The Zesty Lemon Rhubarb Bars Recipe for Sweet-Tart Bliss

When summer’s golden rays kiss this lemon rhubarb bars creation, magic happens in your kitchen.

Tart rhubarb whispers sweet memories of countryside gardens and lazy afternoon picnics.

Crisp buttery crusts cradle bright citrus notes that dance across your palate.

Zesty ingredients merge into a symphony of flavors that surprise and delight.

Each slice promises a refreshing escape from ordinary desserts.

Bakers seeking something extraordinary will find pure joy in this unexpected combination.

Grab a fork and let these bars transport you to a world of culinary wonder.

Why Lemon Rhubarb Bars Feel So Bright And Tangy

• Whip Up Seasonal Delight: Lemon rhubarb bars capture the essence of spring with a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors that dance on your taste buds.
• Effortless Baking Triumph: This recipe requires minimal baking skills, making it an ideal treat for beginners who want to impress family and friends with a stunning dessert.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: From start to finish, these bars come together in under an hour, offering a speedy solution for sudden dessert cravings or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, brunch gatherings, or casual family desserts, these bars bring a burst of sunshine to any occasion with their bright, zesty profile.

Tips To Make Lemon Rhubarb Bars Just Right

• Butter Blessing: Use cold, high-quality butter for the crust to achieve a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture that elevates the entire dessert.
• Rhubarb Readiness: Chop rhubarb into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and a balanced distribution throughout the filling.
• Zesty Secret: Incorporate both lemon juice and zest to maximize the bright, citrusy flavor that complements the tangy rhubarb perfectly.
• Chill for Perfection: Refrigerating the bars allows them to set properly, making slicing clean and neat while intensifying the flavors.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free blend to make these bars accessible for those with dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

Keep Lemon Rhubarb Bars Fresh And Tasty

• Preserve these delightful lemon rhubarb bars by storing them carefully in an airtight container.
• Keep the bars refrigerated for up to 5 days, ensuring they maintain their fresh, tangy flavor and perfect texture.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their beautiful appearance.
• For longer storage, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy this delicious treat whenever a craving strikes.
• Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight, and they'll taste just as amazing as the day you made them.

What To Serve With Lemon Rhubarb Bars

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the tangy lemon and tart rhubarb with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which will enhance the dessert's bright, zesty flavors and cut through its sweetness.
• Serve with Lavender Earl Grey Tea: The floral notes of lavender earl grey tea will beautifully balance the sharp citrus and rhubarb, creating a sophisticated and refreshing flavor combination that elevates the dessert experience.
• Accompany with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream provides a smooth, cool contrast to the bars' texture, while its subtle sweetness harmonizes with the dessert's tartness and lemony zing.
• Match with Fresh Berries: Garnish with a small handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries to add a burst of color and natural sweetness that complements the rhubarb's tartness and brightens the overall dessert profile.

Switch Things Up With Lemon Rhubarb Bars

• Strawberry Rhubarb Remix: Replace lemon with fresh strawberries for a classic flavor combination. Swap lemon juice for strawberry puree and add diced strawberries alongside the rhubarb for extra fruity richness.
• Gluten-Free Garden Version: Use almond flour or gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Lavender Citrus Fusion: Infuse the filling with dried lavender buds and use blood orange juice instead of lemon. Add a subtle floral note that complements the tart rhubarb beautifully.
• Nutty Crumble Upgrade: Mix chopped almonds or pecans into the crust for added texture and depth. Sprinkle extra chopped nuts on top before baking for a crunchy finish.

Everything You Need To Know About Lemon Rhubarb Bars

• What makes rhubarb special in this dessert?

Rhubarb adds a unique tangy flavor that perfectly balances the sweet and citrusy lemon, creating a vibrant and refreshing taste profile that sets these bars apart from traditional desserts.

• Can I use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb. Just thaw and drain excess moisture before chopping and adding to the filling to prevent the bars from becoming too watery.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

The filling should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. It will continue to set as it cools, so don’t overbake. The top should look just set and not liquidy.

• Is this recipe suitable for people who don't like very tart desserts?

The combination of sugar and lemon creates a balanced sweetness that mellows the rhubarb’s natural tartness, making these bars enjoyable for people who prefer a less intense sour flavor.

Lemon Rhubarb Bars Ingredient Checklist

• Flour: The foundation for both crust and filling, providing structure and texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization in both crust and filling.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter: Cold butter creates a flaky, tender crust with rich flavor.
• Eggs: Bind the filling and provide a smooth, creamy consistency.

• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright, citrusy notes that complement the rhubarb's tartness.
• Rhubarb: Adds a tangy, vibrant character with a pleasant pink color.

• Powdered Sugar: Provides a delicate, sweet dusting and elegant presentation.

How To Bake Lemon Rhubarb Bars Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal. If you don’t have parchment paper, give the pan a light coating of cooking spray.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Crust

• All-purpose flour
• Powdered sugar
• Salt

Toss these together in a mixing bowl. Take your cold butter and cut it into small cubes. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse, sandy crumbs. Press this magical mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating a solid foundation for your bars.

Step 3: Bake the Crust Foundation

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. You’re looking for a light golden color that signals the perfect base is ready. While it’s baking, start preparing your filling.

Step 4: Whip Up the Zesty Filling

• Eggs
• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients until smooth and well-blended. Now add the sunshine: fresh lemon juice and bright lemon zest. Fold in chunks of vibrant rhubarb, creating a tangy, colorful mixture that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the filling directly over the hot crust, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfect when the center is just slightly wobbly but set around the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Patience is key! Let the bars cool completely at room temperature. Then, pop them into the refrigerator for at least an hour. This chilling time helps the bars set and intensifies the flavors.

Step 7: Finish with Flair

Before serving, dust the top with a delicate sprinkle of powdered sugar. This adds a touch of elegance and a hint of sweetness to your tangy treat. Slice into squares and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Lemon Rhubarb Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Sweet and tangy lemon rhubarb bars bring zesty sunshine to summer desserts. Creamy, buttery crust meets tart rhubarb filling, creating a delightful treat that refreshes your palate with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup finely chopped rhubarb
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Supporting Ingredients:

• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Pinch of salt

Garnish:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage with slight overhang for easy removal.
2. Craft the foundational crust by combining flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Incorporate cold butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs.
3. Gently press the crumbly mixture into the prepared pan, creating an even, compact layer that reaches all corners and edges.
4. Transfer the pan to a preheated oven at 350F (175C) and bake the crust until it develops a delicate golden hue, approximately 15 minutes.
5. While the crust transforms, assemble the vibrant filling by whisking eggs until smooth, then integrating sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt.
6. Introduce fresh lemon juice and zest to the mixture, creating a bright, citrusy base. Fold in chopped rhubarb, distributing the pieces evenly throughout the liquid.
7. Once the crust emerges golden, carefully pour the rhubarb-lemon filling over the hot surface, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a slightly trembling center that indicates perfect custard-like consistency.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling set properly.
10. Refrigerate for at least one hour to achieve clean, precise slicing and enhance the flavor melding.
11. Before serving, dust the surface with a delicate veil of powdered sugar, adding a final touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Use cold, cubed butter for the crust to achieve a flaky, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
• Rhubarb Prep Tip: Chop rhubarb into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and a smooth filling consistency.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make this dessert celiac-friendly without compromising taste or texture.
• Zest Intensity Boost: Microplane the lemon zest for maximum citrus flavor and aromatic notes that complement the tangy rhubarb perfectly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg