introduction
This is a simple, sweet-tart bar made with fresh rhubarb and a soft custard. The bars bake in one pan and cool to a sliceable texture. If you like easy baked bars, try this other easy bar recipe, chocolate chip cheesecake bars.
why make this recipe
You make this recipe when you want a quick, homey dessert with bright rhubarb flavor. It uses few ingredients and one baking dish. It is good for potlucks, family dinners, or a simple treat after work.
how to make Rhubarb Custard Bars
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Make the crust: mix 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup powdered sugar until crumbly. Press the mixture into the bottom of the greased dish.
- Make the filling: in a bowl combine 2 cups chopped rhubarb, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until the eggs are mixed in and the rhubarb is coated.
- Pour the filling over the pressed crust and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the bars are set and the top is light golden.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars so they hold their shape.
Ingredients :
- 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for crust)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix the crust ingredients (1 cup flour, butter, and powdered sugar) until crumbly. Press mixture into the bottom of the greased dish.
- In another bowl, combine the chopped rhubarb, sugar, 1/4 cup flour, salt, cinnamon, eggs, and vanilla.
- Pour over the crust.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until set and golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars. Serve plain or dust with a little powdered sugar, and enjoy your Rhubarb Custard Bars!
how to serve Rhubarb Custard Bars
Serve bars at room temperature or chilled. Dust with powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Cut into squares and serve on a small plate.
how to store Rhubarb Custard Bars
Cool the bars fully. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer keep, wrap bars well and freeze up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.
tips to make Rhubarb Custard Bars
- Chop rhubarb into even pieces so it cooks evenly.
- Press the crust firmly to make a solid base.
- Let the bars cool fully before cutting to get clean slices.
- If rhubarb is very tart, add 1-2 tablespoons more sugar to the filling.
- Use room-temperature eggs for a smoother custard.
variation (if any)
- Add 1/2 cup chopped strawberries for a strawberry-rhubarb twist.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup oats into the crust mix for a nuttier texture.
- Swap cinnamon for a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a different spice note.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen rhubarb?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing so the filling is not too watery.
Q: Can I make these in a smaller pan?
A: You can use an 8×8 pan, but the bars will be thicker. Bake a few minutes longer and watch for a set center.
Q: Do I need to peel rhubarb?
A: No. The stalk skin is edible. Just wash and chop the rhubarb well.
Q: Can I reduce sugar for a less sweet bar?
A: You can lower the sugar a little, but reduce in small steps to keep the custard texture.
Rhubarb Custard Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple, sweet-tart dessert made with fresh rhubarb and a soft custard, perfect for potlucks and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped rhubarb
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for crust)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Mix the crust ingredients (1 cup flour, butter, and powdered sugar) until crumbly. Press mixture into the bottom of the greased dish.
- Combine the chopped rhubarb, sugar, 1/4 cup flour, salt, cinnamon, eggs, and vanilla in another bowl.
- Pour the mixture over the crust.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until set and golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
Dust with powdered sugar before serving, or top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg