Heavenly Vanilla Custard Bars

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Heavenly Vanilla Custard Bars

Description

These Vanilla Custard Bars are rich, silky, and impossibly smooth—somewhere between flan and crème brûlée, but baked into neat, sliceable squares. Lightly sweet, gently set, and finished with a delicate golden top, they’re dangerously easy to eat. One bite in and “just one more piece” becomes a lie you tell yourself repeatedly.

 Ingredients

(8–9 servings)

  • 4 large eggs

  • ¾ cup (150g) sugar

  • ½ cup (120 ml) melted unsalted butter (slightly cooled)

  • 2 cups (480 ml) warm milk (not hot)

  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • Optional topping: ground cinnamon or nutmeg

 Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
    Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan.

  2. Whisk eggs & sugar
    In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until pale and smooth.

  3. Add butter & vanilla
    Slowly whisk in melted butter and vanilla extract.

  4. Incorporate flour & salt
    Sift in flour and salt. Whisk until completely smooth—no lumps.

  5. Add milk gradually
    Slowly pour in warm milk while whisking. The batter will be thin (that’s correct!).

  6. Bake
    Pour batter into pan. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.
    Bake for 45–50 minutes, until set but slightly jiggly in the center.

  7. Cool & chill
    Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate at least 2 hours before slicing.

  8. Slice & serve
    Cut into clean squares using a sharp knife (wipe between cuts for perfect edges).

 Notes

  • Custard firms up as it chills, so don’t overbake.

  • The top should be lightly golden, not cracked or browned.

  • Texture should be smooth and creamy—not cakey.

 Tips for Perfection

  • Warm milk prevents lumps and helps create a silkier custard.

  • Want extra richness? Replace ½ cup milk with heavy cream.

  • For ultra-clean slices, chill overnight.

  • Serve cold or slightly chilled—never hot.

 Servings

  • 8–9 bars

  • Perfect for dessert trays, potlucks, or midnight fridge raids.

 Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 220 kcal

  • Fat: 12 g

  • Carbs: 24 g

  • Protein: 5 g
    (Values may vary depending on ingredients used)

 Benefits

  • Egg-based protein for satiety

  • Calcium from milk for bone health

  • Lower sugar than most cakes

  • No frosting, no crust—simple and clean ingredients

 Q & A

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.

Q: Can I freeze custard bars?
A: Not recommended—freezing affects the creamy texture.

Q: Why is my custard rubbery?
A: It was overbaked. Pull it while the center still jiggles slightly.

Q: Can I flavor it differently?
A: Absolutely—try lemon zest, almond extract, or coconut milk.

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