These buttery, tangy-sweet rhubarb custard bars feature a shortbread-like crust topped with a creamy rhubarb custard filling—perfect for spring baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✔ Perfect balance of tart rhubarb & sweet custard
✔ Buttery, crumbly crust that holds its shape
✔ Great for potlucks—easy to transport
✔ Freezer-friendly for make-ahead desserts
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Rhubarb Custard Filling:
- 2 cups rhubarb, chopped (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup butter, melted
For Serving (Optional):
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Cut in cold cubed butter until crumbly.
- Press firmly into the baking dish.
- Bake 15 mins until lightly golden.
2️⃣ Prepare the Filling
- In a bowl, toss rhubarb, sugar, flour, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, vanilla, and melted butter.
- Combine with rhubarb mixture.
3️⃣ Assemble & Bake
- Pour filling over the pre-baked crust.
- Bake 30-35 mins until custard is set and golden.
- Cool completely before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
🍽 Pair with:
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh strawberries
Storage & Freezing
❄️ Fridge: Store covered for 3-4 days.
❄️ Freezer: Freeze whole or sliced for 1 month (thaw in fridge).
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Can I use frozen rhubarb?
✅ Yes! Thaw & drain excess liquid first.
2. Why is my custard runny?
⚠️ Underbaked—check with a toothpick (should come out clean).
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
✅ Use 1:1 GF flour for both crust & filling.
4. Can I reduce the sugar?
🍯 Yes, but rhubarb is very tart—reduce to ¾ cup max.
5. Can I use a different fruit?
🍓 Strawberry-rhubarb combo works great!
Nutritional Info (Per Bar)
⏰ Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 50 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
🔥 Calories: ~230 kcal | Servings: 12
Final Thoughts
These Rhubarb Custard Bars are a classic spring treat—tangy, creamy, and buttery all in one bite!
Tried it? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️😊
Enjoy! 🍓✨
