Vanilla Custard Bars

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick, 115g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Custard Filling:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Topping (Optional):

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

2. Make the Crust:

• In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
• Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
• Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

3. Prepare the Custard Filling:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until well combined.
• Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
• Gradually whisk in the milk, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is well combined and smooth.

4. Bake the Custard Bars:

• Pour the custard filling over the partially baked crust.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

5. Cool and Slice:

• Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
• Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares.

6. Serve:

• Dust with powdered sugar just before serving, if desired.

Tips:

• Ensure the custard is fully set before removing from the oven; it should have a slight jiggle but not be liquid.
• For a variation, you can add a fruit topping or swirl some fruit preserves into the custard before baking.

Enjoy these creamy and delightful Vanilla Custard Bars!