Vanilla Custard Cream Squares (Flaky, Creamy, and Dreamy)

These Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are a dessert-lover’s dream. Light, crisp puff pastry sandwiches a smooth and decadent vanilla custard for a bakery-style treat that looks impressive but comes together easily.

With just a few pantry staples and a shortcut puff pastry base, this dessert is all about texture and elegance—perfect for tea parties, special occasions, or any time you need a creamy, sweet fix.

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Why I Love This Recipe

It’s got all the elements I adore in a dessert:

🥐 Buttery, flaky pastry
🍮 Silky homemade vanilla custard
❄️ A chilled, refreshing finish
✨ Dusting of powdered sugar for visual charm
👩‍🍳 Minimal effort, maximum reward

Just like Banana Pudding or No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie, this one balances richness with lightness in the best way.

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🛒 Ingredients

• 1 package puff pastry sheets (2 sheets)
• 2 cups milk
• ¾ cup sugar
• 3 large egg yolks
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

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🥄 Ingredient Notes & Tips

• Puff pastry: Let thaw in the fridge before using. Roll gently if needed.
• Cornstarch: Key for thickening the custard without flour.
• Milk: Whole milk gives the richest texture.
• Vanilla: Use real extract or paste for best flavor.
• Powdered sugar: Dust just before serving for that picture-perfect finish.

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👨‍🍳 How to Make Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

1. Bake the Puff Pastry

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Unfold puff pastry sheets and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Prick lightly with a fork and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and puffed. Cool completely.

2. Make the Custard

In a medium saucepan, heat milk and sugar over medium heat until warm but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly whisk warm milk into the egg mixture to temper it.

Return everything to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened—about 4–6 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let cool to room temp.

3. Assemble the Squares

Slice each puff pastry sheet into equal squares (about 9–12 total per sheet). Spoon custard onto one square, then gently top with another pastry square to make a sandwich.

4. Dust and Serve

Dust generously with powdered sugar. Chill for 30–60 minutes before serving for best texture.

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🔥 Pro Tips for Success

• Chill your custard slightly before assembling—it spreads easier and stays put.
• Use a serrated knife to cut pastry for clean edges.
• For a firmer set: Refrigerate fully assembled squares for several hours or overnight.
• Optional upgrade: Add a thin layer of fruit jam or fresh berries for a fruity twist.

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

These custard squares are perfect with:

• A hot cup of tea or espresso
• A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce
• Fresh fruit on the side
• Paired with Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies for a playful dessert board
• Served next to Easy Coconut Macaroons at a holiday table

And for a themed spread? Add Easter Cookies for springtime charm.

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🧊 Storage & Leftovers

To Store:
Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pastry may soften slightly, but the flavor holds beautifully.

To Freeze:
Not recommended once assembled—custard texture may change. You can freeze baked puff pastry and custard separately.

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🥄 More Desserts You’ll Love

• No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie
• Big Family Banana Pudding
• Easy Coconut Macaroons
• Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies
• Easter Cookies

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📝 Final Thoughts

These Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are light, luxurious, and a total showstopper for any dessert table. With flaky pastry, creamy filling, and just a dusting of sugar, they’re proof that sometimes the simplest combinations are the best.

Try them out and tag @Chefmaniac when you serve these up—we can’t wait to see your creations!

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