🍽️ Servings: 12 squares

⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes

🔥 Cooking Time: 45 minutes

❄️ Chill Time: 4 hours

💛 Level: Easy–Medium

🌿 Ingredients

For the Custard Layer

• 4 large egg yolks

• 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• Pinch of salt

For the Pastry Layers

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
  (or use homemade pastry if preferred)

For the Topping

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

• Optional:

  • Fresh berries

  • A drizzle of melted white chocolate

  • Extra vanilla cream

🔪 Instructions

Step 1 - Bake the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. Place puff pastry sheets on the tray and prick all over with a fork to prevent rising too much.

4. Place another piece of parchment on top and weigh it down with another baking tray.

5. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

6. Let cool completely, then trim into two equal rectangles to fit your pan.

Step 2 - Prepare the Vanilla Custard

1. In a saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.

2. Slowly stream in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.

3. Place over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy — about 6–8 minutes.

4. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until glossy and smooth.

5. Cover with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming.

6. Let cool to lukewarm (not fully cold).

Step 3 - Assemble the Layers

1. Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square pan with parchment paper.

2. Place one baked puff pastry sheet at the bottom.

3. Pour the vanilla custard evenly on top.

4. Gently place the second sheet of puff pastry on the custard layer.

5. Press lightly to secure, but don’t crush the custard.

Step 4 - Chill Until Set

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight for the cleanest slices.

Step 5 - Slice and Serve

1. Remove from the pan using the parchment handles.

2. Dust generously with powdered sugar.

3. Cut into squares using a sharp serrated knife.

4. Serve as-is or with:

   • Fresh berries

   • Mint

   • A light drizzle of white chocolate

Tips for Perfect Custard Squares

• Whisk constantly while cooking the custard to prevent lumps.

• Don’t skip weighing down the puff pastry — it keeps the layers flat and crisp.

• Chill well before slicing; warm custard will collapse.

• Store in the fridge and consume within 3 days.

Who Will Love This Dessert?

• Fans of creamy, velvety pastries

• Anyone who loves vanilla-forward desserts

• Perfect for afternoon tea, celebrations, holidays, or gifting