Nothing says spring quite like the vibrant and tangy flavors of fresh rhubarb. Rhubarb Dream Bars are the perfect treat to showcase this seasonal favorite, combining a buttery shortbread crust with a luscious rhubarb filling that will have you dreaming of sunny days. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, these bars are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring a taste of spring to your kitchen!
**Rhubarb Dream Bars**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. **Make the Crust:** In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Add the cold cubed butter and using a pastry cutter or your hands, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. **Bake the Crust:** Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
4. **Prepare the Rhubarb Filling:** In another bowl, mix together the chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, eggs, 1/4 cup of flour, and salt until well combined.
5. **Assemble and Bake:** Pour the rhubarb filling over the baked crust, spreading it out evenly. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden.
6. **Cool and Serve:** Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper overhang. Dust the top with powdered sugar and cut into squares.
7. **Enjoy the Rhubarb Dream Bars:** Serve these delightful Rhubarb Dream Bars as a sweet ending to any meal or as a special treat during a cozy afternoon tea. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Rhubarb Dream Bars are a wonderful way to celebrate the bright and refreshing flavors of the season. Whether you are hosting a gathering or simply craving a homemade sweet indulgence, these bars are sure to impress with their perfect balance of sweet and tart. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of freshly baked treats fill your kitchen as you whip up a batch of these delightful bars. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure and savor the magic of rhubarb in every bite.
