devoured long before that!

Freezing

Freezing custard can be tricky because of the eggs and dairy, which might cause the texture to become grainy upon thawing. However, if you want to freeze these squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They should keep well for up to one month. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator to minimize texture changes.

Reheating

I don’t recommend reheating Vanilla Custard Cream Squares in the microwave or oven because the custard can curdle or separate. Instead, enjoy them straight from the fridge or at room temperature. If you prefer a slightly warmer treat, let the squares sit out for about 15 to 20 minutes before serving to take the chill off and enhance the custard’s creamy flavor.

FAQs

Can I use instant pudding mix instead of making custard from scratch?

While instant pudding mix can be a quick shortcut, it won’t deliver the same depth of flavor or smooth texture as homemade custard. The egg yolks and slow cooking bring that authentic richness and creaminess which defines this recipe.

What type of vanilla is best for this recipe?

I recommend using pure vanilla extract for the best flavor—about one to two teaspoons depending on your preference. If you have a vanilla bean on hand, you can scrape the seeds into the custard for an extra-special touch that makes the vanilla flavor truly pop.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! You can replace the dairy with plant-based milks like almond or oat milk and use a suitable vegan egg substitute, such as silken tofu blended with turmeric for color or a commercial vegan custard base. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will differ from the original but can still be very delicious.

How thick should the custard be before pouring it over the crust?

The custard should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and hold a clear line when you run your finger through it. If it’s still runny, keep stirring over low heat a bit longer, but be careful not to overcook, or it might scramble.

Is it possible to add a topping to these custard squares?

Absolutely! Lightly whipped cream, fresh berries, a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce all work wonderfully. Toppings add visual appeal and extra layers of flavor, making this dessert even more irresistible.

Conclusion

I hope you feel inspired to try this Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe because it’s truly one of my all-time favorites that never fails to delight. The combination of creamy custard and crisp crust is just heavenly, and it’s so rewarding to make a homemade dessert that tastes elegant but feels comforting. Pour yourself a cup of tea, slice up a square, and enjoy that perfect moment of sweetness. You deserve it!