07/16/2025
Rhubarb Custard Bars π°β¨
π INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups regular flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup butter, cold
Filling:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 7 tablespoons regular flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 5 cups finely chopped rhubarb, fresh or thawed from frozen and drained
Topping:
- 6 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
π INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Prepare and Prebake the Crust:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and sugar.
- Cut in very cold cubes of butter using a pastry blender, two knives, or a food processor, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press this buttery crumb mixture into a greased 13Γ9-inch baking pan in an even layer.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool briefly before adding the filling.
- Editorβs Tip: Use a gentle touch with a food processor, pulsing just until crumbs form.
- For a smaller crowd, you can halve the recipe and use an 8- or 9-inch square pan.
- Step 2: Prepare the Rhubarb Custard Filling:
- While the crust is baking, combine the additional sugar and flour in a new bowl.
- Whisk in the cream and eggs until the mixture is well-combined and smooth.
- Stir in the chopped rhubarb, ensuring even distribution.
- Carefully pour this mixture over the warm prebaked crust.
- Step 3: Bake the Custard and Cool:
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the custard sets firmly.
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature.
- Step 4: Make and Apply the Cream Cheese Topping:
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream using a delicate sweeping motion to maintain its fluffy texture.
- Spread this cream cheese mixture over the cooled custard bars, forming an even layer.
- Step 5: Chill, Cut, and Serve:
- Cover the pan and refrigerate until the bars are fully chilled.
- Once cooled, cut into bars and store any leftovers in the fridge.
- Editorβs Tip: When folding ingredients, be sure to use a gentle motion β from the bottom of the bowl up β to avoid deflating the whipped cream.
This reminds me of my childhood! Does this dish bring back any memories for you?