Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful twist on traditional desserts! Our Citrus Rhubarb Custard Bars combine the tartness of fresh rhubarb with the zesty brightness of citrus, creating a heavenly treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With a buttery crust and a creamy custard filling, these bars are not only easy to make but also guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or simply indulging in a sweet afternoon snack, these bars will have everyone coming back for seconds. Don’t miss out on this refreshing dessert that’s sure to become a new favorite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup chopped rhubarb
- 1 cup citrus juice (orange and lemon)
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars later.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/4 cup of softened butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the flour mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the custard filling. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of citrus juice (a mix of orange and lemon), 3 eggs, 1/4 cup of cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder until smooth and well combined.
- Gently fold in the 1/2 cup of chopped rhubarb into the custard mixture, ensuring that the rhubarb is evenly distributed.
- Pour the custard filling over the pre-baked crust in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is slightly firm to the touch.
- Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the baking dish on a wire rack for about 30 minutes.
- After cooling, refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour to set completely.
- Once chilled, cut the bars into squares or rectangles. Serve chilled, and enjoy your delicious Citrus Rhubarb Custard Bars!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Rhubarb: For the best flavor, select fresh rhubarb stalks that are firm and vibrant in color. Avoid any that are wilted or discolored.
- Mix Citrus Juices: Experiment with different citrus juices! A combination of orange and lemon adds a wonderful depth of flavor, but feel free to include lime or grapefruit for a unique twist.
- Don’t Overmix the Crust: When preparing the crust, mix until just combined to ensure a tender texture. Overmixing can lead to a tough crust.
- Check for Doneness: The custard should be set and slightly firm to the touch. If it jiggles too much in the center, it may need a few more minutes in the oven.
- Chill for Best Results: Allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before cutting. This helps the custard to firm up and makes for cleaner, more attractive slices.
- Serve with a Twist: For an extra special touch, serve these bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
- Storage: These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them a great make-ahead dessert for gatherings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
