Rhubarb Dream Bars
Rhubarb has been used in cooking for centuries, originally cultivated in Asia for medicinal purposes before becoming a popular ingredient in European and American desserts. Rhubarb-based sweets gained popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially in countries like the United Kingdom and the United States. Rhubarb Dream Bars are a modern twist on traditional rhubarb pies and custards, offering a simpler, more convenient bar-style dessert.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh rhubarb (chopped)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease or line a baking pan.
- Mix flour, butter, and powdered sugar to form a crumbly dough.
- Press evenly into the pan to create the crust.
- Bake crust for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, flour, and vanilla.
- Fold in chopped rhubarb.
- Pour filling over the warm crust.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until set.
- Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Fresh rhubarb works best, but frozen can be used (thawed and drained).
- Adjust sugar based on rhubarb tartness.
- Do not overbake to keep the filling soft.
- Let bars cool fully for clean slicing.
- Store refrigerated for longer freshness