Old Fashioned Vanilla Slice – A Timeless, Creamy Delight!
Ingredients:
Pastry Base:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1-2 tbsp ice water
Vanilla Custard Filling:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Topping (Optional):
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Caramel sauce or a light drizzle of extra custard (optional)
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Directions:
1. Make the Pastry Base:
1. In a food processor or bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and cold butter.
2. Pulse or rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
3. Add the egg yolk and a tablespoon of ice water at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together.
4. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness, then press it into a 9x9-inch baking pan (or a similar sized square pan), trimming the edges.
6. Prick the base with a fork and chill in the fridge for another 15 minutes.
2. Bake the Base:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the pastry base for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
3. Prepare the Vanilla Custard Filling:
1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and flour until smooth.
2. Gradually whisk in the milk until fully combined.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Remove from heat, then stir in butter and vanilla extract until the butter is melted and the custard is silky smooth.
5. Pour the hot custard over the cooled pastry base, spreading it evenly.
4. Chill & Serve:
1. Refrigerate the assembled vanilla slice for at least 3-4 hours (or overnight) until the custard is fully set.
2. Before serving, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with a little extra custard or caramel sauce, if desired.
3. Cut into squares and serve chilled.