The perfect custard square recipe - sheets of crisp homemade puff pastry sandwich a creamy rich vanilla bean custard. The whole thing is then loaded up with a vanilla bean icing. This is a delicious take on a classic New Zealand childhood favourite.
Table of contents
- Custard Square with Homemade Puff Pastry
- Components of a Custard Square
- What is Custard Powder?
- How to Break Up the Workload for Custard Square
- Puff Pastry vs Rough Puff Pastry
- Steps for rolling out Puff Pastry.
- How to make small batch custard square
- Custard Square with Store Bought Pastry
- FAQ for Custard Square
- Recipe for Custard Square
Custard Square with Homemade Puff Pastry
Hi! Just popping in to share this recipe with you for Custard Square. Often also called Vanilla Slice in Australia, Custard square is two layers of puff pastry, surrounding a creamy, smooth custard. The whole thing is then topped off with a vanilla bean icing. It's a New Zealand Classic, and something I always used to get from the bakery growing up. Whether to you it's a custard square or a vanilla slice recipe, it's just the best.
Components of a Custard Square
Custard square can be a wee bit labour intensive, but it is always, always worth it, and i'll pop a few shortcut steps along the way to help you out!
- Puff Pastry - I used a recipe from my friend Erin's book to make puff pastry, but you can do a rough puff, or you can use storebought pastry too. I'll add in tips in the FAQ section!
- Custard Filling - The filling of a custard square is a rich, creamy, set vanilla bean custard. I used custard powder for mine which I get online or sometimes can find in grocery stores here.
- Vanilla Icing - You can either ice these with a simple vanilla icing, or you can skip it and finish these with a bit of powdered sugar if you would like.
What is Custard Powder?
Custard Powder is similar to what is used to make instant pudding here in the states. It is corn starch based, then uses other flavours and thickeners. The taste is super nostalgic so I used it in these custard squares. You can grab some online - I use it to make my Nanaimo Bars too! If you can't find you should be able to sub corn starch. I haven't tried it but it should work just fine.
How to Break Up the Workload for Custard Square
These are a little labour intensive if you choose to make your own puff pastry, but here is a good way to do it if you would like to break up the workload:
- Day one - make the puff pastry, wrap tightly and store overnight in the fridge.
- Day two - Bake the puff pastry sheets, make the custard filling, assemble the custard square, and chill overnight.
- Day three - Finish off custard square with icing and serve.
Alternatively you can do day two and three all in one day - the custard square needs about 4 hours to set up and chill down in the fridge.
Puff Pastry vs Rough Puff Pastry
I used a homemade puff pastry for these custard squares. It is a little labour intensive but once you get the hang of it, it is super fun and simple to make. The recipe comes from my friend Erin's book (she has a new one out VERY soon and it's amazing), and you can watch a great video here of her making it. The puff pastry recipe here makes enough for two batches of the custard squares, so you can store some pastry wrapped tightly in the freezer for another time.
I haven't tried this recipe with rough puff, but I am sure that it would work just fine! Rough puff pastry is made by just incorporating the butter into the pastry and then performing folds, rather than locking in a butter block like you do with a traditional puff pastry. Erin also shows that recipe in the same video! (Skip to about 22:30 for it!, and do 1 ½ or double the recipe. You need 700g pastry approx for this recipe)
Steps for rolling out Puff Pastry.
There are a few steps for making puff pastry. It does take a little time but the actual hands on time isn't too bad - just lots of chilling time!
- Make the dough, and make the butter block, and chill both down.
- Roll out the dough and 'lock in' the butter block
- Perform four folds (explained in the recipe)
- #1: 4-fold turn
- #2: 3-fold turn
- #3: 4-fold turn
- #4: 3-fold turn
- Then the pastry gets rested in the fridge until it is baking time, or stored in the freezer until you are ready!
How to make small batch custard square
I tested a small batch custard square with this recipe and it worked just great. I used a 9x5" loaf pan and worked out quantities needed using my pan size calculator. I did 0.56x the recipe needed and just calculated it that way. Instead of scaling the egg I just did one egg and one yolk.
Filling quantities for a 9x5" loaf pan are:
- 405g whole milk
- 265g heavy cream
- ½ tsp vanilla
- 40g custard powder ( I upped this just a little as it could have been a tiny bit firmer)
- 112g sugar
- 1 egg plus 1 yolk
- 40g unsalted butter
For the icing:
- 210g powdered sugar
- 25g unsalted butter
- pinch of salt
- ¼ tsp vanilla
- whole milk to mix
Please note that those are just the quantities that worked for that exact pan! The custard layer was a teeny bit thicker but worked great. The good thing about this recipe is that you can just pop extra custard into another bowl and have with some of the pastry scraps!
Custard Square with Store Bought Pastry
This can absolutely be made with store bought pastry - I tested it recently and it worked just fine. Just ensure that you have rolled out the pastry enough to account for any shrinkage when it bakes. You will need about 700g of pastry for a full batch of custard square. When I tested it with the small batch I used a 500g packet and had a little left over / probably could have rolled it a little thinner. It is much better to have a little too much pastry than not enough! Watch the bake time as it may be different with a different pastry - mine was done in 35 minutes then I gave it a further 5 minutes with the top tray off. To use store bought pastry, follow the steps from 12-16 for the pastry recipe.
FAQ for Custard Square
You can absolutely use store bought puff pastry in this recipe. - you will need about two sheets. Just make sure it is rolled out to a square about 12"x12" so that you have enough to fill the tin - it shrinks a lot when baked. I do encourage you to try making your own - I promise it is much less scary than it looks!
It needs AT LEAST 3-4 hours to chill. You need the custard to be completely set and cold right throughout. If you cut into it before it is properly chilled, you're going to have a bad time.
I found that when making my own pastry, obsessively squaring off the edges helped, along with measuring the temperature of the butter and the dough before I started the folds to ensure that they were a similar temperature.
Use a bread knife. Gently saw the top layer to cut through, then you can cut through the rest of the custard square. It might seem wobbly, but if your bread knife is sharp, you will be fine.
For more Custard Recipes, Check out:
- Brioche Custard Buns
- Chelsea Buns
- Paris Brest with Spiced Apple
- Roasted Strawberry and Custard Brioche Doughnuts
Made this recipe and love it?
If you made this recipe then I would LOVE for you to leave me a review below to let me know how you liked it! Also, please make sure to tag me on Instagram if you make it!
A note on salt and oven temperature
It is important to note the type of salt that is called for in a recipe. I use Diamond Crystal salt throughout my recipes - if you use a different sort of kosher salt or regular table salt you will need to adjust accordingly as some salt is 'saltier' than others. Morton's salt is twice as salty, so you will need half the quantity. Same goes for a regular table salt. I am working to get gram measurements throughout my recipes for salt but still getting there.
All oven temperatures are conventional unless otherwise stated. If you are baking on fan / convection, you will need to adjust the temperature. An oven thermometer is a great investment to ensure that your oven is the correct temperature.
Using the double / triple function in the recipe card
You will notice that there is a '1X' '2X' '3X' button in my recipe card. This can be used for doubling or tripling a recipe. However, please note that this only doubles the ingredient quantities in the ingredients list and NOT in the method. If there are quantities or pan sizes in the method of the recipe (for example weigh out 150g brown butter), you will need to scale this number manually. It will also not change the baking time in the recipe so you will need to adjust this yourself too. It is always a good idea to read through a recipe fully before doubling it just to check this. If you would like to scale this recipe or convert for another pan size, use my calculator!
Tools and equipment
For a list of my go-to tools and equipment, I have a post you can refer to here.
Why is this recipe in grams?
I post my recipes in grams as it is the most accurate way to bake. Cups are not only inaccurate but they vary in volume worldwide. There is no way for me to provide one cup measure that works for everyone. However, posting in weight fixes this issue. If you would like the recipe in cups you are welcome to convert it yourself via google, but please do not ask me to do it for you as I am not comfortable providing a recipe using a method that I have not tested. Baking with a scale is easy, accurate, and also makes cleanup super simple. Here is the scale that I use if you would like a recommendation! Here's to accurate baking!
Recipe for Custard Square
Print
Custard Square with Homemade Puff Pastry
- Prep Time: 5 hours
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Cuisine: New Zealand
Description
The perfect custard square - sheets of crisp flaky pastry sandwich a creamy rich vanilla bean custard. The whole thing is then loaded up with a vanilla bean glaze. This is a delicious take on a classic New Zealand childhood favourite.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry - Butter Block
- 450g unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 70g Bread Flour
Puff Pastry - Dough
- 400g bread flour
- 100g All-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 115g unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste (optional)
- 290g cool water
Vanilla Bean Custard
- 720g whole milk
- 480g heavy cream
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
- pinch of Salt
- 65g custard powder
- 200g sugar
- 3 eggs, at room temperature
- 70g unsalted butter, at room temperature
Vanilla Bean Icing
- 375g powdered sugar, sifted
- 45g unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ½ tsp vanilla bean paste
- whole milk to mix (a few tablespoons)
Instructions
PUFF PASTRY
- Cut a piece of parchment paper so it measures approximately 13 x 18 inches. (I use pre-cut sheets which are this size). Position with the short side facing you.
- In a medium bowl, place the butter and flour. Mix vigorously using a silicone spatula. Spread onto the bottom third of the parchment paper, and use an offset spatula to spread into a rectangle 6"x9", and ½" thick. Carefully square off the edges. Wrap in the parchment paper, and place in the fridge to firm up.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the bread flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Add the butter and vanilla, and mix on low until the butter is fully incorporated into the mixture. Add the water, and mix until a dough forms, 5-6 minutes. Increase the speed, and mix on high for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
- Turn out onto a piece of plastic wrap, and pat into a rectangle with your hands. Wrap in the plastic and rest in the refrigerator for 40-50 minutes.
- Once the butter and the dough are a similar temperature (16˚c / 60˚f to 21˚c / 70˚f), remove both from the fridge. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to a rectangle 12" x 10", taking time to carefully measure, and squaring off the edges using a bench scraper if necessary. (This will make doing the folding much, much easier). Orient the rectangle so that the short side is facing you.
- Using the paper as a guide, peel back half of the parchment on the butter, and place on the bottom half of the dough, leaving a ½" margin around the edges. Fold the top half of the dough down over the butter block, pressing firmly around the edges to seal, and tuck any excess dough underneath the block. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic, place on a baking sheet lined with parchment, and rest in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes.
- Turn #1: 4-fold Remove the dough from the fridge, and unwrap. On a lightly floured surface, roll out to a ½ inch thick rectangle that is 13" wide and 19" long. If it is too warm and is becoming sticky, return to the fridge for a little more rest time. If it is too hard, allow to sit at room temp to soften a little. 30 minutes worked well for each rest time for me. Square off the edges. Turn the dough so a long edge is facing you. Take the left edge of the dough, and fold ¾ of the way across the dough, lining up the edges. Fold the right edge to meet the left, about ¼ of the way across. Fold the dough in half, left side over right. Transfer to the baking sheet, brush off extra flour, and cover with plastic wrap. Rest for another 30 minutes.
- Turn #2: 3-fold Remove the dough from the fridge. On a lightly floured surface, repeat the rolling process - roll to 13" x 19", and square the edges. Turn so a long edge is facing you. Fold the left side of the dough ⅓ of the way across, then fold the right side of the dough over the left (so you have 3 layers of dough). Place on the baking sheet, brush off flour, cover and refrigerate. Rest for 30 minutes.
- Turn #3: 4-fold Repeat the process for a 4-fold as explained above, taking care to square the edges. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
- Turn #4: 3-fold Repeat the process for the first 3-fold. This is your final fold. Roll out, square off, and repeat the instructions for a 3-fold above. Cover, and rest for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- At this stage the dough is ready to be used - cut in half, and store the dough either wrapped tightly in the fridge (you will use one half for the custard square and you can keep the rest for another project), or in the freezer.
- To make the pastry sheets, preheat the oven to 180c / 350˚f. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Take 700g of the prepared pastry (one half of the recipe above), and divide the piece into two. Wrap half in plastic and place in the fridge until needed - you will do this in two batches.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the first piece of pastry into a square that measures 11" square - this allows for shrinkage. Place onto the prepared baking sheet, and top with a second piece of parchment paper, then place a second baking sheet on top, to help prevent rising.
- Prepare the second piece of pastry the same way. Alternatively if you do not have enough baking sheets you can bake these one at a time and just repeat the process twice.
- Place the baking sheets in the oven, and place something heavy such as a cast iron skillet on top of the second baking sheet. Bake the pastry for approximately 40 minutes, switching half way through, or until golden brown. Remove the top baking sheet, and parchment paper, and bake uncovered for a further 5 minutes. Allow to cool slightly on the baking sheet, before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Using a sharp knife and the tin you are planning on using as a guide, trim the pastry squares so that they are the same size as your tin (I used a 9" square tin). Set aside until ready to assemble.
VANILLA BEAN CUSTARD
- In a large heavy bottomed saucepan, place the milk, cream, vanilla paste and salt. Heat over medium heat, until it is very hot to the touch and just shy of a simmer.
- Meanwhile, while the milk is heating, place the custard powder and sugar in a medium bowl, and whisk to combine. Add the eggs, and whisk until well combined and slightly pale in colour.
- Once the milk mixture has heated, remove it from the heat, and, whisking constantly, pour half of it into the egg mixture. Whisk well to combine, before adding the rest of the milk and whisking very well. Wash and dry the saucepan, and return to the stove. Strain the mixture back into the saucepan, and place over low to medium heat. Cook for 10-15 minutes, whisking constantly, until the custard is very thick. Remove from the heat and add the butter a small piece at a time, whisking to incorporate before adding the next piece.
- Use immediately for assembly.
ASSEMBLY
- Line a 9" square tin with two sheets of baking paper, extending over the sides of the tin to act as a 'sling'. Place the first piece of puff pastry in the bottom of the tin, trimming slightly to make it fit if needed.
- Pour the hot custard over the top of the puff pastry, and smooth with an offset spatula. Place the second piece of pastry on top, pressing down lightly to ensure there are no air bubbles. Cover the tin with plastic wrap, and place in the fridge to set for at least 3-4 hours, or up to overnight.
- Once the custard has set, carefully use the parchment paper to remove the custard square from the tin, and place on a chopping board or large plate.
- Combine the powdered sugar, unsalted butter, and vanilla bean paste in a medium bowl. Add enough milk to reach a spreadable consistency (I used just over 3 Tbsp), or the desired consistency. Add more if you like a more glaze-like icing and less if you would like to make swoops in your icing.
- Spread the icing over the surface of the custard square, then place briefly in the fridge to allow the icing to set.
- Once the icing has set, cut into 16 squares using a bread knife which has been run under cold water and then wiped. Use a careful sawing motion. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve. Best served slightly cold, on the day or the day after they are made.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
Pastry Recipe, with permission, from The Fearless Baker
Keywords: Custard Square, Vanilla Slice, Puff Pastry, Rough Puff Pastry
Any chance you have the measurements in non-metric terms for those of us that don't use metrics?
Hi Dee! Thanks so much for reaching out. I don't provide recipes in cups sorry as they aren't an accurate measure and my recipes require accuracy in order to get best results. I go more into this on my FAQ page if you would like to have a wee look, otherwise I am more than happy to recommend a scale! They are a total game changer in terms of baking with accuracy and they save so much on cleanup!
Love how easy this custard recipe is!! Have just made this and waiting for it to set, my patience will be tested!
Yayyy I am so glad you love!
What do you mean by ‘heavy cream’? Am UK based, so is this maybe double cream?
I'm not sure what it's called in the UK sorry but it's the one that you use to make whipped cream!
works perfectly 🙂
★★★★★
Yayyy! x
These are phenomenal!
I’ve never made puff pastry by hand before, but I don’t think I can ever use store bought again after this...
Clear instructions (augmented by the Instagram stories highlights) - easily broken down over a few days - hands down best vanilla slice (🙋🏼♀️Aussie here) I’ve ever had.
I brought some to work for night shift, and had one of my colleagues call me at three am when they got around to eating it to tell me how good it was. The message couldn’t wait until morning.
Thanks Erin, you’re a superstar!
★★★★★
Ah yayyyyy!!! I love to hear that so much! It's my absolute fave too xx
Every part of the recipe worked perfectly and was so delish!!
Thanks for giving us such a great recipe 🙂
★★★★★
Ahhh you are so welcome!
What is custard powder?
Hi! I wrote about this in the post - there is a section called "What is custard Powder"? I get mine online!
This was my first time making custard squares (vanilla slice in Aus) from scratch and my father in law dreamily said it took him back to his days in Paris. Such a perfect recipe! Thanks for sharing 🙂
★★★★★
Aw yayyyy you are so welcome! These are my faves!
Mōrena! Is there a substitute for bread flour? Doesn't seem to be easily available in NZ, and I'm not sure high grade is a good enough substitute? Thoughts?
Hi hi! High grade is just the Nz name for bread flour 💕💕💕💕 same thing just different name! X
Hi Erin. Very good recipe. Used pre-made pastry as I had two squares left over from making Spanakopita. My only issue was with so many processes it would be great to have the ingredients repeated again above the process. Was a long way back to the top of the recipe for qty's when making the icing, especially when using grams rather than cups.
★★★★★
Hi! Thanks so much for the feedback! Unfortunately adding in the ingredients like that makes google upset and makes the recipe a little hard to read, sorry about that! I suggest printing it if you need. My apologies again!
Love love love this recipe! The vanilla custard was creamy and delicious! A family favourite
★★★★★
Hello, do you need to use a stand mixer for the dough?
Hi! I haven't tried it without one but i think that hand kneading should be ok. Just make sure you get it to pass the windowpane test!
Just realized that you have the same surname as my Waikato-born husband. Interesting.
Sneaky! I don't think my husband has any family in the waikato!
Made the small batch version and it worked perfectly and tasted delicious. I used store brought pastry to make life easier. Definitely recommend and was the perfect size for a family of four during lockdown.
★★★★★
Eeee so so happy you loved!!
Yum!! I attempted the small batch using pre made pastry after failing to make custard squares years ago and they were so easy and delicious! Will definitely be making again. Loving your recipes!
★★★★★
Ahhh so happy to hear! I'll be making the small batch v often I think!
We made the small batch but the custard squares were SO delicious that the loaf tin just wasn’t big enough, so we had to upgrade to the full size for the next time!
As always, Erin’s recipes are easily to follow with lots of great hints. Sieving the custard ensured a super smooth result. There were a real hit in our house and they will likely be my new go-to treat.
★★★★★
Have made this a couple of times over lockdown for the boys… super easy with store bought pastry … delish… such an easy go to treat!
★★★★★