The sun shines brightly as you slice into the creamy, luscious layers of Mother’s Day Strawberry Custard Bars. The sweet aroma wafts through the air, inviting everyone to take a bite. chocolate-covered strawberry bouquet With a crunchy crust that crumbles beneath your fork and a custard filling that dances on your taste buds, these bars are a delightful celebration of spring.
Picture this: family gathered around the table, laughter echoing as they savor each delicious bite. Memories of past Mother’s Days flood back, each one sweeter than the last. refreshing strawberry dole whip These strawberry custard bars have become a tradition that brings smiles and happy hearts, making them the perfect treat to honor the special mothers in our lives.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for even the busiest families
- The burst of fresh strawberries mixed with creamy custard creates an irresistible flavor combination
- Visually stunning with vibrant colors, these bars are sure to impress at any gathering
- Enjoy them as a dessert or a sweet breakfast treat; they’re versatile enough for any occasion
Sharing a batch of these bars at my last family gathering had everyone asking for seconds, proving just how irresistible they are.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness and vibrant color; they are the star of this recipe.
- Granulated Sugar: A classic sweetener that balances flavors perfectly; you can adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.
- Butter: Unsalted butter works best here; it adds richness without overwhelming other flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating that deliciously crumbly crust and thickening the custard.
- Eggs: Use large eggs; they provide structure and creaminess to the custard layer.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully; skip imitation if you can!
- Milk or Cream: Whole milk adds richness, while cream creates an even more luxurious texture; choose based on your preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your baking dish by greasing it lightly with nonstick spray or butter. This will ensure that those delicious strawberry custard bars come out easily once baked.
Create the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy; this should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer. Gradually add in flour until everything comes together into a dough-like consistency.
Press into Place: Take your buttery mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Use your fingers or a spatula to ensure it’s compact and even, creating a solid foundation for those tasty layers above.
Bake Until Golden: Slide this crust into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on it because no one likes burnt edges!
Prepare Custard Mixture: While the crust bakes, whisk together eggs, sugar, milk or cream, vanilla extract, and a touch of salt in another bowl until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy.
Add Strawberries on Top: Once your crust is out of the oven and slightly cooled, arrange sliced strawberries evenly over it. Pour the custard mixture gently over the top so those strawberries get cozy underneath all that creamy goodness.
Bake Until Set: Return everything back into the oven for another 25-30 minutes until the custard has set and no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pan. Let it cool completely before slicing into squares; trust me, patience pays off here!
Now you’ve created Mother’s Day Strawberry Custard Bars! Serve chilled or at room temperature for an unforgettable treat that will make anyone feel celebrated! strawberry shortcake parfaits. strawberry shortcake cheesecake roll.
You Must Know
- Mother’s Day Strawberry Custard Bars are a delightful treat that combines sweet strawberries with creamy custard
- The contrast in textures creates a delicious experience, making them perfect for any celebration
- These bars are not just visually appealing; they are a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust while preheating your oven. Bake the crust first, then mix the custard filling and pour it over the baked base for even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different fruits such as blueberries or peaches instead of strawberries. You can also add a splash of vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to reheat, use a low temperature to preserve the texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always let the strawberry custard bars cool completely before slicing; this helps maintain their shape
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and avoid overmixing the custard to keep it smooth and creamy
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a lovely finish!
Making these strawberry custard bars always reminds me of that one Mother’s Day when my family devoured them faster than I could plate them!
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for Mother’s Day Strawberry Custard Bars?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first to prevent excess moisture. For more inspiration, check out this chocolate-covered strawberries recipe recipe.
How long do these bars last in the fridge?
They can be stored in the refrigerator for about five days.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! They taste even better after chilling overnight.
Mother’s Day Strawberry Custard Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in Mother’s Day Strawberry Custard Bars, a delightful blend of fresh strawberries and creamy custard set atop a buttery crust. Perfect for celebrating spring, these bars are not only visually stunning but also a beloved family tradition that brings joy to every gathering. Easy to prepare and versatile, they can be enjoyed as a dessert or breakfast treat, making them an ideal choice for honoring the special mothers in our lives.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- To make the crust, mix softened butter and 1/2 cup sugar until fluffy. Gradually add flour until combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish and bake for 15 minutes until golden brown.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, remaining sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Once the crust has cooled slightly, arrange sliced strawberries on top and pour custard mixture over them.
- Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until custard is set. Let cool completely before slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (70g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg