What are rhubarb bars and how are they made?

Rhubarb bars are a sweet and tangy dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a rhubarb filling and often a crumb or streusel topping. To make them, first prepare the crust by mixing flour, sugar, and butter, then press it into a baking pan. The rhubarb filling consists of chopped fresh rhubarb combined with sugar and sometimes a thickener like flour or cornstarch to balance the tartness. After spreading the filling over the crust, bake until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden. These bars are served cooled, making for a refreshing treat.

Can I use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh for rhubarb bars?

Yes, frozen rhubarb is a convenient substitute for fresh rhubarb in rhubarb bars. Thaw the rhubarb completely and drain any excess liquid to prevent the bars from becoming soggy. Using frozen rhubarb might require reducing additional liquids in the recipe to maintain the right consistency. Frozen rhubarb retains much of its tart flavor and texture, making it a great option when fresh rhubarb is out of season.

How do I prevent my rhubarb bars from becoming too soggy?

To keep rhubarb bars from getting soggy, it’s important to control moisture in the filling. Toss rhubarb with enough sugar and a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch to absorb excess liquid. Pre-baking the crust for a few minutes before adding the filling can also help create a barrier against sogginess. After baking, allow the bars to cool completely; this lets the filling set properly. Avoid overloading the filling with high-moisture ingredients to maintain a firm texture.

Can rhubarb bars be stored, and how long do they last?

Rhubarb bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to five days to maintain freshness. When refrigerated, allow bars to come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for the best texture. For even longer storage, rhubarb bars can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

What variations can I try to make rhubarb bars more flavorful?

There are several ways to add variety to rhubarb bars. Mixing in strawberries or raspberries with the rhubarb adds natural sweetness and color. Adding spices like cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg to the filling can enhance flavor complexity. Using a crumble topping made from oats, brown sugar, and butter provides a pleasant texture contrast. For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped almonds or walnuts on top before baking. These variations keep rhubarb bars interesting and customizable.

Rhubarb Bars Recipe With Tangy Filling And Buttery Crust

Name: Rhubarb Bars
Prep time: 2 h 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1½ cups all-purpose flour for the crust; – ¾ cup cold butter, cubed for the crust; – ¼ cup powdered sugar for the crust; – 3 large eggs, lightly beaten for the filling; – 2 cups white sugar for the filling; can be reduced to 1 cup for less sweetness; – ½ cup all-purpose flour for the filling; – ½ teaspoon salt for the filling; – 4 cups diced rhubarb for the filling

Description

🍰 Rhubarb Bars combine a tangy, vibrant filling with a rich and buttery crust for a perfect balance of flavors.
🌿 This dessert is both refreshing and comforting, ideal for spring and summer gatherings or anytime you crave a fruity treat.

Ingredients

– 1½ cups all-purpose flour for the crust

– ¾ cup cold butter, cubed for the crust

– ¼ cup powdered sugar for the crust

– 3 large eggs, lightly beaten for the filling

– 2 cups white sugar for the filling; can be reduced to 1 cup for less sweetness

– ½ cup all-purpose flour for the filling

– ½ teaspoon salt for the filling

– 4 cups diced rhubarb for the filling

Instructions

1-First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, combine 1½ cups all-purpose flour and ¼ cup powdered sugar, then cut in ¾ cup cold cubed butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Press this crumb mixture evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly browned.

2-While the crust bakes, prepare the filling by mixing 3 lightly beaten eggs, 2 cups white sugar, ½ cup all-purpose flour, and ½ teaspoon salt in another bowl. Gently stir in 4 cups diced rhubarb to combine everything well. Once the crust is ready, pour the filling over it, then reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes until the filling is set and no longer jiggly.

3-After baking, let the bars cool for 30 minutes at room temperature before refrigerating them until fully chilled. This step ensures clean slices and the best texture.

Notes

⏳ Avoid over-beating eggs to prevent a thick white crust on top.
🍬 Adjust sugar to preference; reduce for a more tart flavor.
❄️ Chill bars fully before slicing for clean and neat bars.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooling and chilling: 2 hours
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 179
Sugar: 20 g
Sodium: 113 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 27 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 41 mg

Keywords: rhubarb bars, tangy dessert, buttery crust bars, fruit dessert bars