The Best Rhubarb Custard Bars Shortbread Crust Recipe Ever
Master the Art of Making Rhubarb Custard Bars Shortbread Crust
Welcome to a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of spring: rhubarb custard bars with a buttery shortbread crust! These creamy rhubarb dessert squares, often referred to as shortbread rhubarb bars, bring together the tangy sweetness of fresh rhubarb and a luscious custard filling, all perched atop a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base. Ideal for potlucks or family gatherings, these midwest rhubarb bars are sure to become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire, offering a taste of nostalgia and a burst of flavor in every bite.
For a perfectly crumbly shortbread crust, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature and mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
Gather Your Ingredients & Tools

| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rhubarb | 2 cups, chopped | Fresh rhubarb provides the perfect tartness for rhubarb custard squares and tangy rhubarb bars. |
| Sugar | 1 cup | Adjust sweetness to balance the tangy flavor of the rhubarb in creamy rhubarb dessert. |
| Butter | ½ cup, softened | Essential for the shortbread base of rhubarb dream bars and spring rhubarb bars. |
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups | The main component of the crust for midwest rhubarb bars. |
| Eggs | 2 large | Acts as a binder and adds richness to the creamy texture of rhubarb custard squares. |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp | Helps the bars rise slightly, creating a light texture in the shortbread rhubarb bars. |
Tips
- Replace rhubarb with strawberries or peaches for a different fruity flavor in the custard filling.
- Allow the bars to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before storing in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
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 mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 2 cups of all-purpose flour to create the shortbread crust.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- While the crust is baking, 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 2 large eggs until smooth.
- Add the chopped rhubarb to the egg mixture and stir to combine.
- Once the crust is done baking, pour the rhubarb mixture over the hot crust.
- Bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
- Once cooled, cut into bars and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Serve and enjoy your delicious rhubarb custard bars!
Chef tip: Season in layers and adjust to taste.
Flavor & Texture Secrets

| Flavor Element | Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet | Rhubarb | Main ingredient in rhubarb custard squares |
| Creamy | Custard | Filling for creamy rhubarb dessert |
| Buttery | Shortbread | Base for shortbread rhubarb bars |
| Tangy | Rhubarb | Key flavor in tangy rhubarb bars |
| Crunchy | Crust | Layer for midwest rhubarb bars |
- 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 friendly.
- Brunch-ready bowl.
- Family dinner crowd-pleaser.
| Occasion | Pairing Dish | Beverage |
|---|---|---|
| Birthday Party | Chocolate Cake | Red Velvet Wine |
| Summer BBQ | Grilled Chicken Skewers | Pilsner Beer |
| Romantic Dinner | Seared Salmon | Sauvignon Blanc |
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: The rhubarb custard squares turn out too soggy — Fix: Ensure to pre-cook the rhubarb and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the custard mixture.
- Issue: The shortbread rhubarb bars lack flavor — Fix: Enhance the shortbread base by adding a pinch of salt and a splash of vanilla extract for a richer taste.
- Issue: The spring rhubarb bars are too tart — Fix: Balance the acidity of the rhubarb with additional sugar or a drizzle of honey in the filling.
- Issue: The creamy rhubarb dessert doesn’t set properly — Fix: Make sure to use enough gelatin or cornstarch to achieve the desired consistency when mixing.
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 custard squares.
- Texture/taste: contrast crunchy and creamy elements.
- Serving flexibility: great for meal prep or sharing.
- Prep efficiency: use batch-cooked bases.
Faqs
- Q: How can I make delicious rhubarb custard squares with a buttery shortbread crust?
Rhubarb custard bars with a shortbread crust are a delightful twist on traditional rhubarb custard squares, combining a buttery, crumbly base with a creamy, tangy rhubarb filling. The shortbread crust provides a perfect contrast to the sweet and tart custard, creating a luscious treat that is both comforting and refreshing. Ideal for spring, these bars are a must-try for rhubarb lovers!
- Q: How can I make delicious shortbread rhubarb bars with a creamy custard filling?
Rhubarb custard bars with a shortbread crust combine the buttery, crumbly texture of traditional shortbread with the tartness of rhubarb and a creamy custard layer, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures, reminiscent of classic shortbread rhubarb bars but with added richness and depth.
- Q: What makes spring rhubarb bars with a shortbread crust a delightful treat?
Rhubarb custard bars with a shortbread crust are a delightful spring treat, featuring a buttery, crumbly base that perfectly complements the tangy sweetness of fresh rhubarb. The bars are layered with a creamy custard filling, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that celebrates the seasonal bounty of rhubarb. Ideal for picnics or as a sweet finish to any meal, these bars are a must-try for those looking
- Q: What makes rhubarb custard bars with a shortbread crust the ultimate creamy rhubarb dessert?
Rhubarb custard bars with a shortbread crust are a delightful creamy rhubarb dessert that perfectly balances the tartness of rhubarb with a rich, velvety custard filling, all resting on a buttery shortbread base. This harmonious combination offers a satisfying texture and flavor profile, making it an irresistible treat for springtime gatherings or any occasion where a refreshing dessert is desired.
- Q: What are rhubarb dream bars with a shortbread crust and how do they combine tartness and sweetness?
Rhubarb custard bars with a shortbread crust are a delightful twist on traditional rhubarb dream bars, combining a buttery, crumbly base with a creamy, tangy rhubarb filling. The shortbread crust provides a perfect balance to the tartness of the rhubarb, making each bite a deliciously sweet and slightly tart treat that’s ideal for spring gatherings or a cozy dessert at home.
Rhubarb Custard Bars Shortbread Crust |
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|---|---|
| birthday-cake.site | |
| Love it? Save this recipe for future delicious moments! | |
| Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | |
Ingredients |
|
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Rhubarb | 2 cups, chopped |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Butter | ½ cup, softened |
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
Directions |
|
| Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). | |
| Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 2 cups of all-purpose flour to create the shortbread crust. | |
| Step 3: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. | |
| Step 4: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. | |
| Step 5: While the crust is baking, prepare the rhubarb filling by chopping 2 cups of fresh rhubarb into small pieces. | |
| Step 6: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, and 2 large eggs until smooth. | |
| Step 7: Add the chopped rhubarb to the egg mixture and stir to combine. | |
| Step 8: Once the crust is done baking, pour the rhubarb mixture over the hot crust. | |
| Step 9: Bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly browned. | |
| Step 10: Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan. | |
| Step 11: Once cooled, cut into bars and dust with powdered sugar if desired. | |
| Step 12: Serve and enjoy your delicious 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 tangy rhubarb bars today.

