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I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
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I stumbled upon this recipe quite by accident, actually. Last spring, I had a glut of rhubarb from my garden – more than I could possibly turn into the usual pies and jams. I felt like I needed somthing exciting. I was feeling adventurous so I decided to experiment with adding a touch of heat. And the result? These absolutely divine Sweet & Spicy Rhubarb Custard Bars! They’re the perfect balance of sweet, tart, creamy, and spicy, and they’ve become a springtime staple in my house. I almost didn't share this recipe, It's my baby.
What sets these bars apart is the clever contrast between the tangy rhubarb and the subtle warmth from a hint of chili. The custard filling adds a smooth, luxurious texture that complements the flaky crust beautifully. Trust me, once you try these bars, you’ll be hooked. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and I guarantee they’ll be a hit at your next gathering. My friend Maria tried these last week and called me twice to ask if I could bake her a batch!
Don't be intimidated by the 'spicy' part. We're not talking overwhelming heat here. Just a touch of something that elevates the rhubarb's tartness and creates a truly unique flavor profile. Think of it as a culinary hug – warm, comforting, and just a little bit unexpected. If you're at all hesitant, start with less chili and adjust to your taste. The best part of baking is tweaking things until they are just right. Now, lets find out how to bake some rhubarb bars!
Required Equipments
- Mixing Bowls
- Pastry Blender
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- 9x13 inch Baking Pan
- Fork
Sweet and Spicy Rhubarb Custard Bars: Frequently Asked Questions
Sweet and Spicy Rhubarb Custard Bars
Indulge in the unexpected! These Sweet & Spicy Rhubarb Custard Bars balance the tartness of rhubarb with a gentle kick of spice, all nestled in a creamy custard. A delightfully different treat.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 12 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- **Prepare the Crust:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- **Form the Crust Dough:** Add 3-4 tablespoons of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, or the crust will be tough. The dough should be slightly moist but not sticky.
- **Press the Crust:** Press the dough evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9x13 inch baking pan. Use a fork to prick the crust all over. This prevents it from puffing up during baking.
- **Bake the Crust:** Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- **Prepare the Rhubarb Filling:** In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups chopped rhubarb, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste).
- **Cook the Rhubarb:** Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the rhubarb is tender and the mixture has thickened, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- **Prepare the Custard Filling:** In a large bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is well mixed.
- **Assemble the Bars:** Pour the rhubarb filling evenly over the baked crust. Gently pour the custard filling over the rhubarb. Try not to make any spills!
- **Bake the Bars:** Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the custard is set and lightly golden brown. The center may still jiggle slightly, but it will firm up as it cools.
- **Cool and Cut:** Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This helps the custard set properly. If you are in a hurry, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before cutting. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired. Enjoy!
📝 Notes
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the crust.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 250 kcal
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 11 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 1 g
Calcium: 30 mg
