Are you looking for a delightful treat that combines the richness of vanilla custard with the crunch of a shortbread crust? Look no further! Today, we are excited to share with you our all-time favorite vanilla custard bars recipe. These bars are a perfect blend of creamy and sweet, making them an irresistible dessert option for any occasion.
Vanilla custard bars are a classic dessert that has been cherished for generations. The combination of a buttery shortbread crust and a smooth, creamy vanilla custard filling creates a mouthwatering experience that is sure to impress family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to enjoy a cozy evening at home, these bars are sure to be a hit.
Here’s what you’ll need to make our vanilla custard bars recipe:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup sugar
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Now, let’s dive into the preparation steps:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set it aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour and salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
4. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the eggs one at a time, being careful to scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
6. Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
7. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the mixture over the cooled crust and spread it out evenly.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
9. Once cooled, transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely. Once chilled, cut into squares and serve.
These vanilla custard bars are best enjoyed chilled, as the flavors will meld together even more. They make a fantastic dessert for any occasion and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out!
