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Lemon Rhubarb Bars

Lemon Rhubarb Bars
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Lemon Rhubarb Bars are a delightful dessert that perfectly balances tartness and sweetness with fresh rhubarb and zesty lemons combined in a buttery, crumbly crust. Ideal for summer picnics, casual snacks, or festive gatherings, these bars offer a bright, refreshing flavor that’s simple to make with pantry staples and fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust & Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces (or coconut oil for vegan version)

Filling

  • 3 cups fresh rhubarb, washed and chopped into small pieces
  • 2 lemons, zested and juiced
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature, or flax eggs for vegan alternative)

Optional Garnishes

  • Powdered sugar, for dusting
  • Whipped cream
  • Fresh mint leaves

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rhubarb and Lemon Filling: Wash and chop fresh rhubarb into small pieces. Zest and juice the lemons. In a bowl, combine the rhubarb, lemon juice, lemon zest, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for a while so the sugar draws out the juices, creating a luscious and flavorful filling.
  2. Create the Buttery Crust: In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and sugar. Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press about two-thirds of this mixture firmly into a greased baking pan to form an even crust layer.
  3. Add the Filling: Evenly spread the lemon-rhubarb filling over the prepared crust, making sure to include all the juices for moisture and flavor.
  4. Make the Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture evenly over the filling as a crumbly topping. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
  5. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to let the filling set, which ensures clean slicing and optimal flavor. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving, and garnish with whipped cream or fresh mint leaves for a beautiful finish.

Notes

  • Use fresh rhubarb whenever possible as it provides the best flavor and texture; avoid frozen if you can.
  • Do not overmix the crust ingredients to keep the texture tender and crumbly rather than tough.
  • Adjust the sugar amount in the filling based on the tartness of your rhubarb to achieve your preferred sweetness.
  • Let the bars cool completely before slicing to ensure the filling firms up and slices hold their shape.
  • Using room temperature eggs helps create a smooth, custard-like filling texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon rhubarb bars, lemon dessert, rhubarb dessert, tart and sweet bars, summer dessert, gluten-free lemon bars, vegan lemon rhubarb bars

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/lemon-rhubarb-bars/