The scent of vanilla always brings me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She had this knack for turning simple ingredients into pure magic. I remember one blustery afternoon, my three little ones were restless, bouncing off the walls.

I craved that same comforting magic, but with a modern, simple twist. That day, I pulled out a recipe card, yellowed with age, and tweaked it, creating what quickly became a family favorite: my easy and irresistible Custard Cream Bars Recipe. These bars filled our home with warmth and smiles.

They truly embody everything I believe about food – it’s a tangible expression of love, straightforward yet deeply satisfying. You will discover the joy of baking this delightful Custard Cream Bars Recipe too.

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Why You’ll Love This Custard Cream Bars Recipe

You will absolutely adore this Custard Cream Bars Recipe, just like my family does. First, it offers pure comfort in every single bite. The buttery shortbread crust cradles a luscious, creamy custard filling, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.

Furthermore, this Custard Cream Bars Recipe is surprisingly simple to make. Even on a busy weeknight, you can whip up these impressive treats with minimal fuss. My kids often help me press the crust into the pan, a cherished memory in the making.

Moreover, these bars are incredibly versatile. You can serve them for dessert, bring them to a potluck, or simply enjoy them with your afternoon coffee. They disappear quickly from any gathering.

You will certainly appreciate the straightforward steps involved in mastering this incredible Custard Cream Bars Recipe. Finally, the Custard Cream Bars satisfy that craving for something sweet, rich, and homemade, without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Custard Cream Bars Recipe is easy. Most items are likely already in your pantry! This recipe uses common kitchen staples.

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
All-purpose flour	2 ¼ cups	Divided for crust and filling
Granulated sugar	1 cup	Divided for crust and filling
Unsalted butter	1 cup (2 sticks)	Cold and cut into cubes for the crust
Large eggs	4	Essential for the custard’s richness
Whole milk	2 cups	For a truly creamy custard
Vanilla extract	2 teaspoons	Pure vanilla offers the best flavor
Salt	½ teaspoon	Enhances all the flavors
Powdered sugar	For dusting	Optional, for presentation

You’ll notice how simple the list is, yet it creates such an extraordinary dessert. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the perfection of this Custard Cream Bars Recipe.

Substitutions & Variations

Making this Custard Cream Bars Recipe your own is part of the fun! You can easily adapt it to suit different dietary needs or taste preferences. First, for a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour in both the crust and the filling for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture. Furthermore, if you prefer a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter alternatives for the crust and replace whole milk with a creamy dairy-free milk like full-fat oat milk or cashew milk. The custard will still set beautifully.

Additionally, you can experiment with flavor variations for your Custard Cream Bars Recipe. Consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract instead of vanilla for a distinct nutty flavor. Alternatively, a hint of lemon zest in the custard provides a bright, refreshing twist.

For chocolate lovers, melt two ounces of semi-sweet chocolate and swirl it into the custard just before pouring it over the crust. You can also sprinkle a layer of shredded coconut or finely chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) over the crust before adding the custard for added texture and flavor.

Finally, for an extra layer of decadence, drizzle a caramel sauce or chocolate ganache over the cooled Custard Cream Bars just before serving. These simple changes allow you to customize your Custard Cream Bars Recipe every time you bake them.

Making this Custard Cream Bars Recipe your own is part of the fun! For those seeking a gluten-free option, check out the Gluten Free Bakewell Tart: A Classic Dessert Everyone Can Enjoy for helpful tips on ingredient substitutions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating these delightful Custard Cream Bars is a straightforward process. Follow these steps carefully for the best results.

1. Prepare the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Press this crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. You want a compact crust for your Custard Cream Bars. Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown. Remove the crust from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the custard.

2. Make the Custard Filling:
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Gradually whisk in the whole milk until smooth.

Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes.

Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and cook for another 1 minute, still stirring. Remove the saucepan from the heat. In a separate bowl, whisk the four large eggs.

Gradually temper the eggs by slowly whisking about half a cup of the hot milk mixture into the eggs. This prevents the eggs from scrambling. Then, slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot milk mixture, whisking continuously.

Return the saucepan to low heat. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, until the custard thickens further. Do not let it boil vigorously.

Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This ensures a smooth and creamy Custard Cream Bars Recipe.

3. Assemble and Bake:
Carefully pour the warm custard filling evenly over the partially cooled crust in the baking pan. Return the pan to the oven.

Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the custard is set. You can test for doneness by gently shaking the pan; the center should only jiggle slightly. The edges will appear firm.

4. Cool and Chill:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. Allow the Custard Cream Bars to cool completely at room temperature on a wire rack.

This step is crucial for the bars to set properly. Once cooled, cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the bars for at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling makes them firm and easy to cut.

5. Serve:
Before serving, dust the chilled Custard Cream Bars with powdered sugar, if desired. Cut them into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.

Enjoy these amazing Custard Cream Bars!

Pro Tips for Success

Achieving perfect Custard Cream Bars every time is simple with a few key techniques. First, do not overbake the crust. A light golden brown is sufficient; you do not want it too dry or crumbly.

The crust provides a sturdy base for your Custard Cream Bars. Second, when making the custard, temper your eggs carefully. Whisking a small amount of hot liquid into the eggs slowly prevents them from scrambling.

This creates a beautifully smooth custard filling, which is essential for these Custard Cream Bars. Furthermore, always stir the custard continuously while cooking. This prevents scorching on the bottom and ensures even thickening. A rubber spatula works well for scraping the bottom of the pan.

Achieving perfect Custard Cream Bars every time is simple with a few key techniques. To master your baking skills, explore the tips in our article on Princess Cake: Elegant Swedish Dome for Indulgent Celebrations.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Proper storage ensures your Custard Cream Bars remain fresh and delicious. Once completely cooled, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the bars to an airtight container. Store the Custard Cream Bars in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The cool environment maintains their creamy texture and prevents spoilage.

Freezing is also an excellent option for longer storage. To freeze, wrap individual Custard Cream Bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

When you are ready to enjoy them, thaw the frozen Custard Cream Bars in the refrigerator overnight. You can also let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes for a slightly softer texture. Reheating is not typically necessary for these bars, as they are best served chilled.

However, if you prefer a slightly warmer bar, you can briefly microwave an individual square for 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or the custard might lose its firm texture. Following these tips keeps your Custard Cream Bars perfect every time.

What to Serve With This Recipe

These delightful Custard Cream Bars are wonderful on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments elevates the experience even further. For a classic combination, serve your Custard Cream Bars with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a comforting mug of tea. The slight bitterness of coffee beautifully complements the sweetness of the custard. Alternatively, a tall glass of cold milk makes a perfect pairing, especially for the kids.

These delightful Custard Cream Bars are wonderful on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments elevates the experience even further. For an exceptionally creamy dessert, learn how to make Banana Ice Cream Recipe: Creamy, Simple & Irresistible that perfectly complements these bars.

FAQs

Can I make the Custard Cream Bars Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making these Custard Cream Bars a day in advance is highly recommended. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, and the custard has ample time to set perfectly. This makes them easier to cut and provides the best texture.

Why did my custard not set properly?

Several factors can cause unset custard in your Custard Cream Bars Recipe. You might have removed it from the heat too soon, preventing sufficient thickening. Ensure you cook it until it visibly thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Also, insufficient chilling time can lead to a soft custard. Always allow at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator. Using too little flour or too much milk can also affect the setting.

Can I use a different size baking pan for this Custard Cream Bars Recipe?

You can use a different size pan, but you might need to adjust baking times. A smaller pan will result in thicker bars, requiring a longer baking time. A larger pan will yield thinner bars, which might bake faster.

Always monitor the Custard Cream Bars for doneness (gentle jiggle in the center) rather than strictly adhering to the time. A 9×13 inch pan works best for this specific Custard Cream Bars Recipe.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

To prevent a soggy crust in your Custard Cream Bars, bake the crust first until it’s light golden brown. This pre-baking step, known as blind baking, helps to firm it up before adding the wet custard. Ensure you press the crust mixture firmly into the pan to create a dense, protective layer. A fully chilled crust also helps maintain its integrity.

Custard Cream Bars are a delicious dessert that combines a buttery crust with a smooth custard filling, making them a favorite treat for many. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility, often serving as a comforting dessert during family gatherings or special occasions; learn more about similar recipes through this Dessert connection.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. This information provides a general guide for a serving size of one Custard Cream Bar.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350 kcal
Total Fat	18 g
Saturated Fat	11 g
Cholesterol	100 mg
Sodium	150 mg
Total Carbohydrates	40 g
Dietary Fiber	1 g
Total Sugars	25 g
Protein	7 g