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Rhubarb Custard Bars Recipe

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3.8 from 12 reviews

These Rhubarb Custard Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery crust topped with a creamy rhubarb custard filling, finished with a smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfectly balanced between tart and sweet, these bars offer a luscious texture and refreshing flavor, ideal for spring and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Crust

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 cup salted butter

Filling

  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1 cup half and half (whole milk works fine too)
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 5 cups diced rhubarb

Frosting

  • 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup whipped topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13″ pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make bars easier to remove.
  2. Make Crust: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour and 1/3 cup sugar. Cut in 1 cup salted butter using a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly combined.
  3. Press and Bake Crust: Press the crumbly crust mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes to set the crust before adding the filling.
  4. Prepare Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/2 cup flour, 1 cup half and half, 3 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla in a large bowl. Stir in 5 cups diced rhubarb, ensuring it’s well incorporated.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Pour the rhubarb custard filling over the pre-baked crust. Return to oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly in the center.
  6. Cool Bars: Remove the pan from oven and let bars cool completely at room temperature. Cooling fully is crucial for proper frosting application.
  7. Make Frosting: Whisk together 6 ounces softened cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in 1 cup whipped topping to lighten the frosting texture.
  8. Frost Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled rhubarb custard bars for a creamy, tangy finish.
  9. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the frosted bars until ready to serve to keep them firm and fresh.

Notes

  • Use fresh rhubarb when in season for the best flavor; frozen rhubarb can alter the texture.
  • Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the frosting.
  • These bars should be stored refrigerated due to the custard and cream cheese frosting.
  • You can substitute half and half with whole milk if desired.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the flours with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/rhubarb-custard-bars-recipe/