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Tangy Rhubarb Custard Bars

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These tangy rhubarb custard bars feature a buttery shortbread crust with a smooth, tangy rhubarb custard filling, perfect for spring and summer treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (220 g), sifted
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar (65 g)
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter (170 g), softened
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped (about 250 g) or frozen
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100 g)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml) or half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (16 g)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes). Add vanilla extract and salt, then gradually mix in sifted flour until just combined. Dough should be slightly crumbly. Do not overwork.
  2. Press dough evenly into a greased 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes until edges are light golden brown. Remove and let cool slightly.
  3. While crust bakes, chop rhubarb and puree in a blender or food processor until finely pureed but still textured. In a bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, heavy cream, flour, salt, and lemon zest until smooth. Fold in rhubarb puree gently.
  4. Pour rhubarb custard evenly over warm crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes until custard is set but slightly jiggly in center and top is lightly golden.
  5. Cool bars completely in pan on wire rack, then refrigerate at least 2 hours to fully set. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Use softened butter, not melted, for the crust to ensure proper crumbly texture. Puree rhubarb for smooth custard but keep some texture. Bake crust first to prevent sogginess. Cool bars completely before slicing. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and heavy cream with coconut cream; replace eggs with flax or chia eggs.

Nutrition

Keywords: rhubarb custard bars, shortbread crust, tangy dessert, spring dessert, easy baking, rhubarb recipe

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/tangy-rhubarb-custard-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-shortbread-crust-delight/