If you’ve never tried baking with rhubarb, this Rhubarb Bars Recipe will quickly become your new favorite way to enjoy its tangy, bright flavor. Imagine a buttery, crumbly crust paired with a luscious rhubarb filling that perfectly balances sweet and tart in every bite. These bars are a delightful treat that’s just sweet enough, with a wonderful texture contrast you’ll want to bake again and again. Whether for a casual afternoon snack or a charming dessert, these rhubarb bars bring a burst of springtime freshness that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Rhubarb Bars Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: the buttery crust provides a tender base, the eggs and sugar create a silky filling, and the rhubarb brings in that unmistakable tang and vibrant color that makes these bars so special.
- 1 cup flour: Acts as the foundation for the buttery crust, offering structure and a delicate crumb.
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the crust without overpowering the rhubarb’s tartness.
- 8 tablespoons cold butter (diced): Essential for that flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crust texture.
- 2 eggs: Bind the filling together, giving it a creamy yet firm consistency.
- 1 ¼ cup sugar: Sweetens the filling to counterbalance the rhubarb’s natural acidity beautifully.
- ¼ cup flour: Helps thicken the filling slightly and ensures it sets properly.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the sweet and tart notes shine even more.
- 3 ⅓ cups finely chopped rhubarb: The star of the show—refreshing with a vibrant pink color and a unique tang that defines this recipe.
How to Make Rhubarb Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal later. Then, toss the crust ingredients—flour, powdered sugar, and cold diced butter—into a food processor. Pulsing them until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs is the key to a tender, evenly crumbly crust. Press this mixture firmly into the prepared pan to create your base. Bake this alone for about 15 minutes until it’s lightly golden and just set. This pre-baking step ensures your crust stays firm and flaky after adding the filling.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar vigorously until smooth and slightly frothy. This combo provides richness and sweetness to your filling. Next, stir in the flour and salt. Mixing these in now ensures the filling will thicken nicely during baking. The ingredients should become a smooth batter with no lumps. At this point, your mixture is ready to receive the rhubarb.
Step 3: Combine Rhubarb and Fill the Crust
Gently fold the finely chopped rhubarb into the filling mixture. The key here is to stir just enough to evenly distribute the rhubarb without breaking down the fruit too much, which helps maintain lovely texture and bursts of tang in every bite. Pour this filling over the hot crust you pulled from the oven. The warmth of the crust helps the filling set evenly as it melts slightly on contact.
Step 4: Bake Until Set
Return your pan to the oven and bake for an additional 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on the bars—they’re done when the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. This ensures a luscious, creamy texture rather than something dry or cakey. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. Chilling is optional but makes the bars easier to cut and enhances their flavor, making each square a perfect balance of tart and sweet.
How to Serve Rhubarb Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are lovely as-is, but a light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a delicate touch of sweetness and a pretty finish. For a little extra indulgence, try serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh mint leaves can add a subtle freshness as a garnish, boosting both aroma and presentation.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving these bars as part of a dessert spread, pair them with fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to complement the tart rhubarb flavor. A cup of well-brewed tea or a lightly roasted coffee also makes for a wonderful beverage companion, balancing the richness of the bars and creating a cozy, harmonious experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the rhubarb bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on decorative skewers at a party. Layering them with whipped cream and fresh fruit in a clear parfait glass turns the recipe into a stunning layered dessert. You can also drizzle a bit of white chocolate or lemon glaze over the bars for an elegant presentation that adds sweetness and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These rhubarb bars keep beautifully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them where they will stay fresh for about a week. Just make sure they are fully cooled before sealing to prevent any sogginess.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? These rhubarb bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat individual bars in a microwave for about 15 seconds. Avoid overheating to maintain the perfect soft filling. You can also warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes. Either way, they’ll taste like they just came from your kitchen!
FAQs
Can I use frozen rhubarb for this Rhubarb Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen rhubarb works well as long as you thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the filling. This helps keep your bars from becoming too soggy and maintains that ideal texture.
Are these rhubarb bars gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free blend for both the crust and filling with good results, just be sure to pick a blend suitable for baking to achieve the best texture.
How tart will the bars be?
The tartness is balanced by the sugar, resulting in a mildly tangy but pleasantly sweet flavor. If you prefer a sweeter bar, you can increase the sugar slightly, but part of the charm of this bar is its refreshing tartness.
Can I substitute rhubarb with another fruit?
You can experiment with fruits like strawberries or raspberries, which pair wonderfully with a similar filling. Just keep in mind the moisture content may vary, so you may need to adjust baking time or flour slightly.
Is it necessary to pre-bake the crust?
Pre-baking the crust is highly recommended because it helps it set firmly and prevents sogginess once the filling is added. Skipping this step might result in a crust that’s soft or undercooked, which can affect the overall texture.
Final Thoughts
This Rhubarb Bars Recipe is a truly delightful way to enjoy a fresh taste of rhubarb in every bite. Its combination of buttery crust and tangy-sweet filling creates a comforting yet exciting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these bars as much as I do—they’re one of my all-time favorites for bringing a little joy from the kitchen to your table. Give them a try soon, and watch how quickly they disappear!
Print
Rhubarb Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Rhubarb Bars feature a buttery crumb crust topped with a sweet and tangy rhubarb filling. Perfectly balanced with a tender texture and bright flavor, they make a delightful treat for spring and summer gatherings or any time you crave a fruity dessert bar.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup flour
- â…“ cup powdered sugar
- 8 tablespoons cold butter, diced
Filling
- 2 eggs
- 1 ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 â…“ cups finely chopped rhubarb
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the bars.
- Make the crust mixture: Using a food processor, pulse together the flour, powdered sugar, and cold diced butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Bake the crust: Press the crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to set and lightly brown the crust.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Add dry ingredients to filling: Stir the flour and salt into the egg and sugar mixture until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Incorporate rhubarb: Gently fold the finely chopped rhubarb into the filling mixture, ensuring even distribution without breaking down the fruit too much.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the rhubarb filling evenly over the hot baked crust to create a uniform layer.
- Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is fully set and no longer jiggly in the center.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into nine squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use cold butter for the crust to achieve a flaky, crumbly texture.
- Ensure rhubarb is finely chopped for even cooking and a pleasant texture.
- Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven; check the filling for firmness at the lower end of the bake time.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- These bars can be served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
