Description
These Fruit Custard Bars combine a crispy graham cracker crust with a creamy vanilla custard filling topped with a colorful assortment of fresh and canned fruits. Perfectly chilled and dusted with powdered sugar, these bars offer a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making them a refreshing dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp sugar
Custard Filling
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Fruit Topping
- ½ cup green grapes, halved
- ½ cup red grapes
- ½ cup canned peaches, chopped
- ¼ cup maraschino cherries
Finishing
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of an 8×8-inch square baking pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
- Make the Custard Filling: In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken.
- Temper the Egg Yolks: In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks and gradually add a small amount of the hot milk mixture to the yolks, whisking to temper them. Slowly pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan while whisking. Continue to cook the custard until thick, about 5 more minutes.
- Finish the Custard: Remove the custard from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until fully incorporated.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the custard evenly over the cooled crust. Arrange the green grapes, red grapes, canned peaches, and maraschino cherries on top of the custard layer. Lightly press the fruits into the custard so they adhere.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or until fully set. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh fruits for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure the custard is fully cooled before adding fruit to prevent it from sinking.
- You can substitute the fruit topping based on seasonal availability.
- For a lighter option, use low-fat milk instead of whole milk.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.