These Cream Cheese Custard Bars are smooth and creamy with a buttery crust that makes them super tasty! Perfect for a sweet treat or a simple dessert to share with friends.
Honestly, I can’t resist that velvety filling. It’s like a hug for my taste buds! I usually serve them chilled, and they disappear faster than I can cut them! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is essential for a smooth crust. If you don’t have unsalted, you can use salted butter; just reduce the added salt in the recipe.
Cream Cheese: This is the star of the filling! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could substitute with Neufchâtel cheese. It works similarly but is lower in fat.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the bars perfectly. For a healthier option, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Milk: Whole milk gives a rich texture, but 2% or even almond milk can work just fine if you prefer a dairy-free option.
How Do I Make Sure My Custard Sets Properly?
Getting the custard just right is key for the texture of your bars. Follow these tips to achieve a creamy filling that sets well:
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth before adding other ingredients. This helps to prevent lumps.
- Add eggs one at a time and mix well. This ensures even blending of the mixture.
- Gradually mix in the milk at the end. This creates a nice, smooth consistency.
- Bake until the top is lightly golden and the center is just set, which might wobble a little when you gently shake the pan.
Letting the bars cool and refrigerate ensures they firm up even more. Trust me, patience pays off!
Cream Cheese Custard Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus about 45-50 minutes of baking time. After baking, allow for the bars to cool completely, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Total time comes to roughly 3 hours, but most of this is hands-off waiting time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to make it easy to lift out the bars later.
2. Make the Crust:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, 2 cups of flour, and 1/2 cup of sugar. Mix these together until the dough comes together nicely. It should be soft and slightly sticky.
3. Bake the Crust:
Evenly press the dough into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. You want it to be just set and lightly golden.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
While your crust is baking, let’s make the custard filling! In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar until it’s all smooth and creamy.
5. Add Eggs and Flavor:
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each one. Then stir in the vanilla extract and sprinkle in 1/4 cup of flour. Mix until everything is fully combined.
6. Mix in the Milk:
Slowly add the milk to the mixture while mixing. Keep stirring until you have a smooth and creamy custard batter.
7. Combine and Bake Again:
Pour the cream cheese custard mix evenly over the pre-baked crust. Returns the pan to the oven and bake for another 30-35 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top turns a lovely light golden brown.
8. Cool and Chill:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. For the best texture, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let it firm up.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, cut the bars into squares and dust with powdered sugar for that touch of sweetness on top.
Enjoy your delightful, velvety Cream Cheese Custard Bars! They’re perfect for sharing or just treating yourself!
Can I Use Light Cream Cheese Instead of Regular?
Yes, you can use light cream cheese for a lower-calorie option! Just keep in mind that it may not be as rich and creamy as the original version, but it will still work well in the recipe.
Can I Freeze the Cream Cheese Custard Bars?
Absolutely! To freeze, let the bars cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
What Can I Use Instead of Eggs?
If you’re looking to make this recipe egg-free, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). These options work great for binding without compromising on flavor!
How to Store Leftover Cream Cheese Custard Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For best flavor and texture, serve them chilled after they have been properly stored!
