Rhubarb Dream Bars are a sweet and tangy treat that pairs a crumbly crust with a creamy rhubarb filling. They’re perfect for any occasion, from picnics to potlucks!
You won’t believe how easy these are to make! I love cutting them into squares and sharing with friends—even if I sneak a few for myself first! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rhubarb: Fresh rhubarb gives a bright, tart flavor, but if it’s out of season, frozen works just as well. I enjoy using a mix of colors for a more vibrant look, so feel free to experiment.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best here for a controlled salt taste. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a plant-based butter can do the trick.
Sugar: The recipe calls for granulated sugar in the filling. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can swap it for coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, but keep in mind sweetness levels may vary.
Eggs: Try using flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water) if you’re vegan. Just let the mixture sit for a few minutes to thicken.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but if you’re gluten-free, a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend should work with similar results.
How Do You Properly Prepare Rhubarb?
Preparing rhubarb correctly is key to ensuring the best flavor and texture in your bars. Start by washing the stalks, then remove any leaves as they are toxic. Cut them into small, even pieces for even cooking.
- Coating the chopped rhubarb with flour (as in the recipe) helps it stay suspended in the filling, preventing sinking.
- For extra sweetness, you can sprinkle a bit of sugar on the chopped rhubarb before mixing, especially if it’s particularly tart.
How to Make Rhubarb Dream Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups rhubarb, chopped (fresh or frozen)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for mixing with rhubarb)
For Dusting:
- Additional powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 45-50 minutes of baking time. After baking, let the bars cool completely, which could take about an hour. So, overall, plan for about 2 hours from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While your oven is warming up, grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. If you like, you can also line it with parchment paper, making it super easy to lift the bars out later!
2. Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of flour and ½ cup of powdered sugar. Add in the softened butter and use a fork or your fingers to blend it all together until it looks like coarse crumbs. This mixture will be your crust, so press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Time to bake it! Put the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until it turns a light golden color.
3. Mix the Filling:
While the crust is baking, let’s whip up the filling! In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of granulated sugar, the 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt until everything is nicely combined.
4. Prepare the Rhubarb:
In a small bowl, toss the chopped rhubarb with ¼ cup of flour until it’s well coated. This little step will help keep your rhubarb from sinking to the bottom of your bars during baking!
5. Combine and Pour:
Now fold the coated rhubarb into your egg mixture gently until just combined. Pour this wonderful rhubarb filling over the crust you just baked, spreading it out evenly.
6. Bake and Cool:
Slide your dish back into the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set and slightly golden around the edges. Once it’s baked, take it out and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
7. Serve:
When the bars have cooled, you can dust them with a bit of powdered sugar if you like. Then, cut them into squares and enjoy every bite of your delicious Rhubarb Dream Bars!
Can I Substitute Fresh Rhubarb with Frozen Rhubarb?
Absolutely! If using frozen rhubarb, make sure to thaw it completely first and drain any excess liquid before mixing it with the flour. This will help keep your bars from becoming too watery.
What If I Don’t Have Powdered Sugar?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by blending granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until it’s fine and powdery, then use it in place of powdered sugar. It works perfectly in the crust and dusting!
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftover Rhubarb Dream Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture!
Can I Make These Bars Vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or unsweetened applesauce. For the butter, use a vegan butter alternative. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it may differ slightly.
