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### **Instructions:**
#### 1. **Make the Crust:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the squares.
– In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and pulse (or use a pastry cutter) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
– Add the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of ice water to the dough. Mix until the dough begins to come together, adding an additional tablespoon of water if necessary.
– Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, gather it into a ball, and flatten it into a disk. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to chill.
– After chilling, roll the dough out to fit the bottom of the prepared baking pan, pressing it evenly into the corners and up the sides of the pan. Use a fork to prick the dough a few times to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
– Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the custard filling.
#### 2. **Prepare the Custard Cream Filling:**
– In a medium saucepan, heat the whole milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent it from scalding. Do not bring it to a boil.
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined.
– Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This tempering process helps prevent the eggs from curdling. Once the milk and egg mixture are combined, return the mixture to the saucepan.
– Cook the custard over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and begins to bubble, about 3-5 minutes. Be patient and continue whisking to ensure the custard does not form lumps.
– Once thickened, remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste (if using), and cubed butter. Continue stirring until the butter has melted and the custard is smooth.
– Pour the custard filling onto the prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Allow the custard to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate the squares for at least 3-4 hours, or until the custard is firm and fully set.
#### 3. **Assemble the Squares:**
– Once the custard has set, remove the dessert from the refrigerator. If you lined the pan with parchment paper, gently lift the squares out of the pan for easier slicing.
– Use a sharp knife to cut the dessert into squares, cleaning the knife between cuts for neat edges.
#### 4. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Before serving, dust the tops of the squares with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with fresh berries or a sprig of mint.
– Serve chilled for a refreshing and creamy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
### **Tips:**
– **Perfect Custard Texture:** Be sure to whisk the custard constantly while it cooks to avoid any lumps. If the custard does form lumps, you can strain it through a fine mesh sieve before pouring it into the crust.
– **Crust Variations:** If you prefer a graham cracker crust, simply substitute the regular crust ingredients with crushed graham crackers and butter for a slightly different flavor.
– **Make-Ahead Dessert:** These squares can be made up to a day in advance. Just keep them stored in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness.
– **Garnishes:** Besides fresh berries and mint, you can also use a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for added flair.
### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe:**
– **Velvety Vanilla Custard:** The smooth, creamy custard filling is rich and velvety, with the comforting sweetness of vanilla in every bite.
– **Perfect Balance of Textures:** The buttery, crisp crust provides a delightful contrast to the creamy custard, making each square a perfect combination of crunch and softness.
– **Elegant Yet Simple:** Despite its luxurious flavor, this dessert is simple to prepare and doesn’t require any fancy techniques. It’s perfect for home bakers who want to impress.
– **Versatile:** These squares are ideal for a variety of occasions, from holiday parties to casual gatherings. Their delicate, elegant presentation will have your guests thinking you spent hours in the kitchen.
### **Conclusion:**
**Vanilla Custard Cream Squares** are the epitome of dessert perfection, offering a rich, creamy custard filling that sits atop a buttery, flaky crust. With their elegant appearance and indulgent flavor, these squares are sure to be a hit at any event. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or treating yourself to something sweet, these custard cream squares will become a new favorite in your dessert collection. Try them today and enjoy the creamy, dreamy goodness in every bite!
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