Rhubarb Custard Bars

These old-fashioned rhubarb custard bars are a lovely way to make the most of fresh or frozen rhubarb. A buttery crust is topped with a sweet, creamy fruit filling and baked until set. They’re delicious on their own, but the optional cream cheese topping makes them an extra-special treat.

What You’ll Need

For the crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup sugar

• 1 cup cold butter

For the filling:

• 1½ cups sugar

• 7 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 cup milk, or slightly less if using frozen fruit

• 3 eggs, beaten

• 5 cups rhubarb or other fruit

Optional topping:

• 6 ounces cream cheese

• ½ cup sugar

• ½ teaspoon vanilla

• 1 cup heavy cream

How To Make It

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. In a bowl, combine 2 cups flour and ¼ cup sugar. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly.

3. Press the crust mixture into an 11 x 15-inch baking pan.

4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Mix together the sugar, flour, milk, and beaten eggs until combined. Fold in the rhubarb or other fruit.

6. Pour the filling over the warm crust.

7. Return to the oven and bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes, or until the filling is set.

8. Allow the bars to cool before adding the optional topping.

For the optional topping: Beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Whip the heavy cream, then fold it into the cream cheese mixture. Spread over the cooled bars before serving.