Description
Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are a delightful pastry treat featuring crisp, golden puff pastry layers filled with a rich, creamy homemade vanilla custard. This elegant dessert combines flaky textures with smooth, sweet custard, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
Custard Filling
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 8 eggs, separated
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pastry: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Shape the Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Cut into 8 to 12 squares depending on your preferred size. Prick each square with a fork to allow steam to escape and ensure a crisp texture during baking.
- Bake Pastry: Place the puff pastry squares on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn golden brown and crisp. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack to maintain crispness.
- Make the Custard: In a medium saucepan, heat the whole milk over medium heat until steaming but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, salt, and egg yolks until completely smooth. Slowly add the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to prevent curdling. Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the custard thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and allow to cool slightly.
- Assemble: Once the puff pastry squares are completely cooled, carefully slice each one in half horizontally. Spoon a generous amount of the slightly cooled vanilla custard onto the bottom half of each square, then place the top half back on to form a sandwich.
- Serve: Optionally dust the assembled custard squares with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Serve chilled or at room temperature according to preference.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is thoroughly thawed before rolling to prevent tearing.
- Pricking the pastry with a fork helps avoid puffing up too much and keeps the squares flat and crisp.
- Whisk the hot milk slowly into the egg mixture to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely, which could result in lumps.
- Allow the custard to cool slightly before assembling to prevent soggy pastry.
- Store leftover custard squares refrigerated and consume within 2 days for best quality.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
