Rhubarb Shortbread Bars

Rhubarb Shortbread Bars are a deliciously tangy dessert that encompasses a buttery shortbread crust topped with a luscious rhubarb custard layer. These bars are the proper technique to showcase contemporary rhubarb throughout spring and summer season and provide a ravishing steadiness between candy and tart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy but spectacular: Minimal substances with most taste and presentation.
• Completely balanced: Buttery crust paired with tart, candy rhubarb topping.
• Make-ahead dessert: Bars maintain up nicely within the fridge, making them good for prepping forward.
• Very best for spring and summer season: Rhubarb season makes this dessert really feel contemporary and seasonal.
• Freezer-friendly: Nice for batch baking and saving some for later.

Substances

(Tip: You’ll discover the total listing of substances and measurements within the recipe card under.)

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Rhubarb Filling:

• 4 cups chopped contemporary rhubarb
• 3 massive eggs
• 1¼ cups granulated sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the crust: In a big bowl, cream collectively softened butter and powdered sugar till mild. Combine in flour and salt till crumbly. Press into the underside of the pan in a good layer.
3. Bake the crust for 15–18 minutes, or till evenly golden. Take away from oven and put aside.
4. Put together the filling: In a bowl, whisk collectively the eggs, sugar, flour, vanilla, and salt till clean. Fold within the chopped rhubarb.
5. Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and unfold it evenly.
6. Return to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or till the filling is ready and beginning to flip golden across the edges.
7. Cool utterly within the pan earlier than slicing. Optionally mud with powdered sugar earlier than serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 bars
• Preparation Time: quarter-hour
• Baking Time: 45–50 minutes
• Whole Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Strawberry Rhubarb: Substitute 1 cup of rhubarb with chopped strawberries for a sweeter variation.
• Oat Shortbread Crust: Combine ½ cup of oats into the crust for added texture.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix for each crust and filling.
• Add a Crumble: High with a fast crumble of oats, brown sugar, and butter earlier than the second bake.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Retailer in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap particular person bars tightly and freeze for as much as 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw within the fridge in a single day. Serve chilled or deliver to room temperature earlier than serving.

FAQs

Can I take advantage of frozen rhubarb?

Sure, however thaw and drain it nicely to keep away from extra moisture affecting the custard layer.

How do I do know when the bars are performed baking?

The filling needs to be set within the middle and never jiggle when shaken gently. The highest will look barely golden.

Can I make these bars forward of time?

Completely. They retailer fantastically within the fridge and the flavour improves after chilling in a single day.

Do I must peel rhubarb?

No, there’s no must peel rhubarb except the stalks are significantly thick and difficult.

Can I cut back the sugar within the filling?

Sure, however be cautious—rhubarb is kind of tart, so decreasing sugar an excessive amount of might make the bars overly bitter.

Can I take advantage of a mixer for the filling?

Sure, a hand or stand mixer works nicely, however you may also combine by hand.

How do I minimize clear slices?

Chill the bars utterly and use a pointy knife cleaned between cuts.

Can I add lemon zest?

Sure, lemon zest provides brightness that pairs fantastically with rhubarb.

What if my rhubarb is inexperienced?

Inexperienced rhubarb is simply as tasty, although barely much less tart than the pink selection. The colour received’t be as vibrant, however the taste will nonetheless shine.

Are these bars freezer-friendly?

Sure, simply wrap them tightly and retailer in a freezer-safe container. Thaw within the fridge earlier than serving.

Conclusion

Rhubarb Shortbread Bars are a timeless dessert that showcases the daring, tangy taste of rhubarb on a smooth, buttery crust. With their vibrant taste and straightforward preparation, they’re positive to grow to be a springtime favourite. Whether or not for a picnic, afternoon tea, or only a candy chunk, these bars by no means disappoint.

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