Rhubarb Custard Bars
Rhubarb Custard Bars are a delightful and tangy dessert that beautifully combines the refreshing tartness of rhubarb and the creamy richness of custard, all nestled in a crumbly, buttery crust. Imagine sinking your teeth into a chewy base, followed by a luscious filling that bursts with flavor, evoking feelings of nostalgia and warmth. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying a sweet treat at home. With its step-by-step directions and simple ingredients, you’ll have these delectable bars ready to impress in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the best parts about Rhubarb Custard Bars is that they are incredibly easy to prepare, making them a fantastic choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike. With just a few minimal ingredients, you can whip up a dessert that is not only satisfying but also a real crowd-pleaser. The comforting combination of tart rhubarb and sweet custard means that every bite feels indulgent yet refreshing. Plus, they are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet afternoon treat.
Ingredients
To create these luscious Rhubarb Custard Bars, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – The foundation of our buttery crust, providing a base that is crisp yet tender.
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed – Ensuring the crust remains flaky and rich; this butter is essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 tablespoons sugar – A hint of sweetness in the crust that balances the tartness of the rhubarb.
- 2 large eggs – Vital for the custard texture, bringing creaminess and richness to the filling.
- 1 cup sugar – This adds a delightful sweetness to the filling and enhances the flavor of the rhubarb.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – Thickens the custard and ensures a nice, sturdy bar.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Elevates all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 2 cups chopped rhubarb – The star of the show, providing a juicy, vibrant tartness that cuts through the richness.
Step-by-Step Directions
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your crust begins to bake evenly as soon as it hits the oven.
Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cold cubed butter, and sugar. Using a fork or a pastry cutter, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will create a perfectly crumbly crust.
Press into Pan: Take the mixture and press it firmly into a greased 8×8-inch pan, ensuring an even layer across the bottom. This step is crucial for achieving that delicious, buttery base.
Bake the Crust: Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake the crust for about 12–15 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist.
Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of flour, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined and fluffy.
Incorporate the Rhubarb: Gently fold the chopped rhubarb into the egg mixture, ensuring that every piece is coated in that luscious custard.
Combine: Once the crust is baked, remove it from the oven and pour the rhubarb filling over the hot crust. The warmth of the crust will help set the filling beautifully.
Bake Again: Return the filled pan to the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer wobbly in the center. You’ll be greeted by an irresistible fragrance!
Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. If desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Tips & Tricks
- Chill the Butter: Using cold butter in the crust is essential for that flaky texture, so keep it chilled until you’re ready to use it.
- Rhubarb Substitutes: While rhubarb is the star, you can experiment with fruits like strawberries or raspberries if you don’t have rhubarb on hand. Just adjust the sugar accordingly to match their sweetness.
- Preventing Soggy Bars: Ensure the crust is baked thoroughly before adding the filling to prevent a soggy bottom.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Rhubarb Custard Bars are perfect on their own but can also be enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pair these bars with a hot cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. They are ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or even as a sweet addition to a brunch spread.
Nutritional Information
Each piece of Rhubarb Custard Bars contains approximately 180 calories, along with 8g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 2g of protein. While they are a sweet indulgence, remember that balance is key. Enjoying these bars in moderation can still fit into a healthy diet!
Storing Tips & Variations
To store your Rhubarb Custard Bars, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator where they can last for up to five days. For longer storage, these bars freeze beautifully. Simply wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy!
Feel free to experiment with variations such as adding a crumb topping, incorporating different fruits, or even adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor.
Conclusion
We encourage you to try making these Rhubarb Custard Bars for yourself! The delightful balance of tart and creamy flavors, along with the buttery crust, creates a treat that is sure to be a hit. Share your experiences and any variations you try, as we love hearing how you make this recipe your own!
FAQs
Can I use frozen rhubarb?
Yes, frozen rhubarb works perfectly! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the filling.What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
For an egg substitute, you can use flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg.How do I know when the custard filling is set?
The filling should be firm and should not jiggle when you gently shake the pan. It will continue to set as it cools.Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend without any other adjustments to the recipe.How should I serve these bars?
These bars can be served chilled or at room temperature, and they pair wonderfully with whipped cream, ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. Enjoy!
Rhubarb Custard Bars
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour The foundation of our buttery crust.
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed Ensures the crust remains flaky and rich.
- 2 tablespoons sugar Adds a hint of sweetness to the crust.
For the filling
- 2 large eggs Vital for the custard texture.
- 1 cup sugar Adds sweetness to the filling.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour Thickens the custard.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Enhances the flavors.
- 2 cups chopped rhubarb The star ingredient providing tartness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cold cubed butter, and sugar. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the mixture firmly into a greased 8×8-inch pan to form an even layer for the crust.
- Bake the crust for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of flour, and salt until well combined.
- Gently fold the chopped rhubarb into the egg mixture.
- Once the crust is baked, pour the rhubarb filling over the hot crust.
- Return the filled pan to the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the filling is set.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.