Description
Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are a creamy, layered dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust, silky vanilla custard filling, and fluffy whipped topping. Elegant yet easy, they’re perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Custard Layer:
- 3 cups whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Cream Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 23×23 cm (9×9 inch) baking dish.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Press mixture into the bottom of the dish to form a crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool completely.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until it begins to thicken.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks lightly. Slowly add a small amount of the hot mixture to the yolks, whisking constantly to temper.
- Return the yolk mixture to the saucepan. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes until thick and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract.
- Pour the custard over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to set.
- In a bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Spread whipped cream over the chilled custard. Chill for another 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers if preferred.
- Dust the top with cocoa powder or grated chocolate for extra flavor.
- To slice cleanly, use a sharp knife and wipe between cuts.
- Low-fat milk can be used but will reduce creaminess.
- To make egg-free, use an additional tablespoon of cornstarch in place of egg yolks.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
