1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Mix in the egg yolk. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together and is moist but not sticky.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Bake the Crust:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the custard filling.
3. Make the Custard Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it is steaming but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch. Add the egg yolks and whisk until smooth.
- Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and begins to boil. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Pour the custard filling over the slightly cooled crust and spread it evenly.
4. Chill and Set:
- Allow the custard cream squares to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the custard is fully set.
5. Serve:
- Once chilled and set, lift the squares out of the baking dish using the parchment paper (if used) and cut into squares.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired and garnish with fresh berries.
Tips for Perfect Vanilla Custard Cream Squares
- Cold Butter: Ensure the butter is cold when making the crust. This helps achieve a flaky texture.
- Prevent Curdling: Whisking constantly when combining hot milk with the egg mixture helps prevent curdling.
- Thickening the Custard: Cook the custard mixture until it thickens and just begins to boil. This ensures the custard sets properly.
- Chilling Time: Allow ample time for chilling the custard cream squares. This helps the custard set and makes cutting into neat squares easier.
- Serving Suggestions: These squares are delicious on their own or with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are a classic dessert that delivers on both taste and presentation. Their smooth, creamy custard filling and crisp, buttery crust make them a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the rich flavors and delightful texture of these delectable squares!