Custard Vlaai Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups milk
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting

Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, butter, sugar, and salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add egg yolk and milk, and mix until the dough comes together.
4. Press the dough into the tart pan, making sure it is evenly distributed.
5. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
6. In a medium saucepan, whisk together cornstarch and sugar.
7. Gradually whisk in milk until the mixture is smooth.
8. Add egg yolks and vanilla extract, and whisk until well combined.
9. Cook the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil.
10. Pour the custard into the baked crust, and smooth the top with a spatula.
11. Bake the vlaai for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the custard is set.
12. Let the vlaai cool to room temperature, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
- 8 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 315
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 5g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the dough by half.
- Whole milk can be used instead of 2% milk.
- Almond extract can be used instead of vanilla extract.

Variations:
- Add sliced fruit, such as strawberries or peaches, on top of the custard before baking.
- Top the vlaai with whipped cream or meringue after baking.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the crust is evenly pressed into the tart pan to prevent any air pockets.
- Whisk the custard constantly while cooking to prevent lumps from forming.
- Let the vlaai cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent it from melting.

Storage instructions:
- Store the vlaai in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the vlaai in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the vlaai on a decorative platter or cake stand.
- Dust the powdered sugar in a decorative pattern using a stencil.

Garnishes:
- Fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced peaches.
- Whipped cream or meringue.

Pairings:
- Coffee or tea.

Suggested side dishes:
- None.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the custard is not setting, bake the vlaai for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to refrigerate the vlaai if not serving immediately to prevent the custard from spoiling.

Food history:
- Vlaai is a traditional Dutch pastry that originated in the Limburg region.

Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, creamy, and buttery.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the vlaai as a dessert or as a sweet snack.

Related Categories

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Region: Dutch

Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Custard, Vanilla, Light, Custard-Flavored, Vanilla-Scented