Indulge your taste buds with the divine combination of flaky puff pastry and velvety vanilla custard in these delectable Vanilla Custard Bars. This easy-to-follow recipe transforms simple ingredients into a dessert that will leave a lasting impression. Get ready to savor the layers of goodness in every bite!
Ingredients:
- 1 (16-ounce) package of store-bought puff pastry, thawed (two sheets)
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup water
- 2/3 cup fine sugar (caster sugar)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, cubed
- 6 egg yolks, beaten
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat the oven to 350º and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Leave a 2-inch overhang on both sides of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Unroll the puff pastry sheets onto the lined baking sheets. Use a fork to create small holes in the dough without piercing the bottom.
- Optionally, place parchment paper on top of each puff pastry sheet and add another baking sheet as a weight to prevent excessive rising.
- Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the pastry to cool completely.
2. Assembling the Bars:
- If needed, trim the edges of the puff pastry sheets to fit the 9x13-inch baking dish. Place one sheet in the dish.
- In a medium-sized pot, whisk together milk, cream, butter, vanilla, and sugar over medium-low heat until small bubbles appear.
- Create a slurry by whisking flour and water, then add it to the hot milk mixture. Remove the pot from heat.
- Temper the beaten egg yolks by adding a bit of the hot milk mixture, then incorporate them into the pot. Return the pot to the stove and bring to a boil, cooking for 30 to 60 seconds until the custard thickens.
- Pour the thickened custard over the first puff pastry sheet in the baking dish. Top with the second sheet, cutting the edges to fit. Gently press down to adhere.
- Refrigerate the baking dish for 3 to 4 hours until the custard is set.
3. Finishing Touches:
- Dust the chilled custard bars with powdered sugar.
- Cut into squares and serve these heavenly Vanilla Custard Bars to delight your taste buds.
Elevate your dessert game with these Vanilla Custard Bars, where the buttery layers of puff pastry meet the luscious embrace of vanilla custard. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are a true celebration of flavor and texture. Enjoy the delightful process of creating and savoring this heavenly treat!