Indulge in the delightful and rich flavors of Rhubarb Custard Bars—a treat that will leave you and your loved ones yearning for more. This recipe, passed down by Shari Roach from South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, combines a shortbread-like crust with luscious layers of rhubarb and custard. The enticing taste and gooey texture inspire people to seek out fresh rhubarb just to create a batch of these delectable bars for themselves and their friends. With a preparation time of only 25 minutes and the added benefit of chilling to perfection, this recipe is sure to become a staple for any sweet occasion.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 cup cold butter
- 2 cups sugar (for filling)
- 7 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for filling)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for filling)
- 3 eggs, beaten (for filling)
- 5 cups finely chopped fresh or frozen rhubarb, thawed and drained (for filling)
- 2 packages (3 ounces each) cream cheese, softened (for topping)
- ½ cup sugar (for topping)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for topping)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped (for topping)
PREPARATIONS:
- In a bowl, combine the flour and sugar for the crust; cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture into a greased 13×9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, for the filling, combine sugar and flour in a bowl. Whisk in the heavy whipping cream and beaten eggs. Stir in the finely chopped rhubarb. Pour the filling over the crust. Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until the custard is set. Allow it to cool.
- For the topping, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth; then, fold in the whipped cream. Spread the topping over the cooled custard layer. Cover the pan and chill the bars. Once chilled, cut them into bars and store them in the refrigerator.
YIELD: Makes 3 dozen bars.
COOKING TIME: Preparation: 25 minutes | Baking: 50 minutes | Chilling: At least 2 hours.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Be sure to grease the baking pan for easy removal of the bars.
- Thaw the frozen rhubarb and drain any excess liquid before using it in the filling.
- Allow the custard layer to cool completely before adding the topping.
TIPS:
- For an extra decadent touch, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust mixture.
- Serve the bars chilled for the best flavor and texture experience.
- These bars are perfect for gatherings and potlucks, as they can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Rhubarb Custard Bars are a divine dessert that strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess. Shari Roach’s cherished recipe from South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has won the hearts of many with its shortbread-like crust, creamy custard layer, and luscious rhubarb filling. The delightful combination of flavors and textures in these bars will surely leave you craving for more.
The simple and straightforward preparations make this recipe accessible to bakers of all levels. With a quick baking time and a little time chilling in the refrigerator, you’ll have a delectable batch of bars ready to impress your family, friends, or guests.
The versatility of this dessert is worth noting, as it is equally enjoyable with fresh or frozen rhubarb. Just ensure that frozen rhubarb is thoroughly thawed and drained before using it in the filling to prevent excess moisture.
The creamy topping, made from a delightful blend of cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and whipped cream, adds the perfect finishing touch to these bars. Its smoothness complements the custard layer while enhancing the overall richness of the dessert.
Whether you’re serving these bars at a summer picnic, a holiday gathering, or simply as a delightful treat after dinner, they are sure to be a hit. Each bite will transport you to a world of sweet indulgence and fond memories.
In conclusion, Rhubarb Custard Bars are a must-try dessert for anyone with a sweet tooth. With a wonderful combination of ingredients and simple preparations, this recipe is a winner in every aspect. Embrace the flavors of rhubarb, the creaminess of custard, and the indulgence of the shortbread-like crust with each bite of these delectable bars.
