Easy Rhubarb Dream Bars

These easy rhubarb dream bars combine a delicious buttery shortbread crust with a luscious rhubarb topping that will have you dreaming about it all day long. With just few a ingredients this recipe achieves the perfect balance of sweet and tangy that makes it so crave-worthy. A yummy way to use up all that spring rhubarb! Perfect to serve at picnics, potlucks, holidays, or any other occasion!

Rhubarb, with its vibrant red stalks and tart flavor, is a delightful ingredient that shines in many desserts. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy the unique taste of rhubarb, look no further than these Easy Rhubarb Dream Bars.

With its irresistible combination of buttery crust, and sweet-tangy rhubarb topping these Easy Rhubarb Dream Bars are a true delight for the taste buds. Whether you’re a fan of rhubarb or just looking for a new dessert to try, this recipe is a perfect choice. Whip up a batch of these bars, and enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors that will transport you to dessert heaven!

Let’s dive into the recipe and indulge in these sweet and tangy bars!

FOR FULL RECIPE & INSTRUCTIONS and to PRINT, SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW.

WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS FOR EASY RHUBARB DREAM BARS?

For the Crust

  • 1 c. butter, (use salted, if possible)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cups powdered sugar

For the Filling

  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups granulated (white) sugar
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 4 cups rhubarb, diced

HOW DO YOU MAKE THESE EASY RHUBARB DREAM BARS?

Preheat the oven to  350° F.

Melt the butter and mix with the flour and powdered sugar.

Press into a 9 x 13 pan. 

Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Take it out of the oven.

In a large bowl, beat the eggs and slowly add the sugar, flour, and salt.

Fold in the diced rhubarb. 

Pour on top of the crust and bake for another 45 minutes or until set and nicely browned on top.

Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars for easier slicing. Easy and good and tastes similar to scrumptious lemon bars!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE EASY RHUBARB DREAM BARS RECIPE


Can I use frozen rhubarb for this Easy Rhubarb Dream Bars?

Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb for Easy Rhubarb Dream Bars. When using frozen rhubarb, it’s important to thaw and drain it before incorporating it into the recipe. Here’s how you can modify the recipe to accommodate frozen rhubarb:

  1. Thaw the frozen rhubarb: Place the frozen rhubarb in a colander or strainer and let it thaw completely. Once thawed, gently press down on the rhubarb to remove any excess liquid.
  2. Adjust the measurements: Frozen rhubarb tends to release more moisture than fresh rhubarb, so you may need to adjust the measurements slightly to maintain the right consistency. You can increase the amount of flour in the filling by an additional tablespoon or two to help absorb the extra moisture.
  3. Proceed with the recipe: Follow the recipe instructions as usual, using the thawed and drained rhubarb in the filling. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
  4. Baking time: Since frozen rhubarb tends to have more moisture, it may require a slightly longer baking time. Keep an eye on the bars and bake them until the crust is golden brown, and the topping is bubbly and set.

By making these adjustments, you can successfully use frozen rhubarb to create the Easy Rhubarb Dream Bars. Enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors of rhubarb in this delightful dessert!


How long do these rhubarb dream bars keep?

When stored properly, rhubarb dream bars can be kept for a certain period of time. Here are some guidelines for storing and preserving the bars:

  1. Room Temperature: Rhubarb dream bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap for up to 2 to 3 days. However, keep in mind that the bars contain a moist rhubarb filling, so they may become softer over time.
  2. Refrigeration: For longer freshness, it’s recommended to store rhubarb dream bars in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. Stored this way, the bars can last for 4 to 5 days.
  3. Freezing: Rhubarb dream bars can also be frozen for longer-term storage. Ensure they are properly wrapped or sealed to prevent freezer burn. Place the bars in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. They can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight and bring them to room temperature before serving.

It’s important to note that the texture of the bars may soften slightly when stored, especially when refrigerated or frozen. However, the flavors will remain delicious. For the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to consume the bars within the recommended storage times.

Remember to always check the bars for any signs of spoilage before consuming, such as off odors or mold growth.

Can I add other berries in place of some of the rhubarb in this recipe? Which berries can I use, if ever?

Yes, you can certainly add other berries in place of some of the rhubarb in the Easy Rhubarb Dream Bars recipe. Adding berries can add a delightful sweetness and complement the tartness of the rhubarb. Here are some berries that work well in combination with rhubarb:

  1. Strawberries: Strawberries are a classic pairing with rhubarb. They bring a natural sweetness and a beautiful red color to the bars. You can substitute some of the diced rhubarb with an equal amount of fresh or frozen strawberries, diced into small pieces.
  2. Blueberries: Blueberries offer a slightly sweet and tangy flavor that complements rhubarb nicely. Substitute a portion of the rhubarb with fresh or frozen blueberries. Use them as-is or gently crush some of the blueberries to release their juices.
  3. Raspberries: Raspberries bring a bright, tart, and slightly floral flavor to the bars. Mix in fresh or frozen raspberries along with the rhubarb for a burst of sweetness.
  4. Blackberries: Blackberries have a rich and sweet-tart taste that pairs well with rhubarb. Use fresh or frozen blackberries in combination with the rhubarb for a delicious twist.

When incorporating additional berries, keep in mind that their moisture content may differ from rhubarb. Adjust the flour in the recipe accordingly to maintain the desired consistency. You can increase the thickening agent slightly to account for the extra juice released by the berries.

Experiment with different combinations and quantities of rhubarb and berries to find the balance that suits your taste preferences. Enjoy the burst of flavors that the combination of rhubarb and berries brings to these dream bars!

In conclusion, these easy and classic rhubarb dream bars are a beloved dessert that never goes out of style. With their buttery crust and sweet and tangy rhubarb filling these bars are a true delight for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a homemade treat, this recipe is sure to impress. Take a trip down memory lane and savor the timeless deliciousness of classic rhubarb dream bars.

Easy Rhubarb Dream Bars

Manila Spoon
These easy rhubarb dream bars combine a delicious buttery shortbread crust with a luscious rhubarb topping that will have you dreaming about it all day long. With just few a ingredients this recipe achieves the perfect balance of sweet and tangy that makes it so crave-worthy. A yummy way to use up all that spring rhubarb! Perfect to serve at picnics, potlucks, holidays, or any other occasion!
4.30 from 41 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 208 kcal

Ingredients
 

For the Crust

  • 1 cup butter, salted
  • 2 cup all purpose flour
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar

For the Filling

  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups granulated white sugar
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 4 cups rhubarb, diced

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to  350° F.
  • Melt the butter and mix with the flour and powdered sugar.
  • Press into a 9 x 13 pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Take it out of the oven.
  • In a large bowl, beat the eggs and slowly add the sugar, flour, and salt.
  • Fold in the diced rhubarb.
  • Pour on top of the crust and bake for another 45 minutes or until set and nicely browned on top. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars for easier slicing.

Nutrition

Calories: 208kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 53mgSodium: 103mgPotassium: 78mgFiber: 1gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 1mg
Keyword classic rhubarb dream bars, easy recipe rhubarb dream bars, how to make rhubarb dreams bars, rhubarb dream bars with frozen rhubarb
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Last updated on June 10th, 2024 at 08:42 pm

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24 Comments

  1. Eve
    May 24, 2023 / 11:13 pm

    5 stars
    It’s amazing!! Abby made it for us last weekend!! Absolutely delicious!!

    • abigail
      Author
      May 25, 2023 / 9:24 pm

      Yay! Thank you for the great feedback and for letting me know. So glad you enjoyed this!

  2. Gary Hines
    May 27, 2023 / 8:18 pm

    Delicious …I made this today!

    • abigail
      Author
      May 27, 2023 / 8:50 pm

      So glad you enjoyed this! Thanks for letting us know.

  3. Jerry
    May 28, 2023 / 3:07 pm

    5 stars
    Going to make it this afternoon. Looks delicious!!!

    Can’t subscribe to your website, Google keeps blocking it and I don’t even use Google. Would you subscribe for me manually.
    Thank You.

    • abigail
      Author
      May 30, 2023 / 9:52 pm

      Hi Jerry! I’m in the process of doing a new email/newsletter and will let you know. Thank you!

  4. Alisa Ricketts
    May 28, 2023 / 8:17 pm

    I’m making these tomorrow for Memorial Day using my garden rhubarb. I can’t wait! And where did you get your 9×13 pan? I’m in the market for a new one. After 30 years of marriage, my pans are looking their age. Haha.

    • abigail
      Author
      May 30, 2023 / 9:50 pm

      Found the pan in TJ Max. Hope you enjoyed the recipe!

  5. Kim
    July 28, 2023 / 12:27 pm

    Are these squares suitable for freezing?

    • abigail
      Author
      July 28, 2023 / 8:13 pm

      Yes. Please refer to the article/write-up above and look for the question and answer portion about how to freeze these rhubarb dream bars. Thank you!

  6. Billie
    May 1, 2024 / 4:34 pm

    5 stars
    this is the absolute best rhubarb recipe I have ever made. I’m having a hard time not eating the whole thing. thank you!

    • abigail
      Author
      May 2, 2024 / 7:51 pm

      I am so happy to know this! This is my favorite too and so glad you enjoyed this!

  7. Mel
    May 13, 2024 / 10:12 am

    I made a mess of this. i substituted 1 cup of strawberries but did not read tips to adjust flour. Could not get it cooked enough and finally burned crust on bottom. I wasted fresh rhubarb! My fault for not reading all details.

    • abigail
      Author
      May 13, 2024 / 3:19 pm

      Oh no. So sorry to hear that. Adding strawberries would have added extra liquid that’s why it didn’t set. Hopefully next time you try it – it would set better. If you try this as is with just rhubarb, I promise it’s already insanely good. Everyone loves this as written but should you wish to tweak then just don’t forget to adjust the other ingredients. Thank you for pointing it out – would be helpful for others who may wish to try this with strawberries.

  8. Aspen
    May 16, 2024 / 3:50 pm

    Would I be able to use swerve instead of the sugar that is listed?

    • abigail
      Author
      May 17, 2024 / 11:20 am

      I haven’t used swerve in baking so I don’t know but if you’ve used it before and are familiar with it then I can’t see why not. Do let us know if you try it because I’d love to try it myself. Thank you!!!

  9. Marg
    June 4, 2024 / 7:56 am

    I am making this again today at the request of my family including grandchildren. Everyone just love it.

    • abigail
      Author
      June 4, 2024 / 8:11 am

      Yay! So glad to know this! Thank you for letting us know.

  10. Jean
    June 24, 2024 / 11:21 am

    My grandma called this Kuchen.

    • abigail
      Author
      June 24, 2024 / 6:49 pm

      I didn’t know that. It’s delicious however it’s called. Enjoy!

  11. Mikki Krupowski
    July 3, 2024 / 8:43 am

    I’m about to try this. I’m mixing half strawberries and half. rhubarb. I’m starting with frozen fruit. Do I need to thaw the fruit first??

    • abigail
      Author
      July 3, 2024 / 9:04 am

      Fresh is best for this recipe so it sets properly. If you don’t have that make sure to drain it really well especially if you want to add strawberries which add even more liquid to the mix. Please read the FAQs on using frozen rhubarb in the post for guidance. It gives tips to ensure you don’t end up with a runny finish.

  12. Rita Kavan
    July 12, 2024 / 3:53 pm

    I’ve made these bars three times already . Everyone loves them and wants the recipe. Thank you for sharing

    • abigail
      Author
      July 13, 2024 / 2:12 pm

      Yay! You totally made my day! Thank you so much!

4.30 from 41 votes (38 ratings without comment)

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