The Best Rhubarb Custard Bars Recipe for Sweet-Tart Bliss

Creamy rhubarb custard bars spark memories of grandma’s kitchen and sweet summer afternoons.

Soft pastry layers cradle tangy fruit beneath a silky smooth filling.

Seasonal rhubarb brings vibrant color and unexpected depth to this classic dessert.

Bakery-style treats often seem complicated, but these bars come together with surprising ease.

Homemade comfort shines through every delectable bite of this nostalgic recipe.

Rich custard melts on your tongue, balanced by the subtle tartness of fresh rhubarb.

Baking these bars feels like wrapping yourself in a warm, delicious hug.

Ingredients Needed for Rhubarb Custard Bars

• Flour: Soft, powdery base for the crust.
• Sugar: Sweet ingredient to enhance flavor.
• Butter: Rich and creamy binding agent.

• Rhubarb: Tart and vibrant pink vegetable with a tangy taste.
• Sugar: Sweet component to balance rhubarb's tartness.
• Flour: Thickening agent for custard.
• Cream: Smooth and rich liquid for creamy texture.
• Eggs: Binding ingredient that helps set the custard.

• Cream Cheese: Soft and tangy spread for creamy topping.
• Sugar: Sweet element to balance flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Aromatic flavor enhancer.
• Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy dairy topping.

• Baking Spray or Butter: Non-stick agent for the baking pan.

How to Bake Rhubarb Custard Bars

Step 1: Create Crispy Crust

Preheat the oven to a toasty 350°F.

In a mixing bowl, blend flour and sugar together.

Gently work in cold butter until the mixture looks like rough, crumbly sand.

Press this delicate mixture into a greased 13×9-inch baking pan.

Pop it in the oven and bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Filling

Grab another bowl and mix sugar and flour.

Whisk in smooth cream and eggs until fully combined.

Fold in chopped rhubarb, creating a vibrant, tangy mixture.

Pour this luscious filling over the pre-baked crust, ensuring an even spread.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Watch for the custard to set firmly – it should jiggle just slightly when gently shaken.

Once done, remove and let cool completely at room temperature.

Step 4: Create Dreamy Topping

In a clean bowl, blend cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until silky smooth.

Gently fold in whipped cream to create a light, airy topping.

Step 5: Finish and Chill

Spread the creamy topping evenly across the cooled custard layer.

Cover the pan and refrigerate for several hours until completely chilled.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Slice into beautiful bars when thoroughly chilled.

Keep any leftovers stored in the refrigerator for maximum freshness.

Tips for Rhubarb Custard Bar Success

• Choose bright, firm rhubarb stalks with deep red color for the most vibrant flavor and best texture in your bars.
• Let the base cool slightly before adding the custard filling to maintain a crisp, well-defined bottom layer.
• Gently pat chopped rhubarb with paper towels to remove excess liquid, ensuring a perfectly set custard texture.
• If rhubarb seems extra tart, reduce sugar slightly or add a touch of vanilla extract to soften the sharp edge.
• Refrigerate bars for at least 3-4 hours before serving to allow the custard to set and flavors to meld together completely.

Storing and Reheating Custard Bars Properly

• Store bars in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
• Remove frozen bars from freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• These bars taste best when served cold directly from the refrigerator, keeping their creamy texture and flavor intact.

Delicious Pairings for Rhubarb Custard Bars

• Pair Sweet Sips with Rhubarb Delights: Moscato wine offers a delightful sweetness that complements the tangy rhubarb custard bars perfectly.
• Contrast Flavors with Drinks: Cold brew coffee provides a rich, bitter counterpoint to the dessert's creamy sweetness, creating a balanced tasting experience.
• Enhance Texture with Sparkling Options: Prosecco's light bubbles cut through the rich cream topping, refreshing the palate between bites of the dense custard bars.
• Serve Herbal Accent Beverage: Chamomile tea brings a gentle, floral note that softens the rhubarb's tartness and matches the dessert's smooth texture.

Creative Ways to Change Rhubarb Custard Bars

• Gluten-Free Rhubarb Custard Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities. Maintain same measurements and baking techniques.
• Vegan Rhubarb Custard Bars: Substitute eggs with silken tofu or commercial egg replacer. Use coconut cream instead of dairy cream. Replace butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil.
• Low-Sugar Rhubarb Custard Bars: Swap regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce total sugar content by 30-40%. Use Greek yogurt for cream cheese topping to lower calorie count.
• Dairy-Free Rhubarb Custard Bars: Use coconut cream in custard filling. Replace butter with dairy-free margarine. Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese alternative for topping.

FAQs

• Is rhubarb a fruit or vegetable?

Rhubarb is technically a vegetable, though it’s often used like a fruit in desserts. It has a tart, tangy flavor that works wonderfully in sweet recipes.

• Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb. Just thaw and drain it completely before adding to the custard to prevent excess moisture.

• How do I know when the custard is properly set?

The custard is set when it looks firm and doesn’t jiggle much when you gently shake the pan. It should have a slight wobble but not be liquidy.

• What if I don't have a 13×9-inch pan?

You can use a similar sized baking dish, but adjust baking times slightly. The key is to have a pan that allows the bars to be about 1-inch thick for the best texture.

Why Rhubarb Custard Bars Are So Loved

• Capture Seasonal Delight: Leverage the vibrant, tangy rhubarb at its peak freshness, creating a dessert that celebrates spring's most exciting produce with a creamy, luscious twist.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and summer parties, these bars offer a unique flavor profile that stands out from traditional desserts, sure to impress guests with its rich, creamy texture and balanced sweetness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these bars in advance and store in the refrigerator, making them an ideal stress-free dessert option for busy hosts who want to spend more time with guests and less time in the kitchen.

Rhubarb Custard Bars Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Rhubarb custard bars bring sweet-tart magic to classic dessert lovers, combining creamy custard with tangy rhubarb in a buttery crust. Bakers will delight in this simple yet elegant treat that balances rustic charm with sophisticated flavor.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 5 cups rhubarb, finely chopped (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened

Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cold butter
• 1/4 cup sugar

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar
• 7 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped

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Instructions

1. Craft a buttery foundation by blending flour and sugar, then incorporate cold butter until the mixture transforms into delicate, crumbly terrain. Press this sandy mixture firmly into a rectangular baking vessel, creating an even, compact base.
2. Dispatch the prepared crust into a preheated oven, allowing it to develop a light golden complexion for approximately 10 minutes, establishing a sturdy platform for the luscious layers to follow.
3. Orchestrate the vibrant rhubarb filling by whisking together sugar and flour, then gently introducing cream and eggs until a smooth, cohesive mixture emerges. Fold chopped rhubarb throughout the liquid canvas, ensuring even distribution.
4. Cascade the rhubarb custard mixture over the partially baked crust, spreading it carefully to create an uniform landscape of tangy potential. Return to the oven, allowing the custard to set and transform into a silky, wobbling masterpiece.
5. While the custard bakes and cools, whip cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until luxuriously smooth. Gently fold in billowy whipped cream, creating a cloud-like topping that promises decadent contrast.
6. Once the custard has completely cooled and stabilized, crown it with the ethereal cream cheese topping, spreading with a delicate touch to preserve the underlying custard’s integrity.
7. Refrigerate the assembled dessert, permitting the layers to meld and solidify. When thoroughly chilled, slice into elegant rectangular servings, ready to delight discerning palates.

Notes

• Experiment with different rhubarb varieties like red or green for unique color and flavor variations.
• Substitute some flour with almond flour for a gluten-reduced option that adds nutty depth.
• Ensure rhubarb is chopped uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and texture throughout the custard bars.
• Chill the bars for at least 4 hours to allow the custard to set completely and develop richer, more intense flavors.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg