There’s a certain magic in the kitchen when you’re baking something that feels like a hug in food form. I still remember the first time I tried making Cream Cheese Custard Bars. It was a rainy Sunday, the kind where you just want to curl up with a soft blanket and a good book. Instead, I found myself in the kitchen, determined to bake something comforting. The first attempt, let’s just say, was less than perfect. The custard didn’t set, and the crust was soggy. My kids, ever the supportive taste-testers, told me it was “deliciously squishy” (bless their hearts). But I knew I could do better. And after a few tries and tweaks, I perfected my recipe for the creamiest, dreamiest bars this side of heaven.
Now, these Cream Cheese Custard Bars are a family favorite, and honestly, I can’t imagine our gatherings without them. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes with every bite, savoring the creamy filling and buttery crust. So, let me guide you through the steps, and soon you’ll be spreading the custard bar love too.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Alright, let’s talk ingredients. You don’t need anything too fancy, but quality matters here. (I learned this the hard way when I skimped on cream cheese once… never again!)
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (the fresher, the better)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (trust me, unsalted lets you control the sweetness)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (don’t cheat yourself here, get the good stuff)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (yes, more sugar, it’s dessert after all)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Instructions
Okay, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grab your favorite mixing bowl. It’s time to bake some comfort into our lives.
- Begin by combining the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar in a bowl. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 8 minutes, then let it cool.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, beating well after each addition.
- Gradually blend in the heavy cream and flour until it’s all nice and smooth. Pour this dreamy mixture over your cooled crust.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle to it. Cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (the waiting is the hardest part, I know).
- When it’s chilled and set, cut into bars and serve. Watch as eyes light up with the first bite!
Tips & Tricks
Now, about those ingredients and instructions, let’s sprinkle in some extra advice because, you know what? Baking is both an art and a science.
- For a lighter bar, you can use a mix of whole eggs and egg whites.
- Feeling adventurous? Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the custard for a zesty twist.
- And if you’re out of graham crackers, vanilla wafers make a surprisingly good crust too (learned that one on a day the pantry was bare).
FAQ
Got questions? No worries, I’ve been there, and I’ve got answers!
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: You can, but it will affect the richness of the bars. For the best flavor, stick to full-fat cream cheese.
Q: How long will these bars keep in the fridge?
A: They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container. But in my house, they’re gone long before then!
Q: Can I freeze Cream Cheese Custard Bars?
A: Absolutely! They freeze well for up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
My mom always said that food made with love tastes better, and she’s right. These Cream Cheese Custard Bars are more than just a recipe; they’re a story on a plate, a sweet memory to savor with every bite. Whether it’s a holiday, a family get-together, or just because, these bars are sure to bring smiles and comfort to your table.
So, go ahead, preheat that oven and start mixing. And remember, the beauty of home baking is in the imperfections, the little tweaks that make a recipe uniquely yours. Don’t be afraid to add your own touch. Happy baking, friends!
Cream Cheese Custard Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Directions:
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Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar in a bowl to form the crust and bake for 8 minutes.
-
Beat the cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar until smooth, then add in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
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Blend in the heavy cream and flour, pour over crust, and bake for 40-45 minutes.
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Cool to room temperature, chill for 4 hours, cut into bars, and serve.