You’re going to love these classic Vanilla Custard Cream Squares — light, creamy, and elegant! Also known in some European cuisines as Krempita or Napoleonka, these delicious layered squares feature rich vanilla custard sandwiched between flaky puff pastry sheets, topped with powdered sugar. They’re simple to make, but taste like a bakery masterpiece!
🍰 Vanilla Custard Cream Squares
🕒 Total Time: ~1 hour (plus chilling)
🍽️ Makes: 9–12 squares
❄️ Best served cold or slightly chilled
🧾 Ingredients
🧁 For the Pastry:
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2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
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Optional: 1 egg (for egg wash)
🍮 For the Vanilla Custard Filling:
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4 cups whole milk
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1 cup heavy cream
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup cornstarch
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6 egg yolks
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2 tsp pure vanilla extract
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1/4 tsp salt
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
For Topping:
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Powdered sugar, for dusting
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Bake the Puff Pastry
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Roll out each puff pastry sheet slightly to fit a 9×13-inch pan (or trim to size).
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Place on parchment-lined baking sheets, prick with a fork to prevent puffing, and bake 12–15 minutes until golden and crisp.
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Let cool completely. Set one aside for the top layer.
2. Make the Custard Filling
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In a medium saucepan, heat milk and cream over medium heat until just steaming.
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In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and vanilla until smooth and pale.
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Slowly whisk in a bit of hot milk into the egg mixture to temper, then pour it all back into the saucepan.
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Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens (about 5–8 minutes).
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Remove from heat, whisk in butter, and continue whisking until glossy.
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Let cool slightly for 10–15 minutes.
3. Assemble the Dessert
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Place one puff pastry sheet into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Pour the warm custard over the pastry and smooth the top.
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Carefully place the second pastry sheet on top. (Optional: slice into squares before placing to make cutting easier after chilling.)
4. Chill
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Refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours, or overnight, until fully set.
5. Serve
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Dust generously with powdered sugar.
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Slice into squares with a sharp knife. For cleaner cuts, dip the knife in hot water and wipe between slices.
💡 Tips & Variations
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Extra creamy? Add 2 more egg yolks or an extra 1/4 cup cream.
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Swap vanilla with a splash of almond extract or orange zest for a twist.
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Use pre-made vanilla pudding in a pinch — but homemade is much better!