• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Bake Play Smile
MENUMENU
  • Home
  • Shop
  • About Me
    • Meet Lucy
    • Work With Me
  • Contact me
  • Recipes
  • Main Dishes
  • Savoury Breads & Muffins
  • Salads & Sides
  • Soups
  • Bars Brownies & Slices
  • Cakes & Cupcakes
  • Christmas
  • Cookies
  • Desserts
  • Easter
  • Drinks
  • Healthy Treats
  • Sweet Breads & Muffins
  • Thermomix Recipes
  • Thermomix Cookies
  • Thermomix Bars Brownies & Slices
  • Thermomix Cakes & Cupcakes
  • Thermomix Chistmas Recipes
  • Healthy Thermomix Recipes
  • Thermomix Desserts
  • Thermomix Breads & Muffins
  • Thermomix Easter Recipes
  • Thermomix Lunch Box Recipes
  • Thermomix Main Meals
  • Thermomix Sides & Salads
  • Thermomix Soups
  • Recipes for Toddlers & Kids
  • Family Dinners
  • Healthy Snacks
  • Kids Parties
  • Freebies
  • Lunch Box Ideas
  • Sweet Treats
  • Extras
  • Baking 101 - Tips & Tricks
  • Blogger Resources
  • Recipe Videos
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Thermomix Recipes
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Bars Brownies & Slices » Vanilla Custard Slice

    Vanilla Custard Slice

    Published: Aug 24, 2020 by Lucy · This post may contain affiliate links · 32 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    Pieces of custard slice with pastry and pink icing glaze on a wooden board.

    The famous bakery-style vanilla custard slice is sweet, creamy and absolutely delicious. A classic Australian recipe that everyone loves!

    Pieces of custard slice with pastry and pink icing glaze on a wooden board.

    If you live in Australia, there's a fair chance that vanilla slice is one of your favourite bakery treats (along with jelly cakes, chocolate caramel slice and jelly slice, of course!).

    But if you thought that bakery-bought vanilla slice was good, just wait until you try my simple homemade version!

    Australian Vanilla Custard Slice

    Vanilla custard slice is a famous Australian sweet slice recipe that's also known as 'custard slice' or 'vanilla slice'. It is similar to a Mille-feuille in France.

    It has base and top layers of either puff pastry or Arnotts Lattice biscuits sandwiched with a thick creamy custard and topped with a sweet icing sugar glaze.

    This classic old-fashioned slice was made popular by the CWA (Country Womens Association) and is a favourite in bakeries across Australia (including the Beechworth Bakery's famous version!).

    A square slice made with a pastry top and base, a pink icing glaze and filled with vanilla custard.

    Why You're Going To Love This Recipe

    This sweet and creamy slice makes the perfect afternoon tea treat:

    • simple to make - my version uses Arnotts Lattice biscuits which takes the hassle out of using puff pastry
    • easy to cut - by using Lattice biscuits instead of puff pastry, it's so easy to cut the slice. Follow the guide of the outline of the biscuits for perfect slices
    • perfect flavour - the 3 layers of crunchy biscuits, thick creamy custard and sweet icing glaze gives this slice the most delicious flavour and texture
    Pieces of slice made with layers of flakey pastry filled with custard and topped with pink icing glaze.

    What You Need

    While this slice is an absolute showstopper, it's actually made from just a few basic ingredients:

    For The Slice

    • Arnotts Lattice biscuits - these square biscuits are made with layers of sweet flakey pastry with a sweet sugar glaze. You can buy them from any supermarket in Australia. Alternatively, you can use a sheet of puff pastry on the base and top instead.
    • custard powder - this is a fine powder that is made from thickeners, milk powder and flavouring. When cooked with milk and sugar it turns into a thick vanilla custard. It can be purchased from the dessert aisle of the supermarket (not the chilled section).
    • milk - I recommend using full fat milk as it results in a thicker, creamier custard.
    •  caster sugar - this is a fine sugar that dissolves when cooked with the custard powder and milk.
    Bowls of ingredients for a vanilla slice, and a packet of Arnotts Lattice biscuits.

    For The Glaze

    • icing sugar mixture - this can be bought from the baking section of the supermarket. It is made from a combination of powdered sugar and cornflour. It differs from pure icing sugar in that it sets softer - making it perfect for a pourable glaze.
    • water - only add enough water to make the glaze just spreadable. Too much water will make the glaze too watery and turn the slice soggy.
    • pink food colouring - optional. This gives the icing such a pretty colour. You only need a teeny-tiny drop of food colouring - don't overdo it!
    Icing sugar, water and a bottle of pink food colouring on a marble background.

    How To Make Vanilla Custard Slice From Scratch

    This easy 3 step recipe takes just 15 minutes to make:

    Step 1 - Prepare The Custard

    Place the custard powder into a saucepan and add enough milk (approximately ¼ cup) to dissolve the powder.

    Add the sugar and remaining milk and stir to combine.

    Whisk the custard continuously over medium heat until it starts to thicken. Once the custard starts to bubble, continue to whisk for an extra 2 minutes until quite thick.

    Cover with plastic wrap (to avoid the custard developing a 'skin') and leave for 20 minutes to cool.

    A collage of the steps of how to mix and cook vanilla custard in a saucepan.

    Step 2 - Assemble The Slice

    Place 9 Arnott's Lattice biscuits in the base of a lightly greased square 20cm cake tin.

    Pour the custard over the top.

    Add an extra 9 Lattice biscuits.

    A collage showing the assembly of a vanilla slice made with Lattice biscuits, custard and pink icing glaze.

    Step 3 - Prepare The Glaze

    Sift the icing sugar into a bowl, add a small amount of water and the food colouring and mix.

    Once the icing is just spreadable (don't add too much water), spread it over the slice and place into the fridge for a minimum of 4 hours (overnight is best).

    Cut into slices before serving.

    Two pictures showing how a pink icing sugar glaze is made.

    Vanilla Slice Variations

    Vanilla custard slice can be made with a few variations:

    Puff Pastry

    Vanilla custard slice is made using either Arnott's Lattice biscuits or sheets of puff pastry.

    While I love how easy it is to use Lattice biscuits, they're not available in all parts of the world - and therefore, puff pastry is a great option!

    To use puff pastry, place 2 sheets of defrosted puff pastry sheets on a flat tray, brush with egg and bake in a 230 degree celsius oven for 10 minutes.

    Remove from the oven and set aside to cool. Prepare as per the recipe below - replacing the Lattice biscuits with the cooked puff pastry sheets.

    Passionfruit Glaze

    Vanilla slice is traditionally topped with a white glaze, a pink glaze or a passionfruit glaze.

    To make passionfruit glaze, omit the pink food colouring and water and replace with passionfruit pulp (use just enough to get a spreadable thick paste).

    A fork pressed into a square slice of custard and pastry with  pink icing on a plate.

    How To Cut Custard Slice

    By using Arnott's Lattice biscuits, it is SO easy to cut your vanilla slice.

    For best results, leave the slice in the fridge overnight before cutting.

    The icing glaze is quite thin and so you can see the outline of the Lattice biscuits underneath.

    Use a large sharp knife to cut the slice into 9 pieces following the outline of the biscuits as a guide.

    Remove the slices from the baking tin and place into an airtight container and store in the fridge.

    A fork with a half eaten custard pastry slice with pink glaze.

    Recipe FAQ & Tips

    How do you cut vanilla custard slice without squashing it?

    See my tips above for cutting vanilla slice that's been made with Lattice biscuits (the easiest option!)

    To cut vanilla slice that's been made with puff pastry, use a small sharp serrated knife and cut through only the top pastry layer. Then use a large sharp knife to gently press down through the custard and pastry base layer.

    Thickening the custard

    It's important to continue to cook the custard (while continuously whisking) until it is very thick - this will ensure it sets firm.

    How long does this slice last?

    Custard slice can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. The pastry layers will soften the longer the slice is in the fridge.

    Can this slice be frozen?

    This slice is not suitable for freezing.

    More Classic Slice Recipes

    If you love old-fashioned slices, then you're going to fall in love with these delicious classics too...

    A white cake stand with pieces of apple and sour cream slice.

    WANT EVEN MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Facebook or Instagram. And if you love baking, then please come and join my Facebook cooking club group or subscribe to my YouTube channel. 

    An easy vanilla custard slice recipe made with a biscuit base and topped with a classic pink icing! This is just like a bakery-bought vanilla slice!

    Easy Vanilla Custard Slice

    An easy vanilla custard slice recipe made with a biscuit base and topped with a classic pink icing! This is just like a bakery-bought vanilla slice!
    5 from 21 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: bars and slices
    Cuisine: Australian recipe
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Chilling time: 4 hours
    Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
    Servings: 9 serves
    Calories: 309kcal
    Author: Lucy - Bake Play Smile

    Ingredients

    • 200 g Arnotts Lattice biscuits
    • ½ cup (65g) custard powder
    • 2 ½ cups (610g) milk
    • ¼ cup (55g) caster sugar
    • 2 ½ cups (500g) icing sugar mixture
    • 4-5 tbs (50-76g) water (see notes)
    • 1-2 drops pink food colouring

    Instructions

    Conventional Method

    • Lightly grease the base and sides of a 20cm square cake tin. 
    • Place 9 of the lattice biscuits in a 3X3 grid on the base of the tin (they should fit almost perfectly). Set aside. 
    • Place the custard powder into a saucepan with ¼ cup of the milk. Stir until all of the custard powder has dissolved. Add the remaining 2 ¼ cups of milk and the caster sugar. 
    • Whisking continuously, heat the custard over a medium heat for 5 minutes or until it has started to thicken. Once the custard starts to boil, continue whisking for a further 2 minutes or until very thick. Place a sheet of glad wrap over the custard to stop it forming a 'skin' and allow to cool for 20 minutes. 
    • Pour/spread the cooled custard over the biscuits and top with another 9 biscuits in the same 3x3 grid. 
    • To make the icing, sift the icing sugar into a bowl and add the food colouring. 
    • Add the water 1 tablespoon at a time and stir until you have a smooth paste (that can be spread). 
    • Spread the icing over the slice and place into the fridge for 3-4 hours (overnight is best). 
    • Cut the slice into 9 pieces using the shape of the biscuits to guide you. 

    Thermomix Method

    • Lightly grease the base and sides of a 20cm square cake tin. 
    • Place 9 of the lattice biscuits in a 3X3 grid on the base of the tin (they should fit almost perfectly). Set aside. 
    • Place the custard powder, milk and caster sugar into the Thermomix bowl. Cook for 9 minutes, 90 degrees, Speed 4. If the custard is too runny, cook for a further minute.
    • Place a sheet of glad wrap over the custard to stop it forming a 'skin' and allow to cool for 20 minutes. 
    • Pour/spread the cooled custard over the biscuits and top with another 9 biscuits in the same 3x3 grid. 
    • To make the icing, place the icing sugar into a clean and dry Thermomix bowl. Sift by pressing Turbo for 2-3 seconds. Add the pink food colouring and 3 tbs water. Mix for 10 seconds, Speed 6. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix for a further 5 seconds. If the mixture is too thick and can't be spread, add 1 more tablespoon and mix again (it should be a thick paste).
    • Spread the icing over the slice and place into the fridge for 3-4 hours (overnight is best). 
    • Cut the slice into 9 pieces using the shape of the biscuits to guide you. 

    Notes

    RECIPE NOTES & TIPS
    Ingredients Info:
    • Arnotts Lattice biscuits – these square biscuits are made with layers of sweet flaky pastry with a sweet sugar glaze. You can buy them from any supermarket in Australia. Alternatively, you can use a sheet of puff pastry on the base and top instead.
    • custard powder – this is a fine powder that is made from thickeners, milk powder and flavouring. When cooked with milk and sugar it turns into a thick vanilla custard. It can be purchased from the dessert aisle of the supermarket (not the chilled section).
    • milk – I recommend using full fat milk as it results in a thicker, creamier custard.
    • caster sugar – this is a fine sugar that dissolves when cooked with the custard powder and milk.
    • icing sugar mixture – this can be bought from the baking section of the supermarket. It is made from a combination of powdered sugar and cornflour. It differs from pure icing sugar in that it sets softer – making it perfect for a pourable glaze.
    • water – only add enough water to make the glaze just spreadable. Too much water will make the glaze too watery and turn the slice soggy.
    • pink food colouring – optional. This gives the icing such a pretty colour. You only need a teeny-tiny drop of food colouring – don’t overdo it.
    More Recipe Tips: 
    Puff pastry variation - To use puff pastry, place 2 sheets of defrosted puff pastry sheets on a flat tray, brush with egg and bake in a 230 degree celsius oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool. Prepare as per the recipe below – replacing the Lattice biscuits with the cooked puff pastry sheets.
    Passionfruit icing - To make passionfruit glaze, omit the pink food colouring and water and replace with passionfruit pulp (use just enough to get a spreadable thick paste).
    Thickening the custard - It's important to continue to cook the custard (while continuously whisking) until it is very thick - this will ensure it sets firm.
    Cutting the slice - The icing glaze is quite thin and so you can see the outline of the Lattice biscuits underneath. Use a large sharp knife to cut the slice into 9 pieces following the outline of the biscuits as a guide. Remove the slices from the baking tin and place into an airtight container in the fridge.
    Storing - Custard slice can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. The pastry layers will soften the longer the slice is in the fridge.
    Freezing - This slice is not suitable for freezing.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 309kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 150mg | Potassium: 118mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 45g | Vitamin A: 130IU | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 0.6mg
    Did you try this recipe?Mention @BakePlaySmileBlog or tag #BakePlaySmile!
    « Homemade Sausage Rolls
    Peanut Butter Protein Balls »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jennifer

      July 04, 2022 at 5:34 pm

      Made this recepie and its very runny. Not sure why. I think It has something to do with the icing. The custard part is fine. Not sure what too do next time.

      Reply
      • Lucy

        July 05, 2022 at 8:06 am

        Hi Jennifer, next time if you find that your icing is too runny, simply add a little extra icing sugar and mix again. Also, the icing will firm up once refrigerated.

        Reply
    2. Katie

      May 27, 2022 at 1:42 pm

      Does anyone know if the lattice biscuits have been discontinued? I tried two supermarkets and couldn’t find them in either.

      Reply
      • Lucy

        May 27, 2022 at 4:55 pm

        They have been! You can use 2 sheets of cooked puff pastry instead! xx

        Reply
    3. Dan

      May 23, 2022 at 9:29 pm

      Had never heard of the Lattice biscuit mentioned, don’t think we ever had them down here in Tassie, a quick search online shows that Arnott’s discontinued them back in 2021.

      Reply
      • Lucy

        May 24, 2022 at 7:23 am

        Hi Dan, yes indeed they did! You can use 2 large sheets of cooked puff pastry instead 🙂

        Reply
    4. Stefanie Fischer

      February 27, 2022 at 2:41 pm

      How to line up the top layer of lattice biscuits so I cut them in proper cubes

      Reply
      • Lucy

        February 28, 2022 at 9:47 am

        Hi Stefanie, I find that if you use a 20cm square tin they tend to line up perfectly.

        Reply
    5. Pam Holko

      November 20, 2021 at 9:39 am

      5 stars
      A lovely recipe. I use it often. I find adding a teas. of gelatine in a tables. of boiling water to the custard helps to slice easily.Lucious vanilla slices. As good as any bought.

      Reply
      • Lucy

        November 21, 2021 at 8:38 am

        I'm so thrilled to hear that! Thank you Pam!!

        Reply
    « Older Comments
    Newer Comments »

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    I’m Lucy! A mum, a wife, a food blogger and a lover of all things to do with food! I love creating delicious, no-fuss Thermomix and conventional recipes the whole family will love. Classic baking favourites, lunch box snacks, quick and easy family dinners and more!

    More about me →

    Popular Kids Recipes

    • Milo Balls | 4 Ingredient Recipe
    • The Famous 100 Cookie Recipe | Condensed Milk Cookies
    • Easy Banana Muffins
    • Easy Jelly Slice
    • The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Chocolate Hedgehog Slice | No-Bake

    BBQ Favourites

    • Chicken Rissoles
    • Spinach Cob Loaf
    • Cream Cheese Dip
    • Beef Rissoles
    Names of brands that Bake Play Smile has had recipes featured in.

    Summer Salads

    • Creamy Broccoli Salad With Bacon
    • Chang's Crispy Noodle Salad
    • Cypriot Grain Salad | Chef Recipe
    • Creamy Bacon, Egg & Potato Salad

    Thermomix Cookbooks

    Browse our range of Thermomix cookbooks.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Work With Me
    • Accessibility
    • Terms Of Use

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Shop the store

    Copyright © 2021 Bake Play Smile

     
    Manage Cookie Consent
    To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
    Functional Always active
    The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
    Preferences
    The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
    Statistics
    The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
    Marketing
    The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
    Manage options Manage services Manage vendors Read more about these purposes
    View preferences
    {title} {title} {title}