Rhubarb Custard Bars Shortbread Crust – Delicious & Simple
Master the Art of Making Rhubarb Custard Bars Shortbread Crust
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly balances tart and sweet, look no further than these rhubarb custard bars with a buttery shortbread crust. These delicious rhubarb dessert bars feature a creamy custard layer that beautifully complements the vibrant, tangy rhubarb, creating a taste sensation that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you’re serving them at a summer picnic or enjoying them as a cozy dessert at home, these custard rhubarb squares are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire!
For a perfectly crumbly shortbread crust, be sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking; this helps maintain its structure and results in a tender bite.
Gather Your Ingredients & Tools

| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rhubarb | 4 cups, chopped | Fresh rhubarb adds a tart flavor, perfect for rhubarb dessert bars. |
| Sugar | 1 cup | Sweetens the rhubarb, balancing its tartness in custard rhubarb squares. |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Forms the base for the dessert bars and helps thicken the custard. |
| Butter | 1/2 cup, melted | Adds richness to the crust and custard layers in the squares. |
| Eggs | 3 large | Essential for the custard texture in rhubarb squares. |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Enhances the overall flavor of the dessert, complementing the rhubarb. |
Tips
- Instead of custard powder, use a mixture of cornstarch and vanilla extract to achieve a similar creamy texture and flavor.
- Allow the rhubarb custard bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares, then store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Essential tools: nonstick pan, medium pot, oven or air fryer, and a blender if needed.
These essentials keep the rhubarb custard bars shortbread crust balanced and consistent every time.
How to Make Rhubarb Custard Bars Shortbread Crust Step by Step

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until a dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- While the crust bakes, prepare the rhubarb filling by chopping 2 cups of fresh rhubarb into small pieces.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Add 3 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the sugar mixture, and whisk until smooth.
- Gently fold in the chopped rhubarb until well combined.
- Pour the rhubarb custard mixture over the baked shortbread crust.
- Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly browned.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy your rhubarb custard bars!
Chef tip: Season in layers and adjust to taste.
Flavor & Texture Secrets

| Flavor Element | Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet | Rhubarb | Base for rhubarb dessert bars |
| Creamy | Custard | Filling for custard rhubarb squares |
| Tart | Lemon Zest | Enhances flavor in rhubarb dessert bars |
| Crunchy | Graham Cracker Crust | Base for custard rhubarb squares |
- Add-ins: herbs, spices, citrus zest, and dressings.
This fiber-rich combo makes it both filling and nutritious.
How to Serve Rhubarb Custard Bars Shortbread Crust

- Meal Prep: Create a week’s worth of nutritious lunch boxes featuring grilled chicken, quinoa, and seasonal vegetables.
- Brunch: Whip up a delightful mid-morning feast with avocado toast topped with poached eggs and cherry tomatoes.
- Family Dinner: Serve a comforting evening gathering with a hearty beef stew and freshly baked bread for a cozy night in.
| Occasion | Pairing Dish | Beverage |
|---|---|---|
| Casual Dinner | Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Romantic Date Night | Filet Mignon with Garlic Butter | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Game Day | Spicy Buffalo Wings | IPA Beer |
Explore related ideas here: more recipes. This reinforces rhubarb custard bars shortbread crust enjoyment.
Serving Size Adjustments
| Ingredient | x1 | x2 | x4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Grain | 1 cup | 2 cups | 4 cups |
| Protein | 1 serving | 2 servings | 4 servings |
| Veggies | 2 cups | 4 cups | 8 cups |
Scaling preserves the nutrition balance of rhubarb custard bars shortbread crust and its components (e.g., fiber/protein ratio). Try a batch cook for weeklong ease.
Allergy-Friendly & Diet Swaps
| Variant | Swap | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | As written | Balanced texture and flavor |
| Vegan | Use tofu or legumes | Plant protein emphasis |
| Gluten-Free | Use GF grains | Check labels for cross-contamination |
| Keto | Swap grains for greens | Keep fats moderate |
- Swap smartly to maintain structure.
- Adjust seasoning to fit each variant.
This ensures rhubarb custard bars shortbread crust fits your dietary needs.
Troubleshooting: Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Issue: Rhubarb dessert bars are too tart — Fix: Balance the tartness with a bit more sugar or incorporate sweet fruits like strawberries into the recipe.
- Issue: Custard rhubarb squares have a soggy bottom — Fix: Pre-bake the crust for a few minutes before adding the custard filling to ensure it holds up well.
- Issue: Rhubarb dessert bars crumble too easily — Fix: Add an extra egg or some ground oats to the crust for better binding and texture.
- Issue: Custard rhubarb squares lack flavor — Fix: Infuse the custard with vanilla or almond extract to enhance the overall taste profile.
Keep rhubarb custard bars shortbread crust balanced with mindful timing and seasoning.
Nutritional Highlights
| Calories | ~450 |
| Protein | ~20g |
| Carbs | ~55g |
| Fat | ~15g |
| Fiber | ~12g |
| Key Nutrients | Iron, Vitamin C, Folate |
- Fiber-packed and satiating.
- Protein-rich for recovery.
- Balanced bowl for daily energy.
Dietitian tip: Keep the rhubarb custard bars shortbread crust colorful and balanced for micronutrients.
Key Takeaways
- Main technique: build layers with rhubarb custard bars shortbread crust.
- Nutritional benefit: emphasize rhubarb dessert bars.
- Texture/taste: contrast crunchy and creamy elements.
- Serving flexibility: great for meal prep or sharing.
- Prep efficiency: use batch-cooked bases.
Faqs
- Q: How do you make delectable rhubarb custard bars with a buttery shortbread crust?
Rhubarb custard bars with a shortbread crust are a delightful treat that perfectly balance the tartness of rhubarb with a creamy custard filling, all nestled on a buttery, crumbly shortbread base. These dessert bars are not only delicious but also showcase the vibrant flavor of rhubarb, making them a fantastic addition to any spring or summer dessert table. The combination of textures—from the crisp crust to the smooth custard
- Q: What makes rhubarb custard bars with a shortbread crust the perfect treat for springtime gatherings?
Rhubarb custard bars with a shortbread crust are a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of rhubarb with a creamy custard filling, all nestled atop a buttery shortbread base. Similar to custard rhubarb squares, these bars feature a sweet and tangy flavor profile, making them a perfect treat for spring and summer gatherings. The shortbread crust adds a rich texture that complements the smooth custard, resulting in
- Q: What makes rhubarb custard bars with a shortbread crust a must-try dessert?
Rhubarb custard bars with a shortbread crust offer a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness, making them an irresistible dessert option. The buttery, crumbly shortbread base perfectly complements the creamy, tangy rhubarb custard filling, creating a luscious treat that’s perfect for spring gatherings or as a nostalgic dessert. These bars are not only visually appealing with their vibrant rhubarb color but also provide a satisfying texture contrast, making
- Q: What makes rhubarb custard bars with a shortbread crust the perfect dessert for spring?
Rhubarb custard bars with a shortbread crust offer a delightful twist on the classic custard rhubarb squares, combining a buttery, crumbly base with a creamy, tangy rhubarb custard filling. The shortbread crust adds a rich texture that perfectly complements the tartness of the rhubarb, creating a harmoniously balanced dessert that’s perfect for spring gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of year.
- Q: What makes rhubarb custard bars with a shortbread crust the perfect spring dessert?
Rhubarb custard bars with a shortbread crust are a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of rhubarb with a creamy custard filling, all atop a rich, buttery shortbread base. These bars are perfect for spring gatherings, offering a balance of sweetness and tanginess that appeals to dessert lovers. The shortbread crust provides a sturdy yet tender foundation, allowing the vibrant rhubarb flavor to shine through in each bite.
Rhubarb Custard Bars Shortbread Crust |
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|---|---|
| chickenrecipes.store | |
| Love it? Save this recipe for future delicious moments! | |
| Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | |
Ingredients |
|
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Rhubarb | 4 cups, chopped |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Butter | 1/2 cup, melted |
| Eggs | 3 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Directions |
|
| Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). | |
| Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. | |
| Step 3: Gradually mix in 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until a dough forms. | |
| Step 4: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. | |
| Step 5: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. | |
| Step 6: While the crust bakes, prepare the rhubarb filling by chopping 2 cups of fresh rhubarb into small pieces. | |
| Step 7: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. | |
| Step 8: Add 3 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the sugar mixture, and whisk until smooth. | |
| Step 9: Gently fold in the chopped rhubarb until well combined. | |
| Step 10: Pour the rhubarb custard mixture over the baked shortbread crust. | |
| Step 11: Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly browned. | |
| Step 12: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. | |
| Step 13: Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy your rhubarb custard bars! | |
Final Thoughts
rhubarb custard bars shortbread crust brings comfort and flavor to every table. Save and share your twist with fresh ideas and a mindful balance.
Pin this rhubarb custard bars shortbread crust and try your twist with custard rhubarb squares today.
