Rhubarb Custard Bars

Rhubarb Custard Bars: A Sweet Slice of Nostalgia

Rhubarb Custard Bars are the epitome of sweet comfort, balancing the tartness of fresh rhubarb with a creamy custard that sings a nostalgic tune. Picture this: A buttery crust cradles bright, ruby-hued rhubarb, topped with a luscious custard glistening under the golden sun. As you slice into these bars, the texture is both crumbly and smooth, sending waves of flavor rushing through your taste buds that invoke memories of family gatherings and sunny afternoons.

These bars are not only simple to make but are also a delightful way to celebrate seasonal rhubarb while creating something that the entire family will adore. If you’re seeking a quick dessert to bring joy to your loved ones or simply a treat to savor while reminiscing about those joyful moments of yesteryear, these Rhubarb Custard Bars are your answer.

Are You a Fan of Tart and Sweet Confections?

When it comes to dessert, do you lean towards the sweet or the slightly tart? Do you find yourself reminiscing about warm, comforting flavors that evoke a sense of home? If you imagine cozy moments spent in the kitchen, the aroma of sweet custard baking in the oven, you are in for a treat! These Rhubarb Custard Bars are brilliantly versatile, and they not only satisfy your sweet cravings but also offer a delightful tartness that makes each bite utterly irresistible.

Imagine slicing into the bars and hearing the crisp edges give way to the velvety custard and tangy rhubarb underneath. The combination will have you smiling, savoring each mouthful, and perhaps reaching for a second or third helping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy Prep: With minimal ingredients, these bars come together quickly. You can whip them up on a whim!

2. Crowd-Pleaser: They’re perfect for sharing at potlucks, family gatherings, or just a cozy weekend treat.

3. Minimal Ingredients: The straightforward list makes it simple to keep on hand, with many items already in your pantry.

4. Nostalgic Treat: Perfect for evoking memories of grandma’s kitchen or simply bringing the family together over dessert.

5. Customizable: Feel free to tweak the ingredients or spices to put your own spin on this classic recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base for the buttery crust that crumbles beautifully.

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adding just the right amount of sweetness to the crust.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed): The secret to a flaky texture—cold butter is key!

• 3 large eggs: Essential for creating that rich, custardy filling.

• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard and balances the tartness of the rhubarb.

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the custard, ensuring it holds its shape.

• 1/2 cup heavy cream: For that dreamy, velvety texture.

• 1 tsp vanilla extract: A comforting addition that brings warmth to the flavors.

• 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.

• 2 cups fresh rhubarb (chopped): The star of the dish, providing a delightful tartness.

Timing

If you’re in a rush and need a quick indulgence, these Rhubarb Custard Bars only take about 15 minutes for prep and a little time in the oven—perfect for that sweet-tooth emergency!

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a slow comforting experience, take your time—baking with love brings out the best. You’ll find joy in mixing ingredients, pouring the custard gently, and even waiting for them to cool. You’ll definitely roll out your apron for this simple yet rewarding recipe.

Step-by-Step

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.

2. Mix the crust: In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until crumbly, resembling coarse sand.

3. Press into the pan: Spread the crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan, pressing it down firmly to create a uniform crust. Bake for 15 minutes or until the edges are golden and inviting.

4. Prepare the custard: While the crust bakes, whisk together eggs, sugar, flour, cream, vanilla, and salt in a mixing bowl until smooth and slightly frothy.

5. Add the rhubarb: Once the crust is baked, scatter the chopped rhubarb evenly over the warm base, ensuring even distribution for balanced tartness.

6. Pour the custard mixture: Gently pour your luscious custard mixture over the rhubarb. Make sure to cover all the pieces to avoid any bare spots.

7. Bake until set: Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the custard is set but gently jiggles when you shake the pan.

8. Cool and refrigerate: Let it cool completely at room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least an hour before slicing into bars, enhancing the flavors and firmness.

Nutritional Information

Each Rhubarb Custard Bar has approximately 200 calories. This is an indulgence that’s worth every bite! While there’s a blend of sugars and creams, the presence of fresh rhubarb plants important nutrients, making each bar a delightful balance of tart and sweet.

Healthier Alternatives

Can’t resist the charm of Rhubarb Custard Bars but want a lighter option?

• Low-sugar: Substitute the granulated sugar with a natural sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit.

• Dairy-free swaps: Use coconut cream or almond milk in place of heavy cream. Alternatively, replace the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free crust.

• Gluten-free: Swap out all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary preferences.

Serving Suggestions

How to serve these delightful bars makes a world of difference!

• With ice cream: A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top transforms the bars into a delicious dessert sundae.

• Fresh berries: Top with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to add a splash of color and flavor contrast.

• For special occasions: These bars are wonderful for Mother’s Day brunch or summer picnics, adding a touch of nostalgic charm to your celebrations.

Common Mistakes

Even the best bakers make mistakes, so here are a few to avoid:

• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the custard! A gentle jiggle in the center is ideal—overbaking will lead to a rubbery texture.

• Texture issues: Mixing too vigorously can incorporate too much air into the custard, which will affect the smoothness.

• Messes: Make sure to line your baking pan well! Parchment paper will ensure you can remove your bars cleanly and without crumbles.

Storing Tips

Want to enjoy these Rhubarb Custard Bars for a while? Here are a few storage tips:

• Freezing portions: Cut bars into squares and store them in an airtight container, layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Pop them in the freezer for up to two months!

• Reheating instructions: Simply allow frozen bars to thaw in the refrigerator overnight for soft, blissful bites, or gently warm them in the microwave for a cozy treat.

Bake These Bars ASAP!

There’s truly no better time than now to embark on a baking journey with these Rhubarb Custard Bars. Embrace the delightful tang of rhubarb and creamy custard in every layer, and let nostalgia sweep you away. Gather the ingredients and let this simple yet indulgent recipe enrich your dessert menu. Your taste buds—and your family—will thank you for it!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen rhubarb?
   Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture beforehand.

2. How long will these bars last?
   Store them in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer enjoyment!

3. Can I substitute other fruits?
   Absolutely! Try using fresh strawberries or peaches if rhubarb is unavailable.

4. Can I skip the cream?
   You can use milk, but the texture will be less rich.

5. Are these bars suitable for gluten-free diets?
   Yes, with a gluten-free flour substitute, they can easily fit into a gluten-free diet!

Rhubarb Custard Bars

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• Author: noah-reed
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful dessert that balances the tartness of fresh rhubarb with a creamy custard, all nestled in a buttery crust.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups fresh rhubarb (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and cold butter. Mix until crumbly.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, flour, cream, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
5. Scatter chopped rhubarb evenly over the baked crust.
6. Pour the custard mixture over the rhubarb.
7. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the custard is set but jiggles slightly.
8. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least an hour before slicing.

Notes

For a lighter option, consider using natural sugar substitutes or dairy alternatives.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 70mg