Irresistible Rhubarb Bars Recipe Perfect for Summer Gatherings

Rhubarb bars are the perfect summer treat that often gets overlooked. Their mix of tart and sweet makes them a hit at any gathering. If you’ve never made them before, you’re in for a delicious surprise. Let’s look at a simple recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

This site contains affiliate links; please view the disclosure for more information.

Choosing the Best Rhubarb

First, let’s talk about the star of the show: rhubarb. It’s important to pick stalks that are firm and brightly colored. They should snap when you bend them. Avoid any that are limp or have spots. Fresh rhubarb gives the best flavor, so if you can, get it from a local farmer’s market.

Preparing the Rhubarb

Once you’ve got your rhubarb, it’s time to prep it. Start by washing the stalks thoroughly. You don’t want any dirt in your bars. Then, cut off the leaves and the ends of the stalks. The leaves are toxic, so make sure they go straight into the compost or trash. Slice the rhubarb into small, even pieces. This helps them cook evenly and makes for a nicer texture in your bars.

Making the Crust

The crust is the foundation of your rhubarb bars. You’ll need flour, sugar, and butter. Combine these in a bowl until they form a crumbly mixture. Press this into the bottom of a baking pan. It’s like building a house; you need a strong base to support everything else. Bake this crust for about 15 minutes at 350°F until it’s just starting to turn golden.

The Rhubarb Filling

While your crust is baking, you can start on the filling. In a bowl, mix together sugar, flour, and eggs. This forms the creamy base that holds the rhubarb together. Add in your chopped rhubarb and stir until it’s well-coated. Pour this mixture over your pre-baked crust. Make sure it’s spread out evenly.

Baking the Rhubarb Bars

Pop the pan back in the oven for about 40 minutes. You’ll know the bars are done when the top is set and slightly golden. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Let the bars cool completely before cutting them. This part is crucial because it helps them firm up and makes cutting easier.

Serving Suggestions

Rhubarb bars are versatile. You can serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled with a dusting of powdered sugar. They’re also great on their own. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a sweet treat at home.

Rhubarb Bars Recipe

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups diced fresh rhubarb

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup granulated sugar for the crust.
3. Cut in 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press the crust mixture into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking pan.
5. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden.
6. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt for the filling.
7. Beat in 2 large eggs until the filling mixture is smooth and well combined.
8. Gently fold in 2 cups of diced fresh rhubarb until evenly distributed.
9. Pour the rhubarb filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly.
10. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 40–45 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden.
11. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
12. Once cooled, cut into squares.

Storing Leftovers

1. Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
2. For longer storage, wrap the bars in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze.

Storing Rhubarb Bars Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for about a week, but honestly, they never last that long. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil before popping them in the freezer.

Tips for Perfect Rhubarb Bars

1. Fresh Rhubarb: Always use fresh rhubarb for the best flavor and texture.
2. Pre-bake the Crust: This step ensures a firm base that won’t get soggy.
3. Even Slices: Cut your rhubarb evenly so it cooks at the same rate.
4. Cool Completely: Let the bars cool before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.

Why Rhubarb Bars?

Rhubarb bars are a nostalgic treat for many. They remind us of summer days and family gatherings. The tartness of the rhubarb pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the filling. Plus, they’re easy to make, and the ingredients are simple. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find items.

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic rhubarb bars, you can get creative. Add a bit of lemon zest to the filling for an extra zing. Mix in some strawberries for a classic combination. Or, sprinkle some oats on top for a crumbly finish. The possibilities are endless, and you can tweak the recipe to suit your taste.

Kid-Friendly Baking

Baking rhubarb bars is a great activity to do with kids. They can help with washing the rhubarb, mixing the filling, and pressing the crust. It’s a fun way to spend time together and teach them some basic cooking skills. Plus, they’ll love eating the results of their hard work.

Final Thoughts

Rhubarb bars are a delightful treat that brings a taste of summer to your kitchen. They’re easy to make, require simple ingredients, and are always a hit with family and friends. So next time you see rhubarb at the store, grab some and try making these bars. You won’t be disappointed. Rhubarb bars are a sweet way to enjoy this unique vegetable, whether it is for a holiday or just because.