These Rhubarb Custard Bars are a perfect balance of tart rhubarb, creamy custard, and a light, fluffy topping.
The buttery crust holds everything together, while the custard filling melts in your mouth, with a tangy burst of rhubarb. The cream cheese topping adds an indulgent, smooth finish to every bite.
This dessert is a great way to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavor of rhubarb in a comforting bar form. It’s perfect for spring or any time you want a sweet, tangy treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Rhubarb Custard Bars are the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and creamy.
The rhubarb filling provides a deliciously tart contrast to the smooth, rich custard, while the cream cheese topping adds a luscious, velvety finish.
The buttery crust is the ideal base, and the bars are easy to cut into perfect squares.
Whether you’re hosting a spring gathering or just craving a sweet, refreshing dessert, these bars are guaranteed to impress.
Ingredient Highlights
Rhubarb: The rhubarb gives the bars their signature tartness and freshness, providing a delicious contrast to the sweet custard and creamy topping.
Custard Filling: The custard filling is creamy and smooth, thanks to the heavy cream and eggs, with a slight sweetness from the granulated sugar.
Cream Cheese Topping: The cream cheese topping adds a rich, fluffy layer that balances out the tangy filling with its creamy texture.
Crust: The buttery crust provides the perfect amount of crispiness, holding the filling together while offering a nice contrast to the soft layers above.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Chill the Bars Properly: After baking, let the bars cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. Chilling them for a few hours or overnight ensures the flavors set properly and makes cutting easier.
Use Fresh or Thawed Rhubarb: Fresh rhubarb works best, but if you’re using frozen, make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
Whip the Cream Well: Be sure to whip the cream until soft peaks form to get a light, fluffy topping.
Bake Until Set: When baking the bars, ensure the custard is fully set and no longer wobbles in the center, as this guarantees the right texture.
How to Make Rhubarb Custard Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a large bowl, combine the flour and sugar.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Press the Crust
Press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Step 4: Prepare the Custard Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour.
Add the cream and eggs, whisking until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Add the Rhubarb
Fold in the chopped rhubarb, then pour the custard mixture evenly over the warm crust.
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the custard is set and no longer jiggles in the center.
Remove from the oven and cool completely at room temperature.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Topping
In a clean bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 8: Fold in the Whipped Cream
Gently fold in the whipped cream using a spatula, mixing just until combined and fluffy.
Step 9: Spread the Topping
Spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the cooled custard layer.
Step 10: Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate the pan until fully chilled, at least a few hours or overnight.
Cut into bars before serving. Keep any leftovers refrigerated.
Serving Ideas
These Rhubarb Custard Bars are a perfect dessert for spring gatherings or as a sweet snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
Serve them on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
They also pair wonderfully with a refreshing lemonade or a sparkling drink.
Storage
Store any leftover Rhubarb Custard Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply place them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen rhubarb?
Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before using to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars actually taste even better after chilling in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld.
Can I use a different topping instead of cream cheese?
While the cream cheese topping is what gives the bars their signature flavor, you can substitute it with whipped cream or a custard topping if you prefer something lighter.
Final Thoughts
These Rhubarb Custard Bars are the perfect combination of tangy and sweet, with a rich, creamy texture and a buttery, flaky crust.
They’re the ideal dessert for any occasion, especially during spring, when rhubarb is in season.
With a creamy topping and a tangy custard filling, these bars are sure to become a family favorite!
Moist Rhubarb Custard Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup butter cold
- 2 cups granulated sugar for filling
- 7 tablespoons flour for filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs lightly beaten
- 5 cups finely chopped rhubarb fresh or thawed and drained
- 6 oz cream cheese softened (for topping)
- ½ cup granulated sugar for topping
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for topping
- 1 cup heavy cream whipped (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan.
- Make the crust: Combine flour and sugar, cut in cold butter, and press into pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Prepare custard: Mix sugar, flour, cream, and eggs, fold in rhubarb.
- Pour over crust and bake for 40–45 minutes. Cool.
- Make topping: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla, then fold in whipped cream.
- Spread topping over cooled custard.
- Refrigerate and chill. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Use Fresh or Frozen Rhubarb: If using frozen rhubarb, make sure it’s completely thawed and drained before adding to the filling.
- Chilling Tip: Chilling overnight enhances the flavor and makes slicing easier.
- Topping Variation: For a citrusy twist, stir lemon zest into the cream cheese layer.
- Serving Tip: These bars are best served cold with a fork and a napkin—they're creamy and delightfully messy!
