These Easy Rhubarb Custard Bars are a sweet and tangy treat that will make your taste buds dance! With a buttery crust and creamy rhubarb filling, they’re perfect for dessert.
I love how the tartness of rhubarb pairs with the sweet custard—it’s like a party in my mouth! Just bake, slice, and enjoy with a scoop of ice cream for an extra special touch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rhubarb: Fresh rhubarb gives the best flavor, but frozen works just as well! Make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before using it.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for better control over salt levels. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Cream Cheese: For the frosting, regular cream cheese adds great flavor. A lower-fat version can be used, but it might affect the creaminess. Vegan cream cheese is also a tasty alternative!
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but if you need a gluten-free option, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend that works for baking.
How Do I Ensure a Perfectly Flaky Crust?
Getting a nice, flaky crust is key to your rhubarb bars. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Chill your butter before use; cold butter helps create flakiness.
- Mix the dry ingredients gently. Overmixing can make the crust tough.
- Press the dough firmly but gently into the pan to avoid gaps. A slight overhang can help keep it from shrinking.
- Bake just until golden brown, as it will continue cooking once you add the filling!
How to Make Easy Rhubarb Custard Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Custard Filling:
- 3 cups chopped rhubarb (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 1 hour of baking time, plus at least 1 hour to chill after frosting. In total, set aside about 2 to 2.5 hours to make these delicious rhubarb custard bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to make clean-up easier!
2. Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter pieces using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This creates a flaky crust!
3. Press and Bake the Crust:
Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until it’s lightly golden. While that bakes, you can prepare the filling!
4. Prepare the Custard Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped rhubarb, sugar, and flour. Give it a good stir until the rhubarb is well coated with the mixture.
5. Whisk the Eggs:
In a separate small bowl, beat the eggs together with the vanilla extract. Then, add this egg mixture to the rhubarb mixture and stir until well combined.
6. Pour the Filling Over the Crust:
Once your crust is baked, pour the custard filling over the warm crust. Spread it out evenly to ensure every bite is delicious!
7. Bake the Bars:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 40–45 minutes, or until the custard is set. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
8. Cool the Bars:
Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. This is important to let the custard finish setting!
9. Make the Frosting:
While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it becomes creamy and spreadable.
10. Frost the Bars:
Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the rhubarb custard layer.
11. Chill and Serve:
Place the frosted bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set the frosting. After chilling, cut into squares and serve either chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious Easy Rhubarb Custard Bars!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Rhubarb for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen rhubarb, make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing it with the other filling ingredients. This helps avoid a soggy consistency in your bars.
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese in the Frosting?
Yes! If you want a dairy-free option, you can use vegan cream cheese or even a frosting made with whipped coconut cream and powdered sugar for a lighter alternative.
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in the freezer!
Can I Add Other Fruits to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like strawberries or strawberries that pair well with rhubarb. Just be cautious not to add too much moisture to the filling to ensure it sets properly.
