Skip to content 
Introduction
Custard Cream Bars are a soft, sweet, and creamy dessert that feels both simple and special at the same time. This recipe is all about layers. It starts with a buttery base that is baked until light golden. Then comes a smooth and rich custard cream layer that sits gently on top. After chilling, the bars become firm enough to slice, but still soft and creamy inside. Every bite gives you a mix of tender crust and silky custard. It is the kind of dessert that looks beautiful but is very easy to make at home.
People love Custard Cream Bars because they are not too heavy and not too sweet. The flavor is soft and comforting, which makes them perfect for many tastes. The creamy custard melts in your mouth while the base adds a gentle crunch. Many people enjoy this dessert with tea or coffee in the afternoon. It also feels light after dinner, so guests can enjoy it without feeling too full. Children love the smooth texture, and adults love the balanced sweetness.
This recipe is perfect when you want to make something homemade that feels elegant but simple. You can prepare it for birthdays, family dinners, or small celebrations. It is also great when you just want to treat yourself after a long day. The process of making custard can feel calming and rewarding. When you cut the chilled bars into neat squares, it feels satisfying and joyful. Custard Cream Bars are not only about taste, they are about comfort, warmth, and sharing sweet moments with the people you love.
Ingredients You Will Need
For the base layer
All purpose flour 2 cups about 250 grams
Unsalted butter softened 1 cup about 225 grams
Granulated sugar half cup about 100 grams
Salt quarter teaspoon
For the custard cream layer
Whole milk 3 cups about 720 milliliters
Granulated sugar three quarter cup about 150 grams
Cornstarch half cup about 60 grams
Egg yolks 4 large
Vanilla extract 2 teaspoons
Unsalted butter 2 tablespoons
Salt small pinch
For topping optional
Powdered sugar 2 tablespoons for dusting
Step by Step Method
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a baking pan about 9 by 13 inches and line it with baking paper for easy removal.
Step 2
In a large bowl, add softened butter and sugar. Mix using a spoon or hand mixer until light and creamy.
Step 3
Add flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix until it forms a soft dough. It may look crumbly at first but keep mixing gently.
Step 4
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to make it smooth and flat.
Step 5
Bake the base for about 15 to 20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the custard.
Step 6
In a medium bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and a small amount of milk until smooth.
Step 7
In a saucepan, heat the remaining milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
Step 8
Slowly pour some warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously. This step prevents the eggs from cooking too quickly.
Step 9
Pour the egg and milk mixture back into the saucepan. Cook on low heat while stirring constantly.
Step 10
Keep stirring until the mixture thickens into a smooth custard. This may take about five to seven minutes.
Step 11
Remove from heat and add vanilla extract, butter, and a small pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Step 12
Pour the warm custard over the cooled base layer. Spread evenly with a spatula.
Step 13
Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about one hour. Then place in the refrigerator for at least three hours or until fully set.
Step 14
Once chilled, lift the dessert out of the pan using the baking paper. Cut into squares or rectangles.
Step 15
Dust with powdered sugar before serving if you like a decorative finish.
Why This Recipe Is Special
Custard Cream Bars are special because they combine two simple textures into one beautiful dessert. The base is soft and buttery, while the custard is creamy and smooth. This contrast makes every bite interesting and satisfying.
Another reason this recipe is special is that it uses basic kitchen ingredients. You do not need complicated tools or hard to find items. The method is simple enough for beginners, yet the final result looks impressive.
Custard contains eggs and milk, which provide protein and calcium. While this is still a sweet treat, it can be enjoyed in moderate portions as part of a balanced lifestyle. Making it at home allows you to control the sugar and quality of ingredients.
The flavor is gentle and comforting. It is not too rich or too strong. That is why many people of all ages enjoy it.
Extra Tips for Better Taste
Use full fat milk for a richer custard texture.
Always stir the custard constantly to avoid lumps.
Let the base cool before adding custard to keep layers separate.
Chill overnight for even cleaner slices.
Add a thin layer of melted chocolate on top for a fun twist.
You can also add a little lemon zest for a light fresh flavor.
Final Thoughts
Custard Cream Bars are a lovely homemade dessert that feels both classic and comforting. They are easy to prepare and perfect for beginners who want to build confidence in baking. The smooth custard and buttery base create a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Whether you make them for guests or just for yourself, they bring sweetness and joy to any moment. Once you try this recipe, it may become one of your favorite simple desserts.
Nutrition Details
Estimated nutrition for full recipe
Calories about 4200
Protein about 60 grams
Carbohydrates about 480 grams
Fat about 220 grams
Estimated nutrition per serving if cut into 16 bars
Calories about 260
Protein about 4 grams
Carbohydrates about 30 grams
Fat about 14 grams
These values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.