Rhubarb Dream Bars: The Ultimate Dessert You Can’t Miss!

I’m sharing something truly special—my all-time favorite sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion: Rhubarb Dream Bars.

These bars have everything you want in a dessert—sweet, tangy, and with a melt-in-your-mouth buttery crust that just makes you go back for more.

I first tried this recipe at a local potluck, and it was love at first bite. The balance of tart rhubarb with the sweetness of the custard-like filling hooked me instantly.

Since then, I’ve been baking these bars every chance I get, and I can’t wait to share the recipe with you.

Trust me, whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who’s just starting out, this dessert is super easy to make and absolutely delicious.

How To Make Rhubarb Dream Bars?

Rhubarb Dream Bars
Rhubarb Dream Bars

Let’s get started! This easy, step-by-step recipe will have your kitchen smelling like a bakery in no time.

Recipe Overview

These Rhubarb Dream Bars are an irresistible combination of a buttery crust, a creamy, slightly tangy rhubarb custard filling, and a light, golden top.

Perfect for a picnic, a family gathering, or even just as a sweet treat for yourself.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

• Cuisine: American

• Course: Dessert

• Difficulty Level: Easy

• Yield: 16 bars

• Calories per serving: ~250 calories

Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13 inch baking dish

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Spoon or spatula for spreading

• Knife (for cutting rhubarb)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Rhubarb Dream Bars:

For the crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ⅔ cup confectioners’ sugar

• 1 cup butter, softened

For the filling:

• 3 cups white sugar

• 1 ½ teaspoons salt

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 4 large eggs, beaten

• 4 ½ cups chopped fresh rhubarb

Ingredient Notes:

1. Rhubarb: Fresh rhubarb works best in this recipe, but frozen rhubarb will also do the trick if you can’t find it. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess liquid.

2. Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for the crust to come together smoothly.

3. Confectioners’ Sugar: This gives the crust that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Don’t swap it out for granulated sugar.

Direction

Step 1: Prepare the crust

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and confectioners’ sugar.
  • Add the softened butter and mix until the dough forms a smooth, crumbly texture. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Use a spoon or your hands to make sure it’s even. Bake this crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until it’s lightly golden.

Step 2: Prepare the filling

  • While the crust is baking, let’s work on the filling. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, salt, and flour.
  • Once that’s well combined, add in the beaten eggs and whisk again until smooth. Stir in the chopped rhubarb.

Step 3: Assemble the bars

  • After the crust has baked and cooled slightly, pour the rhubarb mixture over the crust, spreading it out evenly.
  • Bake for another 35 to 40 minutes or until the filling has set and is slightly golden on top.

Step 4: Let it cool and cut

  • Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, dust with a light layer of powdered sugar for that perfect finishing touch.
  • Cut into squares, and enjoy!

Nutrition

These Rhubarb Dream Bars are sweet, tangy, and satisfying. Here’s a quick look at the nutrition facts per serving:

• Calories: ~250

• Fat: 12g

• Carbs: 35g

• Protein: 2g

• Sugar: 25g

• Fiber: 2g

Tips and Variations

1. Add Some Zing: If you like a little extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling. It really complements the rhubarb and adds a fresh, citrusy kick.

2. Make it Strawberry Rhubarb: You can swap out half of the rhubarb for fresh strawberries. This creates a sweet and tart combo that’s absolutely irresistible.

3. Make It Ahead: These bars store wonderfully in the fridge. You can make them a day or two in advance, and they’ll still be just as delicious.

4. Freeze for Later: If you want to keep a batch for later, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Just thaw and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These Rhubarb Dream Bars are great on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

You can even serve them with a hot cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.

FAQ

Can I Use Frozen Rhubarb?

Yes, absolutely! Just thaw and drain the rhubarb thoroughly to remove any excess moisture.

Can I Make These Bars Without The Powdered Sugar Crust?

While the powdered sugar crust is key to the texture, you can try a simple shortbread crust as an alternative.

How Long Can I Store These Bars?

You can store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

I hope you give these Rhubarb Dream Bars a try! They’re simple to make, yet so delicious that they’ll quickly become a favorite.

If you try them out, let me know how they turned out or if you made any fun variations.

Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family—they’ll thank you for it!

If you have any questions or need more tips, feel free to drop them in the comments below. Happy baking, everyone!

Rhubarb Dream Bars

Rhubarb Dream Bars

Rhubarb Dream Bars are a delicious dessert featuring a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a creamy, tangy rhubarb filling. These bars are sweet, tart, and oh-so-satisfying—perfect for any occasion. Simple to make and packed with flavor, they’re sure to become a new favorite!
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Rhubarb Dream Bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 16
Calories: 250kcal

Equipment

  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spoon or spatula for spreading
  • Knife (for cutting rhubarb)

Ingredients

  • Here’s what you’ll need to make these Rhubarb Dream Bars:

For the crust:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 cup butter softened

For the filling:

  • 3 cups white sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs beaten
  • 4 ½ cups chopped fresh rhubarb

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the crust

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and confectioners’ sugar.
  • Add the softened butter and mix until the dough forms a smooth, crumbly texture. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Use a spoon or your hands to make sure it’s even. Bake this crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until it’s lightly golden.

Step 2: Prepare the filling

  • While the crust is baking, let’s work on the filling. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, salt, and flour.
  • Once that’s well combined, add in the beaten eggs and whisk again until smooth. Stir in the chopped rhubarb.

Step 3: Assemble the bars

  • After the crust has baked and cooled slightly, pour the rhubarb mixture over the crust, spreading it out evenly.
  • Bake for another 25 to 30 minutes or until the filling has set and is slightly golden on top.

Step 4: Let it cool and cut

  • Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, dust with a light layer of powdered sugar for that perfect finishing touch.
  • Cut into squares, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 25g

Leave a comment

Recipe Rating




error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)

1 Shares
Tweet
Share
Pin1
Share