Introduction
Rhubarb Dream Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of rhubarb with a creamy filling, all nestled in a buttery crust. These bars are perfect for spring gatherings or as a sweet treat to enjoy any time of the year. The contrast between the tangy rhubarb and the sweet, smooth filling makes each bite a dream come true. Follow this simple recipe to create these delicious bars that will impress your family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– Rhubarb: 2 cups, chopped
– Granulated sugar: 1 cup
– All-purpose flour: 1 cup
– Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, softened
– Eggs: 2 large
– Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
– Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
– Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
– Powdered sugar: for dusting
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 bars
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring all corners are well-coated to prevent sticking.
Make the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Gradually add the melted butter and mix until the mixture is crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
Bake the Crust
Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Rhubarb Filling
In a separate bowl, mix sliced rhubarb with sugar and cornstarch. Stir until the rhubarb is completely coated.
Make the Custard Topping
In another bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Once well combined, fold in the rhubarb mixture gently.
Combine Layers
Pour the rhubarb mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
Bake the Bars
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, until the topping is set and slightly golden.
Cool and Cut
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the dish on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares or bars.
Notes
Rhubarb Preparation
Ensure to wash and trim the ends of the rhubarb stalks before slicing.
Storage Tips
Store the rhubarb dream bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
These bars can be served plain or topped with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for added presentation.
Cook techniques
Preparing Rhubarb
To effectively prepare rhubarb for cooking, wash the stalks thoroughly to remove any dirt. Trim the ends and cut them into 1-inch pieces. This helps in even cooking and better incorporation into recipes.
Making the Crust
For a buttery, crumbly crust, combine flour, sugar, and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture into a pan evenly to create a sturdy base for the bars.
Simmering the Rhubarb Filling
Simmer the chopped rhubarb with sugar and cornstarch until it breaks down and thickens. This process enhances the flavors while achieving the desired jam-like consistency for the filling.
Baking the Bars
Bake the assembled rhubarb dream bars in a preheated oven until they are set and golden on top. This ensures that both the crust and filling are properly cooked and melded together.
Cooling and Serving
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This step is crucial for achieving clean cuts and ensuring the filling holds together.
FAQ
Can I use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen rhubarb for fresh, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before using it in the recipe.
What can I substitute for granulated sugar?
For a healthier alternative, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute suitable for baking.
How should I store leftover rhubarb dream bars?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I add other fruits to the filling?
Yes, other fruits like strawberries or apples can be combined with rhubarb to add different flavors and sweetness to the filling.
What should I serve with rhubarb dream bars?
These bars pair well with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness.
Conclusion
Rhubarb Dream Bars are a delightful treat that beautifully combine the tartness of rhubarb with a creamy filling and a buttery crust. These bars are perfect for any dessert occasion and are sure to impress family and friends. Their unique flavor and texture profile make them a must-try for those looking to enjoy the fresh taste of rhubarb.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
A classic pairing, strawberry rhubarb crisp combines the sweet and tart flavors of both fruits topped with a crunchy oat topping. It’s perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Rhubarb Pie
A timeless dessert, rhubarb pie features a flaky crust filled with spiced rhubarb. Serve it with whipped cream or ice cream for an irresistible finish.
Rhubarb Muffins
These light and fluffy muffins are bursting with the tangy goodness of rhubarb, making them an excellent choice for breakfast or a snack.
Rhubarb and Ginger Jam
This jam offers a wonderful combination of flavors, with the spiciness of ginger complementing the tartness of rhubarb, perfect for spreading on toast or pastries.
Rhubarb Crumble Bars
Similar to the dream bars, these crumble bars feature a generous layer of rhubarb filling topped with a crumbly mixture that adds a delightful crunch, making for a fantastic dessert option.
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