Vanilla Custard Bars

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with our Classic Vanilla Custard Bars recipe! These heavenly treats combine the rich creaminess of custard with the buttery flakiness of puff pastry, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re craving a decadent dessert for a special occasion or simply looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, these custard bars are sure to impress. Join us as we delve into the delightful world of pastry-making and unlock the secrets to creating these irresistible treats.

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 oz.) package store-bought puff pastry, 2 sheets, thawed
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup water
• 2/3 cup caster sugar, or superfine sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cubed
• 6 egg yolks, beaten
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar, as needed

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out one sheet of puff pastry and place it in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a fork to prick the pastry all over. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
2. Make the Custard: In a saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and water. Heat over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the caster sugar and all-purpose flour. Gradually add the sugar-flour mixture to the warm milk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
4. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cubed unsalted butter until melted. Gradually whisk in the beaten egg yolks, one at a time, until fully incorporated.
6. Return the saucepan to the heat and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the custard is thick and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Assemble the Bars: Pour the custard over the baked puff pastry in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top of the custard layer.
8. Bake: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top pastry layer is golden brown and crispy.
9. Cool and Serve: Remove the custard bars from the oven and let them cool to room temperature. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar and cut into squares or bars. Serve and enjoy!

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Chill Before Serving: For best results, chill the custard bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This will allow the custard to set fully and make it easier to slice into neat squares.
• Fruit Topping: For an extra burst of flavor, top the custard bars with fresh berries or sliced fruit before serving. The tartness of the fruit will complement the sweetness of the custard beautifully.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled custard bars before dusting with powdered sugar. This adds a rich and indulgent touch to the dessert.

Keto and Low Carb Versions:

• Keto-Friendly: To make a keto-friendly version of these custard bars, substitute the puff pastry with a low-carb almond flour crust. You can also use a sugar substitute such as erythritol or stevia in place of the caster sugar to reduce the carb content.
• Low Carb Option: For a lower-carb option, use a thinner layer of puff pastry or skip the pastry altogether and pour the custard into individual ramekins for crustless custard cups. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the custard or use a sugar-free sweetener.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought? A: Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will work just as well in this recipe. Just make sure to roll it out to the correct size and thickness before baking.

Q: Can I make these custard bars in advance? A: Yes, you can make the custard bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to dust with powdered sugar right before serving.

Q: Can I freeze leftover custard bars? A: While these custard bars are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.

In conclusion, our Classic Vanilla Custard Bars recipe is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy custard filling and flaky puff pastry crust, this dessert is sure to please even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it as a sweet treat with your morning coffee, these custard bars are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. So why wait? Treat yourself to a taste of luxury with these heavenly custard bars today!