As the first rays of spring sunlight peek through my kitchen window, I can’t help but feel the excitement that fresh rhubarb brings to the table. With its vibrant pink hue and tart flavor, it’s the perfect ingredient for a satisfying and delectable treat. That’s where my Rhubarb Dream Bars come into play—a delightful dessert that marries a buttery crust with a tangy, custard-like filling. Not only do these bars offer a quick prep time, making them a breeze for any home chef, but they also serve as a stunning centerpiece for spring gatherings. Whether you’re sharing them with friends at a picnic or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Curious about how to create this refreshing dessert? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why are Rhubarb Dream Bars a must-try? Irresistible Flavor: The unique balance of tangy rhubarb and sweet custard creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist. Easy Preparation: With minimal steps and common ingredients, even novice bakers can excel at making these scrumptious bars. Versatile Variations: Feeling adventurous? Mix things up with nuts, vanilla, or even a berry medley for a delightful twist. Perfect for Gatherings: These bars make a stunning addition to picnics and potlucks, impressing guests with their vibrant color and flavor while being easy to transport. Quick to Bake: Ready in just over an hour, you can whip up a batch and have them cooling while you prepare your favorite meal. Once you try these Rhubarb Dream Bars, you won’t want to go back to fast food desserts! Enjoy them chilled or warm, possibly with a scoop of ice cream for that extra indulgence. Rhubarb Dream Bars Ingredients • Let’s gather the essentials for making these delightful bars! For the Crust All-purpose flour – Provides structure for the crust; swap with a gluten-free blend if needed. Sugar – Adds sweetness to balance the rhubarb’s tartness; adjust to suit your taste. Butter (room temperature) – Infuses richness and moisture into the crust; best without substitutions. Salt – Enhances flavors in both the crust and filling. For the Filling Large eggs – Binds the filling together, contributing to that luscious, custard-like texture; can be replaced with flax eggs for a vegan option. Diced rhubarb – Delivers the signature tangy flavor; fresh is ideal, but thawed and drained frozen rhubarb works too. With these ingredients in hand, you’re just a few steps away from creating your own Rhubarb Dream Bars that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Rhubarb Dream Bars Step 1: Prepare the Crust Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and gather an 8×8-inch baking pan. In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and sugar, then cut in the room temperature butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the greased baking pan and bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Step 2: Prepare the Filling While the crust is baking, whisk together the large eggs, sugar, flour, and salt in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy. Once combined, gently fold in the diced rhubarb to incorporate it evenly into the mixture. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep that lovely fruit intact for your Rhubarb Dream Bars. Step 3: Combine and Bake When the crust is finished baking, remove it from the oven and pour the prepared filling evenly over the warm crust. Spread it gently to ensure an even layer, then return the pan to the oven. Bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes, or until the filling has set and is lightly golden along the edges. Step 4: Cool and Serve Once baked, allow your Rhubarb Dream Bars to cool completely in the pan. This will help the filling firm up even more. Once cooled, slice the bars into squares and serve them chilled or warmed, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for that extra indulgence. Storage Tips for Rhubarb Dream Bars Fridge: Store your Rhubarb Dream Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw the bars overnight in the refrigerator for best results, bringing back that delightful taste of spring. Reheating: If you prefer them warm, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes; they’ll taste just as good as when you first made your Rhubarb Dream Bars! What to Serve with Rhubarb Dream Bars As you delight in the tangy allure of these dream bars, consider complementing them with side dishes that round out your meal beautifully. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream perfectly offsets the tanginess of the rhubarb, creating a harmonious dessert experience. A scoop of this delightful pairing elevates your bars into a nostalgic treat reminiscent of childhood summers. Fresh Berries: Serve a side of fresh strawberries or blueberries to enhance the fruitiness of the rhubarb. Their natural sweetness and vibrant colors provide a refreshing contrast that invigorates your palate. Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a luscious finish, bringing a soft texture that enhances the buttery crust. Its silky richness complements your bars and makes every bite more indulgent. Minted Fruit Salad: A light salad made with diced melon, kiwi, and strawberries, tossed with fresh mint can refresh your taste buds while adding a spring flair to your table. The mint invigorates the flavors and offers a playful twist to your dessert course. Lemonade or Iced Tea: A glass of homemade lemonade or iced tea can elevate the overall experience, counterbalancing the sweetness of the bars with a zesty or refreshing twist. Their bright notes and chill are perfect companions for sunny gatherings. Coffee or Herbal Tea: A warm cup of coffee or a soothing herbal tea rounds off your Rhubarb Dream Bars beautifully. The aromatic notes of coffee can balance the sweetness, while herbal teas offer a gentle finish that soothes the soul. Make Ahead Options These Rhubarb Dream Bars are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time in the kitchen! You can prepare the crust up to 24 hours in advance; simply press it into the baking pan, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Additionally, the filling can be mixed up and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, just be sure to cover it well to prevent any browning of the rhubarb. When you’re ready to enjoy your bars, pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and bake as usual. This way, you can have a delightful dessert ready with minimal effort, keeping the flavors just as delicious and fresh as ever! Expert Tips for Rhubarb Dream Bars Perfect Crust: Pre-bake the crust thoroughly to avoid sogginess; it’s key for the perfect foundation of your Rhubarb Dream Bars. Gentle Mixing: When adding rhubarb, fold it in gently to maintain its shape and integrity. Overmixing can lead to a mushy filling. Fresh vs. Frozen: Use fresh rhubarb for the best flavor, but if you opt for frozen, ensure it’s fully thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture. Add Depth: Enhance flavor by mixing in a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the filling—it makes these bars even more delightful! Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This helps them set well and makes cutting cleaner and easier. Fun Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment! Try adding nuts or a berry medley for a twist that personalizes your Rhubarb Dream Bars delightful treat. Rhubarb Dream Bars Variations Get ready to customize your Rhubarb Dream Bars and make them your own with these delightful twists that will elevate your dessert experience! Add Vanilla: Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the filling for a warm, aromatic depth that perfectly complements the rhubarb. Nuts Galore: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. The added texture will enhance each bite and bring a lovely nuttiness to balance the tangy fruit. Sweet Crumble Topping: Create a streusel topping by blending flour, sugar, and butter; sprinkle this crumbly mix over the filling before baking for added sweetness and crunch. Berry Bliss: Combine diced rhubarb with strawberries or raspberries for a sensational berry medley. This twist brings a delightful burst of sweet and tart flavors that will brighten up your bars. Coconut Flake Surprise: Add shredded coconut to the filling for a chewy texture and tropical flair that pairs surprisingly well with the tart rhubarb. It’s an unexpected yet delightful enhancement! Chocolate Drizzle: If you’re a chocolate lover, consider drizzling melted dark chocolate on top of the cooled bars for an indulgent touch that adds rich flavor. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the tartness beautifully. It’s perfect for those cozy evenings. Lemon Zest Lift: Brighten up the filling by incorporating lemon zest, which adds a refreshing citrus note, enhancing the overall flavor profile intriguingly. With these enchanting variations, your Rhubarb Dream Bars will never be boring! Each twist invites creativity and personal expression in the kitchen, making your dessert a true reflection of your tastes. And why not pair them with a spoonful of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complete the experience? Happy baking! Rhubarb Dream Bars Recipe FAQs What type of rhubarb should I use? I recommend using fresh rhubarb for the best flavor. Look for firm stalks with a vibrant pink hue—avoid any with dark spots or wilting. If using frozen rhubarb, ensure it’s fully thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture in your bars. How should I store Rhubarb Dream Bars? Store your Rhubarb Dream Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and again in aluminum foil, and freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to indulge. Can I make Rhubarb Dream Bars in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the bars a day ahead of time. Just ensure they are completely cooled before covering and refrigerating. A day in the fridge helps the flavors meld together even more deliciously! What should I do if my bars turn out too soggy? If your Rhubarb Dream Bars are soggy, it could be due to two reasons: undercooked crust or excess moisture from the rhubarb. To prevent this, make sure you pre-bake the crust well and drain any thawed frozen rhubarb thoroughly before mixing it into the filling. If the filling seems overly moist after baking, a light sprinkle of cornstarch can help absorb some moisture next time. Is there a vegan option for Rhubarb Dream Bars? Yes! You can create a vegan version by substituting the large eggs with flax eggs. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water; let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. This egg substitute will help bind the filling and keep it delicious! Can dogs eat rhubarb? No, rhubarb is toxic to dogs due to the presence of oxalic acid, which can cause serious health issues. Always keep rhubarb desserts out of reach of your furry friends to ensure their safety. Indulge in Rhubarb Dream Bars for a Sweet Spring Treat Rhubarb Dream Bars offer a delightful mix of buttery crust and tangy custard, perfect for spring gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 50 minutes minsCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins Servings: 16 barsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 180 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust1 cup all-purpose flour Swap with gluten-free blend if needed1/4 cup sugar Adjust to taste1/2 cup butter Room temperature1/4 teaspoon saltFor the Filling2 large eggs Flax eggs can be used for vegan option2 cups diced rhubarb Fresh is ideal; thawed and drained frozen rhubarb works too Equipment 8x8-inch baking panMixing BowlWhisk Method Prepare the CrustPreheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and gather an 8x8-inch baking pan. Combine flour and sugar, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into greased pan and bake for 15 minutes until edges are light golden brown.Prepare the FillingWhile crust is baking, whisk eggs, sugar, flour, and salt until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in diced rhubarb.Combine and BakePour filling evenly over warm crust. Bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes until filling is set and lightly golden along edges.Cool and ServeAllow to cool completely in the pan. Slice into squares and serve warm or chilled, optionally with ice cream. Nutrition Serving: 1barCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 95mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg NotesStore in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat if desired. 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