Vanilla Custard Cream Squares: A Silky, Old-Fashioned Dessert Everyone Will Love

There’s something timeless and universally comforting about Vanilla Custard Cream Squares. With their soft, flaky pastry layers and rich, silky vanilla custard center, these squares are delicate, elegant, and incredibly satisfying. Often referred to as “custard slice,” “Napoleon slice,” or even “Vanilla Slice” in some cultures, this dessert brings back nostalgic bakery vibes with every bite.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, afternoon tea, or simply a treat-yourself kind of day, these cream squares are the perfect blend of crisp pastry and luscious vanilla custard.

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Why You’ll Love Vanilla Custard Cream Squares

• 🍮 Classic flavor – Velvety vanilla custard that melts in your mouth.
• 🥐 Flaky layers – Made with puff pastry for a crispy, bakery-style texture.
• 🍰 Elegant and nostalgic – Looks impressive but is easy to make.
• 🍽️ Perfect for any occasion – Afternoon tea, dessert trays, or casual snacking.
• ❄️ Chill and serve – Make ahead for easy entertaining.

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What Are Vanilla Custard Cream Squares?

Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are a multi-layered dessert made with puff pastry sheets and a thick layer of homemade vanilla custard, often topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or a thin glaze. The dessert is chilled, cut into neat squares, and served cold.

This European-style dessert is popular in many countries:

• France: Mille-feuille
• Australia: Vanilla slice
• Hungary: Krémes
• Poland: Kremówka

No matter what you call it, it’s a luxurious yet simple dessert you’ll come back to again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Puff Pastry:

• 2 sheets of puff pastry, thawed (store-bought is fine)

For the Vanilla Custard Filling:

• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 whole egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
• Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting
  or
• Simple vanilla glaze (see below)

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Optional Vanilla Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out each puff pastry sheet slightly to smooth any folds.
3. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Prick all over with a fork to prevent puffing.
4. Lay another sheet of parchment on top, and place a second baking sheet over it (to weigh it down).
5. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
6. Cool completely, then cut each sheet to fit an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square pan.

📝 You can trim the edges so they sit flush with the pan once layered.

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Step 2: Make the Vanilla Custard

1. In a medium saucepan, combine milk and cream. Heat over medium until steaming (do not boil).
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, and whole egg until smooth.
3. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly (temper the eggs).
4. Return mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thick and bubbly (5–7 minutes).
5. Remove from heat and stir in butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
6. Pour custard into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and chill for 15–20 minutes (not fully set—just cooled slightly).

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Step 3: Assemble the Squares

1. Line your baking pan with parchment paper (with overhang for easy lifting).
2. Place one sheet of baked puff pastry in the bottom of the pan.
3. Pour the warm custard over the pastry, smoothing into an even layer.
4. Top with the second pastry sheet (smooth side facing up).
5. Press gently to settle the top, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

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Step 4: Add Topping and Slice

1. Once chilled and fully set, carefully lift the dessert out of the pan using parchment.
2. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a vanilla glaze.
3. Use a serrated knife to cut into squares or rectangles. Wipe the blade between slices for clean edges.

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Tips for Success

✅ Use a weight while baking the puff pastry to keep it flat and crisp.

✅ Don’t rush the custard – Whisk constantly and cook it long enough for it to thicken fully.

✅ Let it chill – Refrigeration is key for clean slicing and the right texture.

✅ Use a sharp, serrated knife for perfect portions.

✅ Make ahead – It gets better as it sets overnight.

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Optional Variations

🍓 Berry Twist

Add a thin layer of strawberry or raspberry jam between the custard and top pastry layer.

🍫 Chocolate Drizzle

Top with melted chocolate or a chocolate glaze for a richer twist.

🌰 Nutty Crunch

Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds or hazelnuts over the glaze or custard for texture.

🍋 Lemon Custard Squares

Replace vanilla with lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice for a citrusy version.

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Serving Suggestions

Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are delightful served cold and pair well with:

• ☕ Hot tea or espresso
• 🍓 Fresh berries
• 🧁 Whipped cream or crème fraîche
• 🍷 Dessert wine or a sweet liqueur

Perfect for:

• Afternoon tea
• Baby or bridal showers
• Holiday dessert tables
• Sunday brunch spreads

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Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

🧊 Storage:

• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Best texture is within the first 48 hours.

❄️ Freezing:

• Not recommended, as custard can change texture when frozen and thawed.

⏰ Make-Ahead:

• Assemble a day in advance and add toppings just before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use store-bought custard?

Yes, for convenience. However, homemade custard offers better flavor and thickness for slicing.

Do I have to use puff pastry?

You can use graham crackers or shortcrust as an alternative base, but puff pastry gives the signature flakiness.

Why didn’t my custard set?

Be sure to cook long enough and use the correct cornstarch-to-liquid ratio. Chill fully before slicing.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and double all ingredients for a larger crowd.

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Final Thoughts: A Slice of Pure Vanilla Heaven

Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are the perfect combination of elegance and nostalgia. With a buttery, flaky crust and silky-smooth custard, they deliver bakery-quality flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, contributing to a holiday dessert table, or just indulging in a weekend bake, these squares are guaranteed to impress.

So roll out that puff pastry and get whisking—you’re about to create a dessert that’s as impressive as it is delicious.

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