Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

Indulge in the creamy, dreamy goodness of Vanilla Custard Cream Squares. This delightful dessert is perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave something sweet and sophisticated. With layers of flaky puff pastry, rich custard, and fluffy whipped cream, each bite is a heavenly experience. Follow this detailed recipe to create a show-stopping treat that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

For the Puff Pastry:

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed

For the Custard Filling:

• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 8 eggs, separated
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons rum (optional)

For the Whipped Cream:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, plus more for dusting

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lay each puff pastry sheet on a separate baking sheet.
3. Bake for 10 minutes, or until each sheet turns a lovely golden brown.
4. Once baked, set them aside to cool.

Step 2: Making the Custard

1. In a saucepan, pour in 3 cups of the milk and gently bring it to a boil over medium heat.
2. While the milk heats up, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
3. Add the flour, vanilla extract, and optional rum to the egg yolk mixture. Mix in the remaining 1 cup of milk to create a smooth blend.
4. Once the milk has reached a boiling point, carefully fold in the egg yolk mixture. Stir slowly and continuously until the custard begins to thicken.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat once thickened.

Step 3: Combining Egg Whites

1. In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
2. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the custard mixture, ensuring it’s well combined without deflating the egg whites.

Step 4: Assembling the Layers

1. Take one of the cooled puff pastry sheets and place it at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Pour the custard over the pastry, spreading it evenly.
3. Chill in the refrigerator until the custard is cool and firm, about 1-2 hours.

Step 5: Preparing the Whipped Cream

1. Beat the heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
2. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled custard layer.

Step 6: Final Assembly and Serving

1. Cut the second puff pastry sheet into 15 squares and delicately place these squares over the whipped cream layer.
2. Chill in the refrigerator for another 2 hours.
3. Before serving, dust the Vanilla Custard Cream Squares with additional powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.

Summary:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Calories: 520 kcal per serving
• Servings: 12

Enjoy these Vanilla Custard Cream Squares as a delightful treat to end any meal. Each layer offers a unique texture and flavor, making it a dessert worth savoring.