These Cream Cheese Custard Bars are creamy and rich, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. They have a buttery crust and a smooth custard filling that feels like a dream!
What’s great is that they are super easy to make! I love serving these bars cold from the fridge—makes them feel extra refreshing on a warm day. Give them a try, and you might just eat the whole pan! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is key for the crust’s rich flavor. If you don’t have unsalted, you can use salted butter, just reduce the salt in the recipe a bit.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese works best for creaminess, but you can use reduced-fat if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just don’t use nonfat, as it won’t set as well.
Granulated Sugar: If you want to cut down on sugar, consider using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol, but start with less as they are sweeter than regular sugar.
Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal, but for a gluten-free version, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
What’s the Best Way to Get a Creamy Custard Layer?
Making a smooth custard is vital for your bars. Start by mixing the eggs and sugar until fluffy, then add the milk slowly to incorporate air. Here’s how to do it:
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until pale and fluffy.
- Gradually add the whole milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Mix in the remaining ingredients such as the vanilla and flour last for a smooth texture.
Take your time and don’t skip the whisking step—this will ensure a creamy custard layer that’s set perfectly once baked.
How to Make Cream Cheese Custard Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
For the Custard Layer:
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
For Dusting:
- Powdered sugar
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 20 minutes to prep the bars and around 50-60 minutes for baking. After baking, they should cool completely for about 1 hour and then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. So, overall, plan for about 3 hours before they’re ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking. This will set you up for a perfect bake!
2. Making the Crust:
In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s nice and fluffy. In another bowl, mix 2 1/4 cups of flour with the baking powder, then gradually add this to your butter and sugar mixture. Stir until a crumbly dough forms. This will be your crust and topping.
3. Pressing the Dough:
Divide the dough into two equal halves. Press one half evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating a smooth crust. This forms the base for your bars.
4. Cream Cheese Filling:
In a separate bowl, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust you just made.
5. Preparing the Custard Layer:
In another bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 2/3 cup of sugar, and 3/4 cup of flour until smooth. This will create a delicious custard layer to pour over your cream cheese filling.
6. Assemble and Bake:
Carefully pour the custard mixture over the cream cheese layer. Then, crumble the remaining half of the dough over the top of the custard layer to create a lovely topping. Bake in your preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
7. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan for about an hour. After cooling, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm them up. When you’re ready to serve, cut into squares, dust with powdered sugar, and enjoy your delicious Cream Cheese Custard Bars!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese Instead?
Yes, you can! Low-fat cream cheese will still give a nice texture, although it may be slightly less creamy than regular cream cheese. Avoid using nonfat cream cheese, as it won’t set as well.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can enjoy them cold or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for a softer texture.
What if My Custard Layer Doesn’t Set?
If your custard layer isn’t set after baking, it may need a bit more time in the oven. Continue baking in 5-minute increments until the custard is firm. Make sure to check the doneness by gently shaking the pan—if it wobbles, it needs more time!
Can I Freeze Cream Cheese Custard Bars?
Absolutely! Once fully cooled, you can cut them into squares and freeze them in airtight containers. They should keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving!
