Description
These Classic Rhubarb Custard Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with tangy rhubarb and a silky vanilla custard filling. Finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar, they’re an old-fashioned dessert that’s perfect for spring gatherings, potlucks, or enjoying with a cup of coffee.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Rhubarb Custard Filling
- 3 cups fresh rhubarb, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Optional Garnish
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the crust: Combine flour, powdered sugar, salt, and butter until crumbly. Press evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden.
- Prepare the filling: Whisk together sugar, flour, eggs, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Fold in the chopped rhubarb.
- Assemble: Pour the rhubarb custard mixture over the warm crust and spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the custard is fully set and lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool completely: Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving and cut into squares.
Notes
For the best texture, chill the bars thoroughly before slicing. Fresh rhubarb provides the brightest flavor, but frozen rhubarb can be used after thawing and draining well. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: classic rhubarb custard bars, rhubarb custard dessert, old fashioned rhubarb bars, rhubarb squares, spring rhubarb recipe, homemade custard bars
