Cream Cheese Custard Bars: A Velvety Two-Layer Dream

Cream Cheese Custard Bars: A Velvety, Two-Layer Dream

🍰 Silky cream cheese combines with rich custard in these exquisitely soft bars with a buttery crust. Half cheesecake, half flan: this unforgettable dessert is perfect for parties, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving something different and decadent.
✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ No double boiler required: simpler than classic cheesecake!
✔ Two irresistible layers: creamy cheese + fluffy pastry cream
✔ 5-star texture: firm enough to cut, soft enough to melt in your mouth
✔ Make-ahead magic: tastes even better refrigerated overnight

📝 Ingredients
For the all-butter crust
1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (115 g) cold butter, cut into cubes
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cream cheese layer
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup (50 g) sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the custard layer
2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
3 large eggs
1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract Vanilla
Pinch of salt
Optional garnish
Fresh berries
Powdered sugar
Caramel drizzle
👩‍🍳 Step-by-step instructions

⬇️Continue on the next page1. Prepare the crust
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 8 x 8 inch (20 x 20 cm) pan with parchment paper.
In a food processor, blend the flour, sugar, butter, and vanilla until crumbly.
Press firmly into the pan. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
2. Prepare the cream cheese layer
Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Add the egg and vanilla and mix until smooth.
Spread over the warm dough (this prevents cracking!).
3. Make the custard
Beat the milk, eggs, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt in a saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (8-10 minutes).
Pour over the cream cheese layer.
4. Bake and Cool
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are firm (the center will jiggle slightly).
Let cool for 1 hour and then refrigerate for 4 hours or more (preferably overnight).
5. Cut and Serve
Run a knife around the edges and lift with parchment paper.
Cut into squares, decorate, and enjoy cold!
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Bars
✅ Cream cheese at room temperature: avoids lumps
✅ Strain the custard: for an ultra-smooth texture
✅ Cool completely: ensures clean slices
✅ Glass tray: promotes even baking