Here’s a comforting, bakery-style dessert that layers flaky pastry with silky vanilla custard and a creamy topping—perfect for gatherings or tea time.
🍰 Vanilla Custard Cream Squares
Ingredients
For the base & top:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (or 2 if making top and bottom layers)
For the custard filling:
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the cream layer:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional topping:
- Powdered sugar or a light icing drizzle
Instructions
1. Bake the pastry
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Roll out puff pastry and place on a baking tray.
- Prick with a fork to prevent puffing too much.
- Bake until golden and crisp (about 15–20 minutes).
- Let cool completely.
2. Make the custard
- In a bowl, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks with a little milk.
- Heat remaining milk in a saucepan until warm.
- Slowly pour into the egg mixture while whisking.
- Return to heat and cook until thick and smooth.
- Stir in butter and vanilla.
- Let it cool slightly (cover surface to prevent skin).
3. Prepare whipped cream
- Beat cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
4. Assemble
- Place one pastry layer as the base.
- Spread custard evenly.
- Add whipped cream layer on top.
- Cover with second pastry sheet (optional).
5. Chill & serve
- Refrigerate for 2–3 hours to set.
- Dust with powdered sugar before cutting into squares.
💡 Tips
- For clean slices, chill well and use a sharp knife.
- You can skip the top pastry and just pipe cream for a softer dessert.
- Add fruit like strawberries or mango for a fresh twist.
If you want, I can give you a no-oven version or a version using biscuits instead of puff pastry.