Here’s a delicious, bakery-style recipe for Vanilla Custard Cream Squares — soft, creamy vanilla custard layered between buttery pastry or graham crackers. Think “Napoleon meets vanilla slice,” but easy!
You can choose between puff pastry or graham crackers based on what you have — instructions for both are included.
⭐ Vanilla Custard Cream Squares
Ingredients
For the custard
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (or 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste for bakery flavor)
- Pinch of salt
For the layers
Option A: 2 sheets puff pastry, baked and cooled
Option B: 1 box graham crackers
Optional topping
- Powdered sugar
- Or simple icing (1 cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tbsp milk)
🥣 Instructions
1. Make the custard
- In a medium pot, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Add the egg yolks and a splash of milk; whisk until smooth.
- Slowly whisk in the remaining milk.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thick and bubbling (about 5–8 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
- Let cool 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent skin.
2. Prepare the base
If using puff pastry:
- Bake puff pastry sheets according to package directions until golden.
- Allow to cool completely.
- Use one sheet for the bottom layer and one for the top.
If using graham crackers:
- Line a 9×9 or 9×13 baking dish with whole graham crackers.
3. Assemble
- Place the bottom pastry sheet (or graham crackers) in your dish.
- Pour the warm custard over the base and spread evenly.
- Top with the second pastry sheet or another layer of graham crackers.
- Press lightly so it sticks but doesn’t crush the custard.
4. Chill
Refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for clean slices.
5. Serve
Dust with powdered sugar, or spread a thin icing layer over the top before slicing.
Cut into squares using a hot knife for perfect edges.
⭐ Tips & Variations
- Super vanilla flavor: Add 1 split vanilla bean to the milk while heating; remove before thickening.
- Extra firm custard: Add 1–2 extra tablespoons cornstarch.
- Chocolate version: Layer chocolate ganache on top.
- Fruit twist: Add a thin layer of sliced strawberries or bananas between custard and top layer.
Want a no-cook version, a pastry-shop vanilla slice, or a lighter custard cream?
