Vanilla Custard Cream Squares – Easy Homemade

Vanilla Custard Cream Squares combine a crunchy graham cracker crust with a smooth, creamy vanilla custard filling, topped with light whipped cream.

This dessert offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that satisfy sweet cravings. The main specialty lies in its rich, velvety custard that sets firmly yet remains soft, making each bite luscious.

Now, a clear and easy-to-follow step-by-step guide will be provided to prepare this delicious Vanilla Custard Cream Squares from start to finish.

Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

This Vanilla Custard Cream Squares recipe brings together a crunchy graham cracker crust, a smooth vanilla custard filling, and a light whipped cream topping.

The custard is made by gently cooking egg yolks, milk, cream, sugar, and cornstarch to create a thick, velvety texture with a pure vanilla flavor.

The crust adds a buttery, slightly sweet base that balances the creamy filling. This dessert is simple to prepare but impressive to serve, offering a delicious combination of textures and tastes.

Vanilla Custard Cream Squares a great choice for a refreshing, elegant dessert that can be made ahead and enjoyed by family and friends.

How To Prepare Vanilla Custard Cream Squares?

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Chilling time: 3 hours (not including prep and cooking)

Total time: Approximately 3 hours 40 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320 per serving (estimate)

Yield: 12 squares (depending on serving size)

Kitchen Utensils

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Medium saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×9 inch baking pan
• Spatula
• Electric mixer or hand whisk (for whipped cream)
• Fine mesh sieve (optional, for smoothing custard)

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the custard:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 5 large egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the whipped cream topping:

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Make the crust

In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until everything is well combined and the crumbs stick together when you press them. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking pan so it forms an even layer. Pop it in the fridge while you get the custard ready.

Step 2: Warm up the milk and cream

In a saucepan, pour in the whole milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, just until it’s warm and the sugar dissolves—don’t let it boil.

Step 3: Mix the eggs and cornstarch

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth and lighter in color. Slowly add about half a cup of the warm milk mixture into the eggs while whisking constantly. This step warms the eggs gently so they don’t scramble.

Step 4: Cook the custard

Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk. Keep cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (this usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes). Take it off the heat, stir in the vanilla, and if you want it super smooth, strain it through a fine mesh sieve.

Step 5: Put it all together and chill

Pour the custard over your chilled crust and spread it out evenly. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until the custard is firm.

Step 6: Make the whipped cream and serve

Right before you’re ready to eat, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until it holds stiff peaks. Spread or pipe the whipped cream on top of the custard. Slice into squares and serve cold.

Why My Recipe Works

This Vanilla Custard Cream Squares recipe works because it uses a reliable combination of simple, balanced ingredients and clear, tested techniques.

The graham cracker crust holds together firmly with just the right amount of butter and sugar. The custard is rich and smooth, thickened with cornstarch and egg yolks for stability and creaminess without becoming too heavy.

The gentle cooking method prevents curdling, while the whipped cream topping adds a light, airy finish. Each layer complements the other, creating a dessert that’s satisfying, consistent, and delicious every time.

My Favorite Ways To Serve It Up

I love serving Vanilla Custard Cream Squares well-chilled so the layers hold perfectly. For a beautiful presentation, I add a few fresh strawberries or blueberries on top.

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey gives it an extra special touch. For gatherings, I cut the squares into smaller bite-sized pieces and place them in mini cupcake liners.

Sometimes I even add a touch of grated chocolate or a mint leaf to make it look elegant and inviting. Every way feels special and always tastes amazing.

Best Variations Of Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

● Chocolate Custard Squares: Replace 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with unsweetened cocoa powder and add ½ cup melted dark chocolate to the custard for a rich, chocolate twist.

● Lemon Custard Squares: Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the custard for a tangy, refreshing flavor.

● Coconut Cream Squares: Stir ½ cup shredded coconut into the custard and top with toasted coconut flakes for added texture and tropical flavor.

● Berry Swirl Custard Squares: Swirl in ¼ cup of berry compote or jam before chilling the custard layer for a fruity finish and vibrant color.

● Espresso Vanilla Squares: Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder to the custard to give a subtle coffee note that pairs beautifully with the vanilla and cream.

Health Benefits of Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

While Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are a dessert meant for indulgence, they can offer a few modest health benefits when enjoyed in moderation.

The custard contains egg yolks, which are a source of protein, vitamins A, D, and B12, and essential fatty acids. Milk and cream provide calcium and vitamin D, important for bone health.

Vanilla extract may have antioxidant properties. Though high in sugar and fat, enjoying this dessert occasionally as part of a balanced diet can satisfy sweet cravings while still offering small nutritional value from whole ingredients.

Expert Tips

1. Let the egg yolks sit out for a few minutes before you start. Room temperature eggs mix more easily with the warm milk and help create smoother custard.

2. Cook the custard over medium heat and stir constantly. If you turn up the heat too high, it might curdle or burn. Patience pays off here.

3. When adding the warm milk to the egg yolks, does it slowly while whisking constantly. This gentle process prevents the eggs from cooking too quickly (aka scrambling).

4. Even if your custard looks smooth, straining it through a fine mesh sieve removes any small lumps or bits of cooked egg worth the extra step.

5. Give the custard enough time to fully set in the fridge (at least 3 hours, overnight is even better). This helps the bars hold their shape when sliced.

How To Make It More Delicious

1. Add a layer of chocolate: Melt some dark or semi-sweet chocolate and spread a thin layer over the graham cracker crust before adding the custard. It adds richness and a nice snap when chilled.

2. Use browned butter in the crust: Instead of just melting the butter, take a few extra minutes to brown it on the stove. It gives the crust a nutty, toasty flavor that adds depth.

3. Infuse the milk mixture: Steep a cinnamon stick, a few pieces of orange peel, or a split vanilla bean in the milk and cream while it heats. Just remove before adding the eggs. This adds a subtle, aromatic flavor to the custard.

4. Add a fruit layer: Before pouring the custard, scatter fresh berries (like raspberries or sliced strawberries) or a thin layer of fruit jam over the crust. It adds a fresh, juicy contrast to the creamy custard.

5. Salted caramel drizzle: Drizzle homemade or store-bought salted caramel over the top of the whipped cream, or even in between the custard and cream layers. That sweet-salty combo is hard to beat.

Proper Storage For Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

Store the Vanilla Custard Cream Squares covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing any fridge odors. Keep them refrigerated at all times to maintain the custard’s creamy texture and freshness.

They will stay best for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as the custard and whipped cream can separate or become watery when thawed.

Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes for a softer, creamier bite. Always use a clean knife when cutting to keep the dessert neat and fresh.

FAQs About Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

Conclusion

This Vanilla Custard Cream Squares recipe is easy to make and delicious to enjoy at any moment. Its creamy custard and crunchy crust create a perfect balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love.

I hope you try making it soon and experience how wonderful it tastes fresh from your kitchen. After you make it, please share how delicious it turned out and how much you enjoyed every bite.

This Vanilla Custard Cream Squares is sure to become a favorite treat for many occasions.

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