Vanilla Custard Bars

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the Crust: In a bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and vanilla extract, mixing until the dough forms.
3. Press into Pan: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Let it cool.

Make the Custard Filling:

4. Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling.
5. Combine Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
6. Mix: Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
7. Cook: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until it thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Do not let it boil.

Assemble and Bake:

8. Pour Filling: Pour the custard filling over the cooled crust.
9. Bake: Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the custard is set and slightly golden on top.
10. Cool: Let it cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for a few hours or until firm.

Serve:

11. Slice and Serve: Once chilled, slice into bars and dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Enjoy your creamy, delicious vanilla custard bars!