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Rhubarb Dream Bars

Rhubarb Dream Bars
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Rhubarb Dream Bars are a delightful dessert that perfectly balances the tartness of fresh rhubarb with a sweet, creamy custard topping and a buttery, crumbly crust. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, these bars offer a tender, multi-textured treat ideal for springtime and beyond. Whether served as a cozy snack or elegant dessert, they bring a fresh, seasonal flavor with a beautiful pink hue that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Rhubarb Filling

  • 3 cups fresh rhubarb, trimmed and chopped into small pieces
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Crust and Crumb Topping

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Custard Topping

  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rhubarb Filling: Trim and chop fresh rhubarb into small pieces. Toss the rhubarb with brown sugar and cornstarch in a bowl and let macerate for about 10 minutes to release juices and thicken during baking.
  2. Make the Crust and Crumb: In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Reserve about one-third of this mixture for the crumb topping and firmly press the rest into a greased baking pan to form an even crust layer.
  3. Mix the Custard Topping: Whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and light. This custard will bake creamy and perfectly complement the tart rhubarb filling.
  4. Assemble the Bars: Evenly spread the rhubarb filling over the prepared crust. Pour the egg custard on top, allowing it to seep through the fruit layer. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over everything to create the signature crumbly topping.
  5. Bake and Cool: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the custard is set but slightly wobbly. Let the bars cool completely in the pan to allow the filling to settle before slicing.

Notes

  • Use fresh, firm rhubarb stalks for the best flavor and texture.
  • Keep butter cold to achieve a perfectly crumbly crust and topping.
  • Monitor baking time closely to prevent the custard from becoming rubbery.
  • Ensure even layers of crust, filling, and topping for the best balance in each bite.
  • Allow bars to cool fully for the filling to set.

Nutrition

Keywords: rhubarb bars, rhubarb dessert, crumb bars, spring dessert, custard bars, easy baking, gluten-free dessert

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/rhubarb-dream-bars/