These Vanilla Custard Cream Squares are a dreamy cross between shortbread and custard tart—crisp, buttery crust layered with a velvety vanilla custard filling, then dusted with powdered sugar. Inspired by old-fashioned church bake sales and Depression-era frugality, they’re rich yet light, simple to make, and perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
With just 7 pantry-friendly ingredients and no fancy tools, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🧈 Buttery shortbread base + silky custard = perfect texture contrast
- ⏱️ 20 minutes prep, 35 minutes bake
- 💛 One pan = easy cleanup
- 💸 Costs under $6—makes 16 squares
- 🌾 Naturally nut-free & easily gluten-free
Ingredients You’ll Need
(8x8-inch baking pan)
For the Crust:
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick / 115g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
