Cream Cheese Custard Bars: A Velvety, Two-Layered Dream Dessert
If you’re searching for the perfect combination of cheesecake and custard, these Cream Cheese Custard Bars are about to become your new go-to dessert. With a buttery shortbread crust, a lusciously tangy cream cheese layer, and a silky-smooth vanilla custard topping, these bars are rich yet balanced, easy to make, and undeniably crowd-pleasing.
No water bath. No fuss. Just pure, dreamy layers baked to golden perfection.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Cream Cheese Custard Bars
✅ Two-layer texture heaven – smooth, creamy, and tender
✅ No water bath required – bakes evenly without cracking
✅ Perfect for any occasion – potlucks, brunches, holidays
✅ Easy to make ahead – tastes even better after chilling overnight
✅ Elegant but effortless – minimal prep, maximum wow
Whether you’re hosting a baby shower or bringing dessert to a family gathering, these bars offer the kind of elevated simplicity that makes them an instant classic.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Custard Bars
🧁 For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
🧀 For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
🍮 For the Custard Topping:
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
💡 Pro Tip: Use full-fat dairy for the richest, silkiest results.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add flour, salt, and vanilla and mix until the dough comes together.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the baked crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Custard Topping
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together:
- Milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt.
- Continue whisking constantly until the mixture thickens slightly (about 5–7 minutes)—it should coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes (stir occasionally to prevent skin forming).
- Gently pour the custard layer over the cream cheese layer in the pan. Smooth the top carefully.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
- Bake the assembled bars for 30–35 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Serving & Storage Tips
To Serve:
- Use the parchment sling to lift the bars from the pan.
- Slice into 16 squares using a warm, clean knife.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or top with fresh berries for a polished finish.
To Store:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- These bars freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Make It Your Own – Variations to Try
| Add-In | How to Use It | Flavor Boost |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh berries | Fold into cream cheese layer | Tart contrast |
| Lemon zest | Add to custard mix | Bright citrus note |
| Almond extract | Replace ½ tsp of vanilla | Nutty aroma |
| Crushed graham crackers | Sprinkle on crust before baking | Textural contrast |
Pro Tips for Custard Bar Perfection
🔸 Room-temperature ingredients make for smoother layers
🔸 Don’t overbake — custard should have a slight jiggle in the center
🔸 Chill thoroughly before slicing for the cleanest cuts
🔸 Use a sharp knife, wiped clean between each slice
🔸 Full-fat dairy = creamier texture, richer flavor
Why These Bars Are a Must-Bake
These Cream Cheese Custard Bars aren’t just another dessert—they’re a testament to how simple ingredients can create something luxurious. Each bite brings:
✨ The gentle crunch of buttery shortbread
✨ The creamy tang of rich cheesecake
✨ The soft, silky finish of classic vanilla custard
They’re refined without being fussy. Impressive without being complicated. And deeply satisfying, no matter the season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the crust. Ensure your cornstarch is gluten-free as well.
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. In fact, they’re even better the next day after chilling in the fridge.
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: You can, but full-fat cream cheese creates the best, creamiest texture.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes—just use a larger baking pan (or two 9×13 pans) and adjust baking times as needed.
Final Thoughts: Your New Signature Dessert
These Cream Cheese Custard Bars are the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again. They’re approachable enough for weeknights, yet elegant enough for special occasions. With minimal effort and maximum reward, they’re the dessert equivalent of a velvet robe for your tastebuds.
Whether you serve them at brunch, share them at potlucks, or just keep the tray in your fridge for secret midnight bites—this two-layered dream belongs in your baking rotation.