These Vanilla Custard Bars are a delightful combination of a buttery, tender crust and a rich, creamy custard filling. The crust provides a perfect foundation with its subtle sweetness and slight crispness, contrasting beautifully with the smooth, velvety custard that melts in your mouth with each bite. Enhanced by the fragrant vanilla, these bars offer a comforting and elegant treat that is sure to impress. Whether enjoyed as a simple dessert after dinner or as a luxurious snack with a cup of tea, these Vanilla Custard Bars are bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Custard Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
For the Crust:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until combined. Add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
- Press the Dough: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
- Bake the Crust: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
For the Custard Filling:
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until well combined. Add the flour, milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour the Filling: Pour the custard filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the custard is set and lightly golden on top. The filling should no longer jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Chill the Bars: Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to allow the custard to set fully.
- Cut and Serve: Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into squares or bars. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
