Vanilla Custard Bars

Introduction:

Indulge your taste buds in a luscious journey of flavor with our sensational Vanilla Custard Bars. This unique dessert creation will sweep you away on a blissful cloud of creamy delight, perfectly balanced with a hint of velvety sweetness. Elevate your dessert game and impress your friends and family with this easy-to-follow recipe that promises to tantalize their taste buds.

Ingredients: For the Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

For the Custard Filling:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 vanilla bean (or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract)
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• A pinch of salt

For the Topping:

• Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries) for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and granulated sugar for the crust.
3. Using your fingertips, work the chilled cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a firm and compact layer.
5. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden. Once done, set it aside to cool while you prepare the custard filling.

Step 2: Making the Vanilla Custard Filling

1. In a saucepan, heat the whole milk and heavy cream over medium heat. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds using a knife. Add both the seeds and the pod to the milk mixture, infusing it with rich vanilla flavor. If using vanilla extract, add it later during the tempering process.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
3. Gradually pour the warm milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
4. Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the custard thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Remove the vanilla pod if used.
5. Optional: If using vanilla extract, add it now and stir well.
6. Pour the velvety custard filling over the cooled crust in the baking pan, spreading it out evenly.

Step 3: Baking and Chilling

1. Place the baking pan back into the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the custard is set and has a slight wobble in the center.
2. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
3. Once cooled, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the custard to set perfectly.

Step 4: Serving the Vanilla Custard Bars

1. Carefully lift the custard bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
2. Cut them into delectable squares and dust with confectioners’ sugar for a delightful finishing touch.
3. Garnish with fresh berries, adding a burst of color and tangy sweetness that complements the velvety custard.

Conclusion:

Congratulations! You’ve mastered the art of creating heavenly Vanilla Custard Bars that are sure to leave everyone in awe of your culinary prowess. With a buttery crust, velvety custard filling, and the perfect balance of sweetness, these bars will become a beloved treat for any occasion. So, gather your loved ones and savor each moment as you embark on a journey of delightful flavors with this extraordinary dessert. Enjoy!