Rhubarb Dream Bars are sweet and tangy treats with a creamy layer and a simple crust. They combine tart rhubarb with a smooth filling, making each bite a delightful surprise!
These bars are perfect for summer picnics or a cozy dessert at home. I love serving them chilled; they always bring a smile and a little zing to the party! 🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rhubarb: Fresh rhubarb is key for that tart flavor. If fresh isn’t available, you can try frozen rhubarb; just thaw and drain the excess moisture first. Some people also like blending it with strawberries for a sweeter twist!
All-purpose flour: It gives the bars structure. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I find that almond flour adds a nice texture but might change how the bars hold together; so feel free to experiment!
Granulated sugar: This sweetens the bars and balances the tartness of rhubarb. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, you can substitute half with honey or maple syrup but adjust the wet ingredients slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred here so you can control the saltiness. For a dairy-free option, plant-based butter or coconut oil works well—just remember to melt coconut oil first!
How Do You Cream Butter and Sugar Properly?
Creaming butter and sugar together helps to incorporate air, making your bars light and fluffy. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use softened butter; it should be easy to press with your finger.
- Mix with a hand mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until it’s pale and fluffy.
- Scrape down the sides to ensure everything blends well. If you don’t have a mixer, a sturdy spatula works too—just use more muscle!
Getting this step right sets the foundation for your Rhubarb Dream Bars, so have fun with it! Enjoy the process and watch for that airy texture!
How to Make Rhubarb Dream Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bars:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup rhubarb, diced
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, allow some time for cooling before serving. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour to enjoy your Rhubarb Dream Bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, take a moment to grease your 8-inch square baking pan. This will help your bars come out easily once they’re baked.
2. Make the Batter:
In a medium bowl, combine your softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a mixer or a fork to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add in the large egg and mix well until it’s fully blended. Then, stir in the baking powder and salt—this will help your bars rise and taste great!
3. Add the Flour and Rhubarb:
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few small lumps! Now, gently fold in the diced rhubarb. Make sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter, as this is what gives your bars their delicious tart flavor.
4. Bake the Bars:
Pour the prepared batter into your greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it! The edges should turn golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. This is your sign that they’re ready.
5. Prepare the Glaze:
While the bars are baking, it’s time to whip up the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This sweet touch will elevate your bars to the next level!
6. Finish and Serve:
Once the bars are out of the oven, give them a few minutes to cool down. After that, drizzle the glaze over the top while it’s still warm. Allow everything to cool completely, then cut the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy your homemade Rhubarb Dream Bars!
Can I Substitute Fresh Rhubarb with Frozen Rhubarb?
Absolutely! If using frozen rhubarb, make sure to thaw it first, and then drain any excess moisture before folding it into the batter. This will help prevent your bars from becoming soggy!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Bars?
If you’d like to make your Rhubarb Dream Bars a bit sweeter, feel free to increase the granulated sugar by up to ¼ cup. Just keep in mind that rhubarb is tart, so you might want to taste the batter before adding more sugar.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Unsalted Butter?
You can use salted butter in this recipe; just reduce the added salt to ⅛ teaspoon. The flavor might be slightly different, but it will still turn out delicious!
How Should I Store Leftover Rhubarb Dream Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
