Pear Custard Bars
Intro:
Indulge in the sweet flavors of the season with these delightful Pear Custard Bars. Perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or as a special dessert for a gathering, these bars combine the delicate taste of pears with a rich custard layer and a buttery crust. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these bars will surely become a favorite in your repertoire of dessert recipes.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
– 4 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Add the diced butter and using a pastry cutter or your hands, work the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
4. While the crust is cooling, arrange the sliced pears over the crust in a single layer.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
6. Pour the custard mixture over the pears, ensuring an even distribution.
7. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set and lightly golden on top.
8. Remove the Pear Custard Bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan.
9. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to allow the custard to set further.
10. Before serving, dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
Enjoy the Pear Custard Bars chilled, cut into squares, and savor the wonderful combination of juicy pears and creamy custard in every bite. These bars are a lovely way to celebrate the flavors of the season and make any occasion extra special. Share them with loved ones or keep them all to yourself – either way, they are sure to bring smiles and satisfaction.