Here’s a delicious and classic Cream Cheese Custard Bars recipe—rich, creamy, and perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Crust
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1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
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1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
Custard Filling
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8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/4 tsp salt
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Optional: pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for extra flavor
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease or line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the Crust
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In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, and melted butter.
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Mix until crumbly but holds together when pressed.
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Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
3. Make the Custard Filling
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In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
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Add sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until fully combined.
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Pour the custard over the warm crust.
4. Bake
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the custard is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
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Optional: sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon on top halfway through baking for extra flavor.
5. Cool and Slice
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Let the bars cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours for cleaner slices.
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Cut into squares or rectangles and serve chilled.
Tips
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For a sweeter, dessert-like bar, drizzle with chocolate or fruit preserves on top before serving.
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Using full-fat cream cheese gives the creamiest texture.
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Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
If you want, I can also give a quick version with a graham cracker crust and lemon zest that makes it even more flavorful—like a cheesecake-custard hybrid.