Description

What You’ll Need: Ingredients. Simple, classic ingredients form three delicious layers: an all-butter crust, a tangy cream cheese middle, and a silky stovetop custard. Use room-temp cream cheese and cold butter for perfect textures.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the All-Butter Crust

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Layer

8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Silky Custard Layer

2 cups whole milk
3 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 Tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
salt (a pinch)

For Optional Garnish

fresh berries, powdered sugar, or caramel drizzle (to your liking)

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Instructions

Prep oven & pan: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) pan with parchment, leaving overhang.
Make & pre-bake crust: In a food processor, pulse flour, sugar, cold butter, and vanilla until sandy crumbs form. (Or use a pastry cutter/fingertips.) Press firmly into pan. Bake 15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Mix cream cheese layer: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Scrape bowl; mix in egg and vanilla until combined.
Cook custard: In a saucepan, whisk milk, eggs, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium, stirring constantly, 8–10 minutes until thick enough to coat a spoon.
Assemble & bake: Spread cream cheese mixture over hot crust. Pour hot custard on top. Bake 25–30 minutes until edges are set and center has a slight jiggle.
Cool & chill: Cool on a rack 1 hour, then refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight best) until fully set. Lift with parchment and slice into 16 bars. Garnish as desired.

Notes

Chill time is essential for clean slices and a plush, set custard. For crisper edges, refrigerate overnight before cutting with a hot, dry knife.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Bars, Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 280
Sugar: 20
Fat: 16
Saturated Fat: 9
Carbohydrates: 28
Protein: 6