Irresistible Classic Vanilla Custard Square: A Sweet Homemade Treat

Vanilla custard squares are a classic dessert known for their creamy and timeless flavors.

These tasty treats have been enjoyed in kitchens everywhere for many years.

Layers of rich, smooth custard sit perfectly between delicate pastry layers, creating an unforgettable experience.

The golden filling reflects the art of traditional desserts with its simple yet elegant taste.

Soft and tender pastry surrounds the vanilla-infused cream, offering a moment of pure enjoyment.

People who bake at home and those who create pastries professionally love the straightforward charm of this beloved dessert.

Why Classic Vanilla Custard Square Is A Retro Treat

• Speedy Dessert Delight: A foolproof treat that transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible sweet sensation.
• Quick Kitchen Triumph: Requires minimal baking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Elegance: Delivers a professional-looking dessert that impresses guests without complex techniques.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Refrigerates beautifully overnight, allowing stress-free preparation and perfect texture development.

Ingredients For Classic Vanilla Custard Square

• Puff Pastry Sheets: Crisp foundation for the custard slice, providing a light and flaky texture. Best when using all-butter sheets for rich flavor.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of the slice.

• Milk: Creamy base for the custard, full-fat milk recommended for richness.
• Custard Powder: Creates smooth, classic vanilla custard with minimal effort.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps thicken the custard.

• Icing Sugar: Provides smooth, glossy finish for the slice. Sifting ensures no lumps.
• Water: Helps create perfect spreadable icing consistency.
• Food Coloring (Optional): Adds decorative touch to the slice, completely optional.

How To Bake Classic Vanilla Custard Square

Step 1: Prepare Pastry Sheets

Preheat oven to 180°C. Line baking trays with parchment paper. Use a fork to prick pastry sheets. Cover with another parchment sheet and place a baking tray on top to weigh down. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Allow pastry to cool completely.

Step 2: Set Up Baking Tin

Trim pastry sheets to fit a 20cm square baking tin. Grease and line the tin with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal. Place one pastry sheet into the prepared tin.

Step 3: Create Creamy Custard

• Custard powder
• Milk
• Sugar

Dissolve custard powder in a small amount of milk first. Add remaining milk and sugar. Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly for 5 minutes until mixture thickens. Continue whisking for 2 more minutes after it starts boiling. The custard should become very thick and smooth.

Step 4: Cool And Layer Custard

Let custard cool for 20 minutes, covering with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation. Spread cooled custard evenly over the pastry sheet in the tin.

Step 5: Add Top Pastry Layer

Carefully place the second pastry sheet on top of the custard layer.

Step 6: Prepare Glossy Icing

Sift powdered sugar into a mixing bowl. Add water gradually, stirring until a smooth, spreadable consistency forms. If desired, add food coloring for visual appeal.

Step 7: Finish And Chill

Spread icing evenly over the top pastry layer. Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and set.

Step 8: Slice And Serve

Use a serrated knife to gently score the top icing. Then use a large knife to press down and cut into neat squares. Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, sweet layers.

Tips To Get Classic Vanilla Custard Square Just Right

• Master Pastry Perfection: Prick pastry sheets thoroughly to prevent puffing and ensure an even, crisp base for your custard slice.
• Custard Consistency Trick: Continuously whisk the custard while cooking to prevent lumps and achieve a silky-smooth texture that sets perfectly.
• Chill for Optimal Slicing: Refrigerate the slice for at least 3-4 hours or overnight to allow the custard to set completely and make cutting clean and precise.
• Icing Technique: Add water gradually to the icing sugar to control the consistency, creating a smooth, spreadable topping that sets beautifully on the slice.
• Knife Cutting Hack: Use a serrated knife first to score the top layer, then press down with a large knife for clean, professional-looking slices.

How To Store And Reheat Classic Vanilla Custard Square

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store the custard squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
• Prevent Sogginess: Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to maintain the pastry's crisp texture and prevent sticking.
• Freeze Carefully: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 weeks, though the texture might slightly change upon thawing.
• Reheat Gently: Let frozen squares defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then serve chilled for the best taste and texture.

What To Serve With Classic Vanilla Custard Square

• Brew Complementary Coffee: Select a smooth espresso or medium roast with caramel undertones that will enhance the creamy vanilla sweetness and cut through the rich pastry layers.
• Match Dessert Wines: Choose a chilled muscatel or sweet Sauternes wine that mirrors the custard's delicate vanilla notes and provides a luxurious complementary flavor profile.
• Create Textural Contrast: Serve alongside crunchy toasted almonds or delicate shortbread cookies to add interesting texture and balance the soft, silky custard squares.
• Refresh with Tea: Select a light Earl Grey or chamomile tea to cleanse the palate between bites and provide a subtle aromatic counterpoint to the sweet dessert.

Variations To Try On Classic Vanilla Custard Square

• Gluten-Free Custard Square: Replace regular pastry with gluten-free puff pastry sheets and ensure custard powder is certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute dairy milk with almond, soy, or oat milk and use coconut cream for custard preparation.
• Low-Sugar Option: Replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener and use sugar-free icing sugar alternative for topping.
• Chocolate Lover's Variation: Add cocoa powder to custard mixture and create chocolate icing for a rich, decadent version of the classic dessert.

Common Questions About Classic Vanilla Custard Square

• Can I use store-bought custard instead of making my own?

No, homemade custard is crucial for this recipe’s authentic flavor and texture. Making custard from scratch ensures a rich, creamy consistency that pre-made versions can’t match.

• How do I prevent my pastry from becoming soggy?

Thoroughly bake the pastry sheets until golden and crisp. Prick the pastry with a fork and use a weighted baking tray during initial baking to maintain a crisp base. Let pastry cool completely before adding custard.

• What's the best way to get clean, neat slices?

Use a serrated knife to gently score the top icing layer first, then use a large sharp knife to press down and cut through the entire slice. Clean the knife between cuts for smooth, professional-looking squares.

• Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this custard slice actually improves when refrigerated overnight. The flavors meld together, and the pastry softens slightly, creating a more delicious texture. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Tempting Classic Vanilla Custard Square Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Silky smooth Classic Vanilla Custard Square promises pure pastry perfection from French bakery traditions. Delicate layers of buttery puff pastry cradle rich vanilla custard, inviting you to savor each heavenly bite with delightful culinary elegance.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 610 grams (2 ½ cups) milk
• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
• 65 grams (½ cup) custard powder
• 55 grams (¼ cup) caster sugar

Icing Ingredients:

• 500 grams (2 ½ cups) icing sugar mixture
• 50–75 grams (4–5 tablespoons) water
• 1–2 drops pink food coloring (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pastry foundation by heating the oven to 180°C, ensuring an even, golden-brown bake for the delicate sheets.
2. Pierce the pastry with a fork to prevent uneven rising, then layer with protective parchment and weighted tray to maintain a crisp, flat surface.
3. Bake until the pastry achieves a rich, golden hue, then allow complete cooling to room temperature.
4. Precision-trim the pastry sheets to perfectly match the 20cm square baking tin, creating a smooth, professional base.
5. Carefully position the first pastry layer into the meticulously prepared tin, creating a sturdy foundation for the creamy filling.
6. Craft the luscious custard by dissolving custard powder in a portion of milk, creating a smooth, lump-free mixture.
7. Gradually incorporate remaining milk and sugar, heating and whisking constantly to develop a velvety, thick consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
8. Allow the custard to cool slightly, covering with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation and maintain its silky texture.
9. Gently spread the cooled custard across the pastry base, ensuring an even, luxurious layer that will delight the palate.
10. Crown the creation with the second pastry sheet, creating a delicate sandwich of crisp and creamy textures.
11. Prepare the finishing glaze by sifting icing sugar into a pristine bowl, transforming it into a glossy, smooth topping.
12. Gradually introduce water, stirring until the icing reaches a perfectly spreadable consistency, adding optional food coloring for visual appeal.
13. Lavishly coat the top with the prepared icing, then refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set completely.
14. When ready to serve, employ a serrated knife for an initial gentle cut through the top layer, followed by a decisive press to create clean, elegant slices.

Notes

• Ensure pastry is evenly pricked to prevent uneven rising and create a crisp, golden base that supports the creamy custard layer.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother custard texture and prevent lumps when mixing milk and custard powder.
• Whisk continuously while cooking custard to achieve a silky, thick consistency without burning or creating unwanted skin on top.
• Allow custard to cool slightly before spreading to prevent melting the past

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 352
• Sugar: 43g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 57g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg