Creamy Custard Dessert Bars

This creamy custard dessert is a recipe I’ve been making for years — and it never fails!
With its flaky golden crust and smooth vanilla custard filling, it’s simple to prepare and always a crowd favorite.
The best part? It comes together effortlessly.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: powdered sugar for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Press puff pastry evenly into the bottom of the dish.
3. Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
4. In a saucepan, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
5. Gradually add milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
6. Cook over medium heat until thickened.
7. In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks and temper with a bit of the hot milk mixture.
8. Return mixture to saucepan and cook another 1–2 minutes.
9. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
10. Pour custard over baked pastry base.
11. Bake 15–20 minutes until set.
12. Cool completely before slicing into bars.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 9 squares

Category: Dessert

Tips

• Chill before cutting for clean slices.
• Add a thin layer of jam between crust and custard for extra flavor.
• Dust with powdered sugar before serving.