Description
Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are a luscious dessert featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust topped with a smooth, creamy vanilla custard. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat, this recipe combines the rich flavors of vanilla custard with a buttery crust for a decadent yet approachable dessert.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Custard
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until set and golden. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Make the custard base: In a medium saucepan, combine whole milk and heavy cream and heat over medium heat just until it begins to simmer. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, granulated sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and pale.
- Temper the eggs: Slowly pour about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture while whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling. Then pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk.
- Cook the custard: Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook the custard, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula, until it thickens noticeably and coats the back of the spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble and chill: Pour the hot vanilla custard over the cooled graham cracker crust and smooth the top. Cover the pan with plastic wrap directly on the custard surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until fully set.
- Serve: Once chilled and set, cut into squares using a sharp knife. Serve chilled as a creamy, decadent dessert.
Notes
- For a firmer custard, adding cornstarch helps maintain shape when slicing.
- Ensure to whisk continuously when cooking the custard to avoid curdling.
- Press the crust firmly and evenly to prevent it from crumbling when cutting.
- This dessert can be garnished with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for added presentation.
- Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
