Rhubarb Custard Bars

Experience the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors with our delightful Rhubarb Custard Bars recipe! These irresistible bars feature a buttery crust, a creamy custard filling infused with fresh rhubarb, and a luscious whipped cream topping. Whether you’re a fan of classic desserts or looking to impress your friends and family with a unique treat, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Join us as we explore the steps to creating these delicious bars and discover the joy of baking with rhubarb.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of chilled butter
• 1/4 cup of sugar

For the Filling:

• 7 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of sugar
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 5 cups of finely chopped fresh or thawed and drained frozen rhubarb

For the Topping:

• 1 cup of whipped heavy cream
• 6 ounces of softened cream cheese
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, chilled butter, and sugar. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
2. Make the Filling:
   • In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and sugar. Add the heavy cream and beaten eggs, and mix until smooth.
   • Fold in the finely chopped rhubarb until evenly distributed. Pour the filling over the partially baked crust.
3. Bake the Bars:
   • Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
4. Prepare the Topping:
   • In a mixing bowl, beat together the whipped heavy cream, softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
   • Spread the whipped cream mixture evenly over the cooled bars. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours before serving.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Frozen Rhubarb: If using frozen rhubarb, be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the filling. Excess moisture can make the filling too watery.
• Almond Extract: For a unique flavor twist, try adding a splash of almond extract to the whipped cream topping. It complements the tartness of the rhubarb beautifully.
• Crumb Topping: Instead of a whipped cream topping, you can sprinkle a crumb topping made from flour, brown sugar, and butter over the bars before baking for added texture and flavor.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Indulge in the delicious flavors of Rhubarb Custard Bars while adhering to a keto or low-carb lifestyle with these simple adjustments:

Keto Version:

• Almond Flour Crust: Substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour in the crust to reduce the carb content of the bars.
• Sugar Substitute: Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of the granulated sugar in the filling and topping.

Low-Carb Version:

• Reduced Sugar: Decrease the amount of sugar in the filling and topping or use a sugar-free sweetener to reduce the overall carb content of the bars while still maintaining the sweetness.
• Greek Yogurt Topping: Instead of a traditional whipped cream topping, use Greek yogurt sweetened with a low-carb sweetener for a creamy and tangy alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb in this recipe. Thaw and drain the rhubarb well before adding it to the filling to prevent excess moisture.
2. How long do Rhubarb Custard Bars last? Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They may become slightly softer over time but will still be delicious.
3. Can I freeze Rhubarb Custard Bars? Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
4. Can I omit the cream cheese in the topping? Yes, you can omit the cream cheese if desired, but it adds richness and tanginess to the topping that complements the sweetness of the bars.
5. Can I add nuts to the filling? Absolutely! Chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds would add a delicious crunch to the bars and complement the flavors of the rhubarb.

Celebrate the flavors of spring with our irresistible Rhubarb Custard Bars recipe. With their buttery crust, creamy rhubarb filling, and luscious whipped cream topping, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these bars are sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors in every bite. Happy baking!