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Vanilla Cream Crumb Bars

These tender Vanilla Cream Crumb Bars feature a shortbread crust, a creamy vanilla filling, and a buttery crumble topping. Perfect for sharing at potlucks or enjoying with a cup of coffee.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the shortbread crust
  • 1 cup all purpose flour For the crust
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar For the crust
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt For the crust
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature For the crust
For the vanilla cream filling
  • 1 cup whole milk Room temperature
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream For creaminess
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar For the filling
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch Thickening agent
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt For flavor
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature For tempering
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract For flavor
For the crumble topping
  • 3/4 cup all purpose flour For the crumble
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed For sweetness
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt For flavor
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, cooled slightly For texture

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. For the shortbread crust: whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Add butter and mix until crumbly. Press into the prepared pan and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until lightly golden.
  3. While the crust cools, prepare the vanilla cream filling. Whisk together milk, cream, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened.
  4. Whisk eggs and vanilla; temper with the hot milk mixture by gradually adding it to the eggs while whisking to prevent curdling.
  5. Return the mixture to heat and thicken to pudding-like consistency, then pour over the baked crust.
Crumble Topping
  1. For the crumble topping: mix flour, brown sugar, and salt; add melted butter until clumps form.
  2. Sprinkle the crumble over the filling and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden.
Cooling
  1. Cool for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.

Notes

Serve chilled or slightly cool, sliced into squares. For a special touch, warm a slice briefly and top with whipped cream or berries. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze for longer storage.