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Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe

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4.4 from 131 reviews

Delightfully light and elegant Vanilla Custard Cream Squares featuring flaky puff pastry layers sandwiched with creamy, homemade vanilla custard and whipped cream. Perfect for a sophisticated dessert that is both impressive and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry

  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed)

Vanilla Custard

  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Whipped Cream

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Finishing

  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a floured surface and gently roll it out to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into evenly sized squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
  2. Bake the Pastry Squares: Place the pastry squares on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Prick the center of each square with a fork to prevent excessive puffing. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and puffed. Remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
  3. Make the Vanilla Custard: In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened and bubbling. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks. Temper the yolks by slowly whisking in the hot milk mixture to avoid curdling. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook for 1-2 minutes more until thick enough to coat a spoon. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, then cover with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface and chill for at least 1 hour.
  4. Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Avoid over-beating to prevent clumping.
  5. Assemble the Squares: Place one pastry square on a serving plate, spread a generous layer of chilled vanilla custard leaving borders around the edges. Spoon a heaping amount of whipped cream on top of the custard. Top with another pastry square to create a sandwich. Repeat with remaining squares and fillings.
  6. Finishing Touches: Optionally dust the assembled squares with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. You may also add melted chocolate drizzle, fresh berries, or chopped nuts as desired.

Notes

  • Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling to prevent cracking.
  • Pressing plastic wrap directly onto the custard prevents skin formation.
  • Temper the egg yolks carefully by gradually adding hot milk mixture to avoid scrambled eggs.
  • Chill the custard thoroughly for the best texture and ease of assembly.
  • Customize toppings with fruits or chocolate for added flavor and presentation appeal.

Keywords: vanilla custard, cream squares, puff pastry dessert, custard cream, whipped cream dessert, elegant dessert, baked puff pastry

Find it online: https://thedishspot.com/vanilla-custard-cream-squares-recipe/