These creamy custard bars with a hint of cream cheese are a dreamy dessert! They’re sweet, smooth, and have a lovely buttery crust that everyone loves.
Making them is a breeze! Just whip up the filling, pour it over the crust, and bake. I often enjoy them chilled—perfect for a cozy treat with friends. 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough or Puff Pastry: Both can create a delicious crust. I often use crescent roll dough for its ease, but puff pastry adds a flakier texture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you could use gluten-free pastry sheets.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is essential for that creamy filling. If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but similar taste.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the custard. You can substitute with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative like monk fruit sweetener for a low-calorie option.
Milk: Whole milk works great for richness, but feel free to use almond, oat, or coconut milk if you prefer a non-dairy version. Just be sure to choose a variety that’s unsweetened for best results.
Powdered Sugar: It’s perfect for dusting at the end. If you’re out of powdered sugar, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar until it’s fine.
How Do I Ensure My Custard Sets Perfectly?
Getting the custard just right can be tricky. Here are a few friendly tips to make it set beautifully:
- Make sure to mix the cream cheese and sugar until completely smooth before adding other ingredients. This prevents lumps in your custard.
- When you add the milk mixture to the cream cheese, do it slowly while stirring continuously. This helps to combine everything well without lumps.
- Baking time is crucial. Keep an eye on the bars, and take them out once the top is golden brown and the center is just slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools.
- Let the bars cool completely before refrigerating. Chilling helps the custard to set evenly.
With these tips, your cream cheese custard bars should turn out perfectly delightful! Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Cream Cheese Custard Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Crust:
- 1 package (about 9 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry
- Cream Cheese Custard Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Time Needed:
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, followed by 30 to 40 minutes of baking. After baking, you should allow the bars to cool completely and then refrigerate them for at least 2 hours before serving. So, all in all, you’re looking at around 3 hours if you include cooling time, but most of that is just waiting!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will make your life easier when it’s time to cut the bars!
2. Create the Base Crust:
Unroll half of your crescent roll dough or puff pastry and place it evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure to press it down gently to form the base crust. It doesn’t have to be perfect—imperfect is just fine!
3. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Use a mixer or a whisk to beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. It’s important to get rid of any lumps for a perfect custard!
4. Add in the Egg and Flavor:
Now, add the egg and vanilla extract to your cream cheese mixture. Beat well until everything is nicely blended together. This will help create a rich and flavorful filling.
5. Combine Milk and Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, flour, and salt until completely smooth. Gradually add this milk mixture to your cream cheese mixture, stirring continuously until fully incorporated and smooth. This helps keep your custard filling rich and creamy!
6. Pour and Layer:
Pour the custard filling evenly over the crust in your baking dish. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy; everything will come together in the oven! Then, unroll the remaining crescent roll dough or puff pastry and lay it gently over the top to cover the custard.
7. Bake Your Bars:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You want the top crust to be golden brown and the custard to be set. When it jiggles just a tiny bit in the center, it’s done!
8. Cool and Refrigerate:
Once out of the oven, let the bars cool completely at room temperature. After they’ve cooled, cover and place them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is key for the flavors to develop and the custard to fully set!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Cut into bars and enjoy them chilled. For an extra treat, consider garnishing with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream!
Enjoy these delightful, creamy, and sweet cream cheese custard bars that are sure to impress your friends and family!
Can I Use a Different Type of Dough?
Absolutely! While crescent roll dough gives a nice flaky texture, you can also use puff pastry or even shortcrust pastry for a different flavor. Just be sure to follow the baking instructions specific to the dough you choose.
How Do I Store Leftover Cream Cheese Custard Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn!
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes! These custard bars are perfect for making ahead. You can bake them a day or two in advance; just be sure to refrigerate them after they cool completely to let the flavors meld together.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, neufchâtel cheese works great as a substitute for cream cheese. For a vegan option, consider using cashew cream or a store-bought vegan cream cheese alternative to achieve a similar texture and taste.