Vanilla Custard Magic Bars

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups warm milk
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 4 eggs, separated
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• Powdered sugar, as needed, garnish

PREPARATION

1. Preheat oven to 325º F and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. In a completely dry bowl or stand mixer, beat egg whites (making sure there is no yolk in the whites) until stiff peaks form, then set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks and powdered sugar until thickened and lightened in color.
4. Add melted butter and 1 tablespoon water into ribbony egg yolk mixture until combined, 1-2 minutes.
5. Gradually mix in flour until evenly incorporated, then mix in milk and vanilla extract.
6. Take 1/3 egg whites and fold it gently into batter. Once incorporated, fold in remaining egg whites.
7. Pour batter into greased baking dish and place in oven.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until center is just set, but still a little jiggly.
9. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Optional: refrigerate to speed up chilling process.
10. Slice into bars and dust with powdered sugar to serve. Enjoy!