A golden, silky, melt-in-your-mouth Mediterranean-inspired treat with a buttery base and a creamy, sun-bright custard top.

These bars resemble classic custard slices found in Greek, Italian, and Turkish cuisine, but with the indulgent texture of butter bars.

✨ INGREDIENTS

For the Buttery Base

  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp almond extract (optional Mediterranean scent)
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt

For the Mediterranean Custard Filling

  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest (Mediterranean brightness)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt

Optional Mediterranean Enhancements

  • 1–2 tsp orange blossom water
  • 1 tsp rose water
  • Pinch of ground mastic (for Greek-style flavor)
  • Dusting of powdered sugar to finish
  • Warm honey drizzle after baking

🍋 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

🌿 1. Prepare the Pan

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Line a square 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting.

🌿 2. Make the Buttery Base

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
  2. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Beat again until fully incorporated.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix on low speed until just combined.
  5. Press 2/3 of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  6. Reserve the remaining 1/3 for later (this forms the golden top).

🌿 3. Make the Custard Filling

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt.
  2. Whisk until smooth, glossy, and silky.

Mediterranean Tip: Add orange blossom water or rose water for a delicate perfume.

🌿 4. Assemble the Bars

  1. Pour the custard filling over the prepared base.
  2. Take small pieces of the remaining dough and flatten them between your palms.
  3. Lay them gently across the top — they don’t need to cover the whole surface.
    • As they bake, they create the wrinkled golden look you see in the pictures.

🌿 5. Bake

  • Bake for 32–38 minutes, depending on your oven.
  • Edges will turn deep golden brown, and the center will appear set but slightly jiggly.
  • The top should be shiny and beautifully wrinkled.

Allow to cool completely before slicing — at least 1 hour.

This cooling time is essential for achieving clean, custard-like slices.

🌿 6. Slice & Finish

Once fully cooled:

  • Lift the bars out using parchment edges.
  • Slice into squares.
  • Optionally drizzle with warm honey for a Mediterranean glow.

🍯 STORAGE

  • Store covered at room temperature for 2 days.
  • Refrigerate up to 1 week.
  • Freeze (unsliced or sliced) for up to 3 months.

🌟 OPTIONAL MEDITERRANEAN VARIATIONS

Greek-Style Lemon Custard Bars

  • Add mastic powder and extra lemon zest.
  • Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Italian Amalfi Coast Version

  • Use only lemon extract and zest.
  • Drizzle with limoncello glaze (for adults).

Turkish-Inspired Custard Bars

  • Add ½ teaspoon rose water.
  • Serve with crushed pistachios on top.

Cypriot Honey-Custard Bars

  • Replace part of the sugar with honey.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon.