Rhubarb Dream Bars are tangy, sweet, and made with a yummy buttery crust. Topped with creamy filling, they are perfect for a light dessert or snack!
Baking these bars is a fun way to use rhubarb. Every bite has a burst of flavor that makes you want to go back for more. Trust me, they won’t last long on the plate! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rhubarb: Fresh rhubarb adds a tart flavor, but if it’s out of season, you can use frozen. Just thaw it and drain any excess water before adding. If you’re looking for a sweeter option, you can replace rhubarb with strawberries or mixed berries.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling salt levels. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can use salted butter. Just omit the additional salt in the recipe.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great here, but if you’re gluten-free, you can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Your bars will still be tasty!
Granulated Sugar: White sugar is the traditional choice, but brown sugar adds a bit of depth and moisture. Feel free to experiment with a mix of both for a unique twist.
How Do I Get the Best Texture in My Dream Bars?
The dough forms the base and needs to have the right texture. Follow these tips for a great result:
- Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, to create a nice crumb in the bars.
- Don’t overmix the dough; mix until just combined to keep the bars from becoming tough.
- When pressing the dough into the pan, do it gently to avoid dense bars.
Keeping these steps in mind will help you achieve that soft and chewy texture you want in your Rhubarb Dream Bars!
Delicious Rhubarb Dream Bars Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups rhubarb, diced (fresh or frozen)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation, and then you’ll need to bake it for around 30-35 minutes. After that, allow the bars to cool for about 15 minutes before adding the glaze. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour to make these delicious Rhubarb Dream Bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This makes sure it’s nice and warm for baking your bars. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This way, your bars will come out easily once they’re done!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir these ingredients together until they’re well mixed. This will be the base of your bars!
3. Add Wet Ingredients:
Add the softened butter, the large egg, and the teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix until everything is just combined. You should have a soft dough that’s a little sticky.
4. Prepare the Base Layer:
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s spread out nicely to create an even base layer for the rhubarb.
5. Add the Rhubarb:
Evenly sprinkle the diced rhubarb over the top of the dough. Make sure to spread it out so every bite has that lovely tartness!
6. Optional Topping:
If you like, you can mix about ¼ cup of flour, extra sugar (if you want a sweeter topping), and any spices like cinnamon or nutmeg in a separate bowl. Sprinkle this mixture over the rhubarb for added flavor. If you prefer not to, it will still taste amazing!
7. Bake:
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it! The top should be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when they are done.
8. Cool the Bars:
Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This will help them set nicely!
9. Prepare the Glaze:
While the bars are cooling, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl. Stir until you have a smooth glaze.
10. Glaze and Serve:
Once the bars have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious Rhubarb Dream Bars!
Can I Use Frozen Rhubarb in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen rhubarb, there’s no need to thaw it first; just add it directly to the batter. It’s a great time saver! However, be mindful that it may release extra moisture, so consider cooking the bars a few minutes longer to ensure they set properly.
Can I Substitute the All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free! Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture. Alternatively, you could use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, though the bars may be a bit denser.
How to Store Leftover Rhubarb Dream Bars
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, transfer them to the fridge where they can last up to a week. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make these bars a day in advance. Allow them to cool completely, then cover tightly and store at room temperature. The glaze can also be prepared ahead of time but store it separately until you’re ready to serve, to keep it fresh.
