Fruit Custard Bars Recipe

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If you’re craving a dessert that combines creamy, dreamy custard with the juicy burst of fresh fruit, you’re going to fall head over heels in love with this Fruit Custard Bars Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of tender buttery crust, smooth custard filling, and vibrant, colorful fruit topping that makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a summer get-together or just treating yourself to something special, these bars bring a refreshing sweetness that feels both indulgent and light. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll quickly become a favorite go-to dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here is simple yet essential to achieving the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color in your Fruit Custard Bars Recipe. Each one plays its part to create that luscious custard and flaky crust topped with fresh fruit beauty.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the tender base for the crust, ensuring a sturdy but delicate foundation.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness in both crust and custard layers.
• Cold unsalted butter: Cubed cold butter creates a flaky and flavorful crust when baked.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavors and balances sweetness.
• Whole milk: The creamy base for a rich custard texture that’s smooth as silk.
• Egg yolks: Provide richness and help thicken the custard perfectly.
• Cornstarch: The secret to getting that custard thick enough so it holds up beautifully in bars.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warm, comforting notes that complement the fruit.
• Almond extract (optional): Offers a subtle nutty hint that elevates the custard complexity.
• Fresh mixed fruit: Choose strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, and mango for a colorful, juicy topping bursting with freshness.
• Powdered sugar: A delicate dusting that adds a pretty finishing touch.

How to Make Fruit Custard Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal later. Combine flour, sugar, salt, and cold butter cubes in a bowl. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Press this evenly into your pan and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. This sets the perfect crunchy base for your custard bars.

Step 2: Make the Custard Filling

While the crust is baking, warm the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s steaming but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour the warm milk into this mixture, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Transfer the combined custard mixture back onto the stove and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and bubbles gently. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and optional almond extract. Let the custard cool for about 5 minutes so it’s warm but not hot.

Step 3: Assemble and Chill

Pour the warm custard evenly over your baked crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate the bars for at least two hours, allowing the custard to set firm enough to slice cleanly. This chilling time is crucial to get the perfect custard texture in your Fruit Custard Bars Recipe.

Step 4: Add the Fresh Fruit Topping

Once the custard layer is fully set, arrange the diced fresh fruit over the top in a colorful pattern. Finish with a gentle dusting of powdered sugar to add a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. Now your bars are ready to be sliced and enjoyed!

How to Serve Fruit Custard Bars Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, add a few fresh mint leaves on top or a thin drizzle of honey for a subtle floral note. Lightly sprinkling some toasted coconut flakes can bring a fun texture contrast and a tropical vibe. These garnishes don’t just look pretty—they enhance the flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Serve your Fruit Custard Bars Recipe alongside simple vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to amplify the creamy richness. A cup of lightly brewed green or herbal tea pairs beautifully, cutting through the sweetness while complementing the fresh fruit flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Arrange the custard bars on a rustic wooden board with extra fresh fruit spilling around for a laid-back, inviting display. Alternatively, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them as elegant mini dessert bites at a cocktail party. You can even layer the components in small jars for a grab-and-go treat with visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover fruit custard bars covered tightly in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. They store well for up to 3 days and retain their creamy texture and crisp crust when chilled properly.

Freezing

Because of the fresh fruit topping, freezing is not recommended if you want the bars to stay fresh and visually appealing. If you prefer to freeze, remove the fruit topping before freezing the bars in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Add fresh fruit topping fresh after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat the bars briefly at room temperature or serve them chilled. Avoid microwaving the bars, as the custard texture can break down and become watery. The cool, set custard is part of what makes this recipe so delightful.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fruit for the topping?

Frozen fruit tends to release extra moisture as it thaws, which can make the custard soggy. It’s best to use fresh, firm fruit for the topping to maintain the crisp texture and fresh flavor in your Fruit Custard Bars Recipe.

Is there a gluten-free option for the crust?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures like wheat flour, or try using finely ground almond flour combined with a bit of gluten-free baking mix for a tasty alternative.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe relies on eggs and dairy for its signature custard, but you could experiment with plant-based milk like almond or oat and use a cornstarch-based vegan custard mix. Keep in mind the texture and taste will differ slightly, but it can still be delicious!

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Baking the crust until it’s lightly golden creates a firm barrier that prevents sogginess. Also, make sure the custard is thick and fully set before adding fruit, and ideally add the fruit topping just before serving to keep the crust crisp.

Can I prepare the bars a day in advance?

Yes! In fact, these bars are perfect for making ahead. Just refrigerate the custard-covered crust overnight and add the fresh fruit topping right before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the combination of soft, creamy custard and fresh, juicy fruit atop a tender buttery crust. This Fruit Custard Bars Recipe captures that magic perfectly and is bound to become a staple in your dessert rotation. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat, yet elegant enough for celebrations. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!

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Fruit Custard Bars Recipe

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3.9 from 56 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Fruit Custard Bars are a deliciously refreshing dessert perfect for summer, featuring a buttery baked crust topped with a creamy vanilla custard and fresh mixed fruit. Chill to set, then dust with powdered sugar for a light, fruity treat.

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Ingredients

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For the Crust

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Custard

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Topping

• 1 cup fresh mixed fruit, such as strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, and mango, diced small
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars.
2. Make the Crust Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and cold butter cubes. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Bake the Crust: Press the crumbly crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Custard Base: While the crust is baking, heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it is steaming but not boiling.
5. Mix Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined.
6. Combine Milk and Egg Mixture: Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
7. Cook the Custard: Return the combined mixture to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the custard thickens and starts to bubble.
8. Add Flavorings and Cool: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract if using. Allow the custard to cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
9. Assemble and Chill: Pour the warm custard over the baked crust and spread it evenly. Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours or until the custard is fully set.
10. Add Fresh Fruit Topping: Once the custard has set, top with the diced fresh mixed fruit. Lightly dust the bars with powdered sugar.
11. Serve: Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into 12 bars and serve chilled.

Notes

• Use firm, fresh fruit to prevent excess moisture from making the bars soggy.
• If preparing in advance, add the fresh fruit topping just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
• For a different crust, substitute with a graham cracker base for a more crumbly texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American