A simple keto-friendly rhubarb dessert bar with a buttery shortbread crust and a tangy rhubarb filling. Low-carb, gluten free, and perfect for summer snacks or diabetes friendly recipes.
For the crust:
2 cups almond flour
1/4 cup erythritol (or preferred keto sweetener)
1/2 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the filling:
3 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped
1/4 cup erythritol (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped strawberries (for strawberry rhubarb custard bars)
For the custard layer (optional):
2 large eggs
1/2 cup cream cheese or heavy cream
1/4 cup erythritol
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp lemon zest
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper.
Mix almond flour, sweetener, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Add cold butter and cut it in until crumbly. Stir in egg and vanilla until dough forms. Press half into pan as the crust.
In a saucepan, combine chopped rhubarb, sweetener, lemon juice, and zest. Cook on low heat for 8-10 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and let cool.
If using custard layer: whisk eggs, cream cheese (or heavy cream), sweetener, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth.
Spread rhubarb filling evenly over crust. Pour custard layer on top if using. Sprinkle remaining crust dough over the top gently.
Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and custard is set. Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Use fresh rhubarb for best results; frozen may add extra moisture.
Adjust sweetener based on your taste and dietary needs.
For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs instead of real eggs.
Store bars in the fridge up to 5 days.