Description
Fruit Custard Bars are a delightful, refreshing dessert combining a crisp graham cracker crust, creamy homemade custard, and a colorful topping of fresh and canned fruits. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for warm days and special occasions, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and texture in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch square baking pan to form an even layer.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until it turns lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely before adding the custard filling.
- Make the Custard Filling: In a medium saucepan, whisk together whole milk, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, until it starts to thicken.
- Temper the Egg Yolks: In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks well. Slowly add a small amount of the hot milk mixture to the yolks while whisking continuously to temper them and avoid scrambling.
- Cook the Custard: Pour the tempered yolk mixture slowly back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture, whisking continuously. Continue to cook over medium heat for about 5 more minutes until the custard thickens fully.
- Finish the Custard: Remove the custard from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and unsalted butter until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the warm custard evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust. Arrange the halved green grapes, red grapes, chopped canned peaches, and maraschino cherries evenly on top of the custard layer, lightly pressing the fruits so they adhere well.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 2 hours or until the custard is fully set and firm.
- Serve: Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a decorative finish. Cut into squares and enjoy this refreshing dessert.
Notes
- You can substitute the canned peaches with fresh peaches if in season for a fresher taste.
- Ensure to whisk constantly while cooking the custard to prevent lumps or burning.
- For added flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top before dusting with powdered sugar.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for best freshness.
