Cream cheese custard bars

Absolutely — here’s a rich, creamy, and indulgent recipe for Cream Cheese Custard Bars! These are a perfect mash-up of a buttery crust, smooth cream cheese layer, and silky custard on top. They’re easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and work great for brunches, holidays, or just a cozy dessert night.

---

🍰 Cream Cheese Custard Bars

🕒 Total Time: 45–60 minutes

🍽️ Yields: 12–16 bars

---

🧂 Ingredients:

🔸 Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¼ cup powdered sugar

🔸 Cream Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

🔸 Custard Layer:

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 1½ cups milk (whole milk preferred)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Optional: pinch of salt or nutmeg

---

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

✅ 1. Make the Crust:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix flour, butter, and powdered sugar together in a bowl until a crumbly dough forms.

3. Press evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×9″ baking pan.

4. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.

---

✅ 2. Cream Cheese Layer:

1. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

2. Add egg and vanilla; mix until creamy and spreadable.

3. Spread evenly over the pre-baked crust.

---

✅ 3. Custard Layer:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until light.

2. Whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and vanilla until smooth.

3. Gently pour over the cream cheese layer.

---

✅ 4. Bake:

• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is mostly set and doesn’t jiggle too much.

• The top should be lightly golden but not cracked.

---

✅ 5. Cool & Chill:

• Let cool at room temp, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set.

• Cut into bars once chilled.

---

✨ Optional Toppings:

• A dusting of powdered sugar

• Fresh berries or fruit compote

• A drizzle of caramel or lemon glaze

---

🔁 Variations:

• Add a layer of jam or fruit preserves under the cream cheese

• Use lemon zest in the custard for brightness

• Add a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg for cozy fall flavor

---

Let me know if you’d like a gluten-free, low-carb, or fruit-filled version!