Rhubarb Custard Bars

Rhubarb Custard Bars

Rhubarb Custard Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balance the tartness of rhubarb with the creamy sweetness of custard. Each bite is a heavenly combination of flavors and textures that dances blissfully on your palate. With a buttery crust and a smooth custard filling, these bars are not only visually appealing but also irresistibly delicious. If you’re looking for a dessert that will impress your family and friends, Rhubarb Custard Bars are absolutely worth making. This recipe is a step-by-step guide that shows you just how easy it is to whip up this scrumptious dessert at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the things that make Rhubarb Custard Bars so appealing is their simplicity. With minimal prep time and ingredients, they are perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned kitchen pros. This family-friendly recipe is ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. Plus, the flavor of rhubarb is a delightful surprise that elevates the traditional custard experience, making these bars stand out. You’ll be delighted to serve or share these delectable treats, leaving everyone wanting more!

Ingredients for Rhubarb Custard Bars

• 2 tablespoons sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into cubes – Creates a rich, flaky texture.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the crust.
• 1 cup chopped rhubarb – Provides a tart and zesty flavor that shines through.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – Used in the custard mixture to create the perfect filling.
• 2 large eggs – Binds the custard together for smoothness.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
• 1 cup sugar – Sweetens the custard to counterbalance the rhubarb’s tartness.

Step-by-Step Directions for Rhubarb Custard Bars

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars will bake evenly and achieve that golden color.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/2 cup of cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the mixture resembles crumbs.

3. Press the mixture firmly into a greased 8×8-inch baking pan. Make sure to spread it evenly for a consistent crust.

4. Bake the crust for 12–15 minutes or until it is lightly golden. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.

5. In another bowl, beat together 2 large eggs, 1 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of flour, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until smooth.

6. Gently fold in the 1 cup of chopped rhubarb, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the custard mixture.

7. Once the crust is done baking, pour the rhubarb custard mixture over the hot crust. Bake for another 35–40 minutes until the custard is set.

8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. Dust with powdered sugar on top for an elegant finish.

Tips & Tricks

• Chill the butter: For a flakier crust, ensure your butter is very cold. You can cut it into cubes and freeze it for a few minutes before incorporating it into the flour.
• Use fresh rhubarb: If possible, opt for in-season fresh rhubarb for the best flavor. However, frozen rhubarb can work in a pinch—just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture.
• Customization: For an added flavor dimension, consider blending in a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the custard mix.
• Presentation: Serve these bars chilled for a refreshing dessert. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Rhubarb Custard Bars are not only delightful on their own but also pair wonderfully with other flavors to create a sumptuous dessert experience. Consider serving them alongside:

• Vanilla ice cream: The creaminess counteracts the tartness beautifully.
• Whipped cream: A light and airy addition that complements the bar’s density.
• Fresh berries: Strawberries or blueberries are an excellent choice for a color contrast and added sweetness.

For beverages, consider pairing them with:

• Herbal teas: A warm chamomile or mint tea can be a comforting complement.
• Iced lemonade: The tartness of the drink goes hand-in-hand with the bars.

Nutritional Information

While indulging in Rhubarb Custard Bars, it’s easy to overestimate the calorie count, so here’s a breakdown for one bar (based on 16 servings):

• Calories: approximately 150
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 2g

These bars can serve as a moderate indulgence, perfect for a sweet treat without going overboard.

Storing Tips & Variations for Rhubarb Custard Bars

To keep your Rhubarb Custard Bars fresh and delicious, follow these storing tips:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The cold storage helps maintain their freshness.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Reheating: To enjoy chilled bars, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. For a warm treat, pop them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes.
• Variations: Experiment by adding different fruits like strawberries or blueberries to the custard for added sweetness, or substitute coconut flour for a gluten-free option.

Conclusion for Rhubarb Custard Bars

If you’re looking for a delightful springtime dessert that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor, Rhubarb Custard Bars are the answer! They bring together the perfect balance of sweet and tart, and they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch today—they’ll disappear faster than you can slice them!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh?
   Yes, frozen rhubarb works well! Just ensure to thaw and drain it to avoid excess moisture in the custard.

2. How do I know when the custard is set?
   The custard should be firm to the touch and no longer jiggly in the center when it’s done baking.

3. Can I make these bars in advance?
   Absolutely! They store well in the refrigerator for up to five days and can also be frozen for longer storage.

4. What if I don’t have fresh eggs?
   You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce to keep the mixture moist.

5. Can I customize the sweetness?
   Definitely! Feel free to adjust the sugar levels to suit your taste, but keep in mind that the tartness of the rhubarb complements the sweetness beautifully.

Print Recipe

Rhubarb Custard Bars

Rhubarb Custard Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balance the tartness of rhubarb with creamy sweetness, featuring a buttery crust and smooth custard filling.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time55 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Baking Recipe, Custard Dessert, Easy Dessert, Rhubarb Bars, Spring Dessert

Servings: 16 bars

Calories: 150kcal

Ingredients

For the crust

• 2 tablespoons sugar Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into cubes Creates a rich, flaky texture.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour Forms the base of the crust.

For the custard filling

• 1 cup chopped rhubarb Provides a tart and zesty flavor.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour Used in the custard mixture.
• 2 large eggs Binds the custard together for smoothness.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt Enhances all flavors.
• 1 cup sugar Sweetens the custard.

Instructions

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/2 cup of cold butter. Mix until it resembles crumbs.
• Press the mixture firmly into a greased 8×8-inch baking pan.
• Bake the crust for 12–15 minutes or until lightly golden.

Custard Filling

• In another bowl, beat the eggs, 1 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of flour, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until smooth.
• Gently fold in the chopped rhubarb.
• Once the crust is done baking, pour the rhubarb custard mixture over it and bake for another 35–40 minutes until the custard is set.

Serving

• Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares and dust with powdered sugar.

Notes

For best results, chill the butter before mixing. Use fresh rhubarb for optimal flavor. Customize by adding vanilla extract or different fruits.