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Lemon Rhubarb Bars

Lemon Rhubarb Bars

Bright, tangy Lemon Rhubarb Bars featuring a buttery, flaky crust and a zesty, fruity filling. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, these bars are easy to make with fresh ingredients and ideal for tea time or any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into pieces
  • 2 large eggs

Filling

  • 2 cups fresh rhubarb, washed and chopped into small pieces
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rhubarb Filling: Wash and chop the fresh rhubarb into small pieces. In a bowl, combine the rhubarb with granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let the mixture sit while preparing the crust to soften the rhubarb and meld the flavors.
  2. Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Cut in the chilled unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the eggs and stir until a dough forms.
  3. Press the Base: Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into a lined baking pan to form the base crust.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Spread the prepared rhubarb filling evenly over the crust. Crumble the remaining dough on top for a rustic finish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling bubbles gently.
  5. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan so the filling sets properly. Once cooled, cut into small squares and serve.

Notes

  • Use fresh rhubarb for the best flavor and texture; frozen rhubarb can make the filling watery.
  • Handle the dough minimally to keep the crust tender and flaky.
  • Adjust the sugar amount based on tartness of rhubarb for perfect balance.
  • Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing.
  • Cool the bars completely before slicing to prevent filling from spilling out.

Nutrition

Keywords: Lemon Rhubarb Bars, Tangy dessert, Tea time treat, Butter crust bar, Rhubarb dessert