Custard Creams
If you’re searching for a delightful biscuit that combines the creamy richness of custard with the satisfying crunch of a perfectly baked cookie, look no further than Custard Creams. These delectable treats are not only simple to make but also offer a nostalgic taste that transports you back to childhood tea parties and cozy afternoons. With their creamy filling nestled between two buttery biscuits, Custard Creams are perfect for sharing—if you can resist the urge to devour them all yourself!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Custard Creams are a perfect balance of sweet and creamy, making them an irresistible snack for any occasion. Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, these biscuits come together quickly.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for tea time, dessert, or even just a midday snack.
- Homemade Goodness: Freshly made Custard Creams are far superior to store-bought varieties.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with flavors and fillings to suit your taste.
What You’ll Gather
Before you embark on your Custard Cream adventure, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup superfine sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 8 tablespoons custard powder (or 8 tablespoons corn starch and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- A few drops of vanilla extract
For the filling, you’ll need:
- 2/3 stick (1/3 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
- A few drops of vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons custard powder (or 2 tablespoons corn starch and a few drops of vanilla extract)
Equipment Breakdown
You’ll need a few essential tools to create your Custard Creams:
- Mixing Bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Whisk: To ensure your butter and sugar mix well.
- Baking Sheet: For placing your biscuits as they bake.
- Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Cookie Cutter: For shaping your biscuits, though any round object will do.
From Start to Finish: Custard Creams
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your biscuits bake evenly and achieve the perfect golden color.
Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough
In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and superfine sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender biscuit. Add in the custard powder (or corn starch with vanilla), vanilla extract, and flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Shape the Biscuits
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using a cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each biscuit.
Step 4: Bake the Biscuits
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake. Remove from the oven and allow the biscuits to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
While the biscuits are cooling, make the custard filling. In a clean bowl, beat the room temperature butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Then, blend in the custard powder (or corn starch with vanilla) and a few drops of vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 6: Assemble the Custard Creams
Once the biscuits are cool, spread a generous amount of filling on the flat side of one biscuit and gently press another biscuit on top, flat side down, to create a sandwich. Repeat until all biscuits are filled.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Your Custard Creams are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them with a cup of tea or coffee, or simply indulge in their creamy goodness as a sweet treat.
Flavor-Forward Alternatives
Looking to mix things up? Here are some exciting variations to elevate your Custard Creams:
- Chocolate Custard: Swap out custard powder for chocolate powder for a chocolatey twist.
- Citrus Zing: Add lemon or orange zest to the filling for a refreshing flavor.
- Spiced Flavor: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into the biscuit dough for warmth.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in finely chopped nuts, like pistachios or almonds, into the filling for added texture.
Slip-Ups to Skip
To ensure your Custard Creams turn out perfectly every time, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Avoid over-mixing the dough, as this can lead to tough biscuits.
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Don’t skip cooling the biscuits before adding the filling; warm biscuits can melt the filling.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; overbaked biscuits will lose their tenderness.
Prep Ahead & Store
If you want to get a head start on your Custard Creams, here are some tips for prepping ahead and storing:
You can make the biscuit dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling it out. The assembled Custard Creams can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the biscuits without filling. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them and add the filling.
Top Questions & Answers
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter imparts a rich flavor and tender texture, you can use margarine as a substitute. Just ensure it’s a good quality margarine for the best results.
What can I use if I don’t have custard powder?
If custard powder is unavailable, you can use corn starch mixed with a bit of vanilla extract. This will give you a similar flavor profile.
How do I know when the biscuits are done baking?
The edges of the biscuits should be lightly golden, and the tops should look set. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that it is suitable for baking to achieve the right texture.
Bring It to the Table
As you set out your freshly made Custard Creams, imagine the smiles that will light up the faces of everyone who gets to indulge in these delightful treats. Whether it’s an afternoon tea gathering, a cozy family dessert, or a sweet surprise for friends, these biscuits are sure to impress. The creamy filling paired with the buttery biscuits creates a moment of pure bliss that is hard to resist. Get ready to share the love and joy that comes with every bite of these amazing Custard Creams.
There’s no doubt that once you make these Custard Creams, they will become a staple in your baking repertoire. Easy, customizable, and utterly delightful, these treats are bound to become a favorite for both you and anyone lucky enough to share them with you!
Custard Creams
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the unsalted butter and superfine sugar until light and fluffy. Add custard powder (or corn starch with vanilla), vanilla extract, and flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out circles using a cookie cutter or glass. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the custard filling by beating room temperature butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth, then blend in custard powder (or corn starch with vanilla).
- Spread filling on the flat side of one biscuit and press another biscuit on top to create a sandwich. Repeat until all biscuits are filled.
- Enjoy your Custard Creams with a cup of tea or as a sweet treat!
Notes
- You can make the biscuit dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days.
- Store assembled Custard Creams in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature.
- Freeze unfilled biscuits for longer storage; thaw before adding filling.
