This Vanilla Custard Cream Squares recipe is a dreamy, bakery-style dessert made with layers of buttery pastry and silky vanilla custard, finished with a cloud of whipped cream — soft, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or when you’re craving something beautifully indulgent.
It’s based upon a pastry that’s popular throughout Central and Eastern Europe called ‘kremsnite.’ Well, it goes by many names (kremsnita, cremeschnitte…) but most of them mean ‘cream slice.’ And we’re sure they’re all delicious. Our version is almost no bake and involves a quick vanilla custard topped with an airy layer of whipped cream.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
Vanilla Custard Cream
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Topping (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How To Make Vanilla Custard Cream Squares
Make the Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and cold butter. Rub together with your fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbly.
- Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool.
Prepare the Custard
- In a saucepan, whisk sugar and cornstarch together.
- Slowly whisk in milk and egg yolks.
- Place over medium heat and stir constantly until thick and smooth (about 5–7 minutes).
- Remove from heat. Stir in butter, vanilla, and salt.
Assemble
- Pour warm custard over cooled crust. Smooth the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until fully set.
Serve
- Slice into squares. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired.