Introduction
Rhubarb Dream Bars are a delightful dessert that perfectly balances tart and sweet flavors. These bars combine a buttery crust with a luscious rhubarb filling, making them a fantastic choice for gatherings or a sweet treat at home. Ideal for spring and summer, when rhubarb is in season, these bars are both refreshing and satisfying.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the crust:
– All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups
– Granulated sugar: ½ cup
– Unsalted butter: ½ cup, softened
– Salt: ¼ teaspoon
For the filling:
– Fresh rhubarb: 2 cups, chopped
– Granulated sugar: 1 cup
– Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons
– Eggs: 2
– Almond extract: ½ teaspoon
For the topping:
– Granulated sugar: ¼ cup
– All-purpose flour: ¼ cup
– Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons, melted
– Oats: ½ cup
Prep Time
The prep time for Rhubarb Dream Bars is approximately 20 minutes. This includes gathering ingredients, preparing the crust, and chopping the rhubarb.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time for these bars is about 30 minutes. The total time from preparation to finish is around 50 minutes. This recipe yields about 12 to 16 servings, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy your delicious and tangy Rhubarb Dream Bars!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Add in flour and salt, mixing until the dough is crumbly but holds together. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until it is just lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Prepare the Rhubarb Filling
In a separate bowl, combine chopped rhubarb, sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt. Toss the mixture until the rhubarb is evenly coated.
Step 5: Make the Custard Topping
In another bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth and combined.
Step 6: Assemble the Bars
Spread the rhubarb filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Pour the custard topping over the rhubarb, ensuring it is covered.
Step 7: Bake the Dream Bars
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes or until the custard is set and the edges are starting to turn golden.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the bars out of the dish. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
These rhubarb dream bars are delicious on their own but can also be served with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They can also be frozen for up to a month; just ensure they are well wrapped.
Rhubarb Substitutes
If you don’t have rhubarb, you can substitute it with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a different but equally delightful flavor.
Tips for Perfect Bars
Ensure the rhubarb is chopped into small, uniform pieces for even cooking. Don’t skip the cooling process, as this will help the bars firm up before cutting.
Cook techniques
Making the Crust
To create the crust for the rhubarb dream bars, combine flour, sugar, and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press it into the bottom of a baking dish to form a solid base.
Working with Rhubarb
Prepare the rhubarb by washing and chopping it into small pieces. This allows it to cook evenly and integrate well with the other ingredients in the filling.
Preparing the Filling
For the filling, mix together the chopped rhubarb, sugar, and cornstarch. This mixture should be well-coated to ensure the rhubarb releases its juices without making the bars too runny.
Baking the Bars
Carefully layer the rhubarb filling over the baked crust and return the dish to the oven. Bake until the filling is bubbly and set, ensuring the base retains its structure.
Cooling and Cutting
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This helps them firm up and makes for cleaner, neater cuts.
FAQ
Can I substitute other fruits for rhubarb?
Yes, you can use fruits like strawberries or blueberries, but be sure to adjust sugar levels based on their sweetness.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the filling is bubbling and has set, usually around the same time as the suggested baking duration.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, rhubarb dream bars can be made a day in advance. Just store them covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Conclusion
Rhubarb Dream Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of rhubarb with a sweet, creamy layer, all nestled in a buttery crust. This treat not only highlights the unique flavor of rhubarb but also offers a perfect balance of textures. Whether served at a family gathering or enjoyed with a cup of tea, these bars are sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Combine fresh strawberries with rhubarb for a classic tart dessert topped with a crunchy oat topping.
Rhubarb Muffins
Incorporate rhubarb into moist muffins for a delightful breakfast treat that’s both sweet and tangy.
Rhubarb Pie
Bake a traditional rhubarb pie with a flaky crust and a sweet filling to savor the full flavor of rhubarb.
Rhubarb Lemonade
Create a refreshing drink by mixing rhubarb syrup with lemonade for a sweet and tart summer beverage.
Rhubarb Chutney
Prepare a tangy chutney using rhubarb as a base to serve alongside meats or as a unique condiment.
Rhubarb Smoothie
Blend rhubarb with yogurt and fruits for a nutritious smoothie that’s refreshing and full of flavor.
Rhubarb Jam
Make a homemade jam using rhubarb, perfect for spreading on toast or using in desserts.
Rhubarb Dream Bars
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 ½ cups All-purpose flour
- ½ cup Granulated sugar
- ½ cup Unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
For the filling
- 2 cups Fresh rhubarb, chopped
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
- 2 pieces Eggs
- ½ teaspoon Almond extract
For the topping
- ¼ cup Granulated sugar
- ¼ cup All-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup Oats
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Add in flour and salt, mixing until the dough is crumbly but holds together.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly.
- Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until it is just lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, combine chopped rhubarb, sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt. Toss until the rhubarb is evenly coated.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth.
- Spread the rhubarb filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Pour the custard topping over the rhubarb.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the custard is set and the edges are starting to turn golden.
- Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely. Use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the bars out of the dish and cut into squares.
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