Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are like little bites of heaven, soft and creamy with a silky texture that dances on your tongue. Imagine sinking your teeth into a luscious square of vanilla bliss, where the sweetness is perfectly balanced with just a hint of richness. These squares bring back sweet memories of family gatherings—when we all gathered around the table, sharing laughter and stories while indulging in homemade treats. creamy Tuscan garlic chicken The aroma wafting through the kitchen was always irresistible, making it impossible to wait for dessert.
Perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a tea party or simply want to impress your friends at game night, Vanilla Custard Cream Squares deliver an unforgettable flavor experience. Prepare to be amazed by how easy it is to whip up this delightful treat that adds a touch of elegance to any gathering.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- You can make these squares quickly with minimal ingredients and effort.
- They have a delightful vanilla flavor that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
- Their beautiful presentation makes them perfect for serving at parties or special occasions.
- These squares are versatile enough to add your favorite toppings or variations!
Ingredients for Vanilla Custard Cream Squares
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Milk: Use whole milk for extra creaminess, but any milk will work if you’re looking for a lighter option.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetener brings out the vanilla flavor and balances the creaminess.
- Vanilla Extract: Choose pure vanilla extract for an authentic flavor that elevates your squares.
- Cornstarch: This thickening agent gives the custard its smooth texture and helps set everything together.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and enhances the overall flavor of the custard.
For the Crust:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: These provide a crunchy base that contrasts nicely with the creamy filling.
- Granulated Sugar (for crust): Just a bit more sugar adds sweetness to balance the graham crackers’ slight saltiness.
- Melted Butter (for crust): Helps bind the crumbs together while adding richness to every bite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Vanilla Custard Cream Squares
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well-blended. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an ungreased baking dish. For more inspiration, check out this Marbled Valentine Sugar Cookies recipe.
Step 2: Mix the Custard
In another bowl, whisk together milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps—this is key for that dreamy texture!
Step 3: Cook the Custard
Pour the mixture into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until it thickens—about five minutes should do it! Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in unsalted butter until melted and fully incorporated.
Step 4: Assemble
Pour the creamy custard over your prepared graham cracker crust evenly. Smooth out with a spatula so every square will have that velvety filling.
Step 5: Chill
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight if you can resist! This step is crucial; it allows everything to set properly.
Step 6: Serve
Once chilled, cut into squares and serve on elegant plates. You might want to sprinkle some fresh fruit or whipped cream on top—just saying!
Now sit back and watch as your friends marvel at your culinary skills while you take all the credit! Enjoy your Vanilla Custard Cream Squares with some coffee or tea for the ultimate treat experience!
You Must Know
- These Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are not just a dessert; they’re a delightful treat that transforms any ordinary day into a special occasion.
- With their creamy texture and sweet vanilla flavor, they’ll charm your taste buds and impress your guests with ease.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the custard first, allowing it to cool while you make the crust. Bake the crust until golden, then blend it all into a sweet masterpiece.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap vanilla extract for almond or hazelnut extract for a twist. You can also sprinkle some fresh fruit on top or even a dash of cocoa powder for added flair.
Storing & Reheating
Store these squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. They taste best cold but can be enjoyed at room temperature too!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the creamiest custard, ensure you whisk continuously while heating to prevent lumps.
- Using fresh eggs makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.
- Don’t rush cooling; let them chill properly in the fridge for optimal firmness.
Sometimes, I whip up these squares for family gatherings, and watching my kids devour them with delight is pure joy. Their happy faces are worth every minute spent in the kitchen!
FAQs:
How do I make Vanilla Custard Cream Squares?
To create Vanilla Custard Cream Squares, start by preparing a simple custard using milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cornstarch for thickening. Cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens, then pour it into a pre-baked crust made from flour and butter. pecan caramel baklava cups gooey butter pecan cake Chill the squares in the refrigerator until set. Once firm, cut them into squares and serve chilled for a delightful dessert.
Can I use different flavors in my custard?
Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on vanilla, you can experiment with various flavors to create unique Vanilla Custard Cream Squares. Consider using almond extract, lemon zest, or even cocoa powder for a chocolate twist. Just remember to balance the flavor intensity so that it complements the sweetness of the custard.
How should I store Vanilla Custard Cream Squares?
Store your Vanilla Custard Cream Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within three to four days after preparation. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn and maintain their creamy texture upon thawing.
Can I make these squares gluten-free?
Yes! To make gluten-free Vanilla Custard Cream Squares, simply substitute regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the crust. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy delicious custard squares without compromising dietary needs.
Conclusion for Vanilla Custard Cream Squares:
In summary, Vanilla Custard Cream Squares offer a delightful treat that balances creamy texture with rich vanilla flavor. This recipe allows for flexibility with flavors and accommodates dietary preferences easily. By following simple steps and using accessible ingredients, you can create a satisfying dessert that everyone will love. Enjoy these squares chilled to appreciate their full taste, making them perfect for any occasion! For more inspiration, check out this Starbucks Cake Pops Recipe recipe.

Vanilla Custard Cream Squares
Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are a heavenly dessert that perfectly combines a velvety vanilla custard with a crunchy graham cracker crust. Each square delivers a delightful balance of sweetness and richness, making them ideal for any occasion, from tea parties to family gatherings. Easy to prepare and elegantly presented, these squares evoke cherished memories and are sure to impress your guests with their creamy texture and irresistible flavor.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 squares 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for crust)
- 6 tbsp melted butter (for crust)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, 2 tbsp sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press into the bottom of an ungreased baking dish.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, 3/4 cup sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until thickened (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted.
- Pour custard over the prepared crust and smooth it out evenly.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight.
- Once chilled, cut into squares and serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: For added flavor variations, try swapping vanilla extract with almond or hazelnut extract. Top with fresh fruit or cocoa powder for an extra touch of elegance.