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1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
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½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
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½ cup (115g) cold butter, cubed
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Layer
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8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup (50g) sugar
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1 large egg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Custard Layer
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2 cups (480ml) whole milk
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3 large eggs
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½ cup (100g) sugar
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2 tbsp cornstarch
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
Optional Garnish
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Fresh berries
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Powdered sugar
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Caramel drizzle
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Crust
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment.
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In a food processor, pulse flour, sugar, butter, and vanilla until crumbly.
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Press firmly into the pan. Bake 15 mins until lightly golden.
2. Prepare Cream Cheese Layer
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Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
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Add egg and vanilla, mix until creamy.
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Spread over warm crust (this prevents cracks!).
3. Create the Custard
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Whisk milk, eggs, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt in a saucepan.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (8-10 mins).
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Pour over cream cheese layer.
4. Bake & Chill
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Bake 25-30 mins until edges are set (center will jiggle slightly).
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Cool 1 hour, then refrigerate 4+ hours (overnight preferred).
5. Slice & Serve
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Run a knife around edges, lift using parchment.
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Cut into squares, garnish, and enjoy chilled!
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Bars
✅ Room temp cream cheese – Prevents lumps
✅ Strain custard – For ultra-smooth texture
✅ Chill thoroughly – Ensures clean slices
