Vanilla Custard Bars

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 1-2 tablespoons cold water (if needed)

For the Custard Filling:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the crust:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a food processor, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
• Add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to form.
• Press the dough into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish, forming an even layer.
• Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the custard filling:

• In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam (do not boil).
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, flour, and salt until smooth.
• Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling the eggs.
• Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
• Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Assemble the bars:

• Pour the custard mixture over the baked crust.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the custard is set and lightly golden on top.
• Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

4. Serve:

• Once cooled, cut the bars into squares and dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness, if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Vanilla Custard Bars!