Cream Cheese Custard Bars

 

🧁 Cream Cheese Custard Bars

Soft cake, creamy filling, and a dusting of sweetness — a true comfort classic.

These bars combine tender vanilla cake with a rich, velvety cream cheese custard tucked right in the middle. Baked until golden and dusted with powdered sugar, they’re perfect for potlucks, afternoon coffee, or just a quiet moment of indulgence.

 

🧾 Ingredients

Cake Layers

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) milk, room temperature
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Cream Cheese Custard Filling

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
• 4 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Garnish

• Powdered sugar, for dusting
  
  

  👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  2. Make the Cake Batter

  • Beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
  • Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Fold gently until smooth.

  3. Prepare the Custard Filling

  • In a saucepan, whisk sugar and cornstarch.
  • Slowly add milk, whisking to avoid lumps.
  • Add egg yolks and cook over medium heat until thickened.
  • Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese and vanilla until smooth.

  4. Layer the Bars

  • Pour half the cake batter into the dish.
  • Spread custard evenly over the batter.
  • Top with remaining cake batter and smooth gently.

  5. Bake & Cool

  • Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool completely before slicing into bars.

  6. Garnish & Serve

  • Dust generously with powdered sugar.
  • Serve chilled or at room temperature.
   

  🍽️ Tips & Twists

  • Flavor boost: Add a touch of lemon zest to the custard for brightness.
  • Make ahead: These bars hold up beautifully in the fridge for 2–3 days.
  • Serving idea: Pair with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.