Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup powdered sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Custard Filling:
2 cups whole milk
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For Topping (optional):
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Fresh berries or fruit, for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch (or similar size) baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
Add the softened butter and mix until crumbly and combined.
Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish evenly to form the crust.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove and let cool slightly.
Prepare the Custard Filling:
In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk to combine.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and begins to boil. This may take around 5-7 minutes. Once it starts to thicken, continue to cook for about 1-2 minutes more to ensure everything is well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually add about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture to the egg yolks while whisking continuously (this tempers the eggs and prevents them from scrambling).
Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk mixture, whisking to combine.
Continue to cook for another minute, stirring until the mixture is thick and smooth.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until melted and well-mixed.
Assemble the Bars:
Pour the custard filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
Let the bars cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours to set completely.
Serve:
Once set, cut into squares or bars.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving and garnish with fresh berries or fruit if desired.
Enjoy your delicious vanilla custard bars! They are creamy, sweet, and simply irresistible. Perfect for sharing or enjoying by yourself with a nice cup of tea or coffee.