Tangy Raspberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe: A Sweet-Tart Delight

Sweet summer memories dance through my raspberry rhubarb bars, a delightful dessert that captures sunshine on a plate.

Tart rhubarb mingles with luscious berries, creating a symphony of flavors.

Crisp buttery layers crackle with each bite, promising pure delight.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly in this rustic treat.

Baking these bars feels like wrapping yourself in a warm, fruity embrace.

Crumbly edges and jammy centers make you crave just one more piece.

Let’s transform simple ingredients into an irresistible summer classic you won’t be able to resist.

Reasons to Love Raspberry Rhubarb Bars

• Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: These raspberry rhubarb bars burst with vibrant fruit flavors that will delight everyone from kids to grandparents, making them perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
• Master Simple Baking Techniques: With straightforward steps and basic ingredients, home bakers of all skill levels can create a professional-looking dessert that looks and tastes incredibly impressive.
• Celebrate Seasonal Produce: Leverage the natural tartness of rhubarb and sweetness of raspberries to create a dessert that captures the essence of spring and early summer produce in every delectable bite.
• Enjoy Make-Ahead Convenience: These bars can be prepared in advance, stored easily, and served chilled or at room temperature, making them a stress-free option for entertaining or casual weekend treats.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Rhubarb Bars

• Raspberries: Fresh berries that provide a sweet and tangy flavor to the dessert.
• Rhubarb: Tart vegetable that adds a unique acidic note to the fruit mixture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the fruit filling and helps create a balanced taste.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the fruit flavors and adds a subtle citrus undertone.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the crumbly crust and provides structure.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crust ingredients together.
• Brown Sugar: Contributes a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the crust.
• Rolled Oats: Provides a hearty texture and nutty flavor to the crumb mixture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and create a custard-like filling.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the fruit mixture and create a stable filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the dessert's flavor profile.
• Ground Cinnamon: Introduces a warm, aromatic spice to complement the fruits.

• Powdered Sugar: Optional dusting that adds a decorative and sweet finish.

How to Make Raspberry Rhubarb Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for super easy lifting later.

Step 2: Toss Fruity Goodness

• Fresh raspberries
• Chopped rhubarb
• Granulated sugar
• Squeeze of lemon juice

Let the fruits get cozy and release their juices while you prep the crust.

Step 3: Craft the Crumbly Crust

• All-purpose flour
• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Rolled oats
• Pinch of salt

Work the ingredients with your fingers until they form a delightful crumbly mixture.

Step 4: Build the Base Layer

Press about two-thirds of the crust mixture into the pan, creating a solid, even foundation for your bars.

Step 5: Whip Up the Egg Mixture

• Cornstarch
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon

Stir until everything is perfectly combined.

Step 6: Layer the Fruit Filling

Gently pour the egg mixture over the fruit, ensuring an even distribution without crushing the berries.

Step 7: Create the Crumble Topping

Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture across the top, giving the bars a rustic, tempting look.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top and a filling that’s set but still has a slight wiggle.

Step 9: Cool and Set

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours. Patience is key!

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Use the parchment paper handles to lift the entire dessert out of the pan. Slice into rectangular bars.

Step 11: Add a Finishing Touch

For an extra touch of elegance, dust the bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving.

Tips to Get the Best Rhubarb Bars

• Prevent Soggy Crust: Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly to create a compact base that resists moisture from the fruit filling.
• Maximize Fruit Flavor: Allow raspberries and rhubarb to macerate with sugar and lemon juice before baking to intensify their natural sweetness and create a more vibrant filling.
• Achieve Perfect Texture: Whisk egg mixture thoroughly to ensure smooth incorporation of cornstarch, which helps stabilize the filling and prevent liquid separation.
• Master Even Baking: Use parchment paper overhang for easy removal and ensure uniform cooking by rotating the pan halfway through baking time.
• Serve with Style: Let bars cool completely before cutting to allow the filling to set properly, and dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a professional bakery-like presentation.

Creative Takes on Rhubarb Bars

• Tropical Paradise Bars: Replace raspberries and rhubarb with diced mango, pineapple, and passion fruit for a vibrant, sunny flavor profile.
• Autumn Spice Bars: Swap fruits with diced apples and pears, enhance with nutmeg and cardamom for a warm, cozy seasonal dessert.
• Berry Blitz Bars: Mix strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries to create a multi-berry explosion with deeper, more complex fruit notes.
• Nutty Crunch Bars: Add chopped almonds and pecans to the crust mixture, creating extra texture and rich, toasted undertones in each bite.

What Goes Well with Raspberry Rhubarb Bars

• Elevate Raspberry Rhubarb Bars Pairing
• Craft a Creamy Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Smooth, rich vanilla complements the tangy fruit bars, balancing sweet and tart flavors with luxurious creaminess.
• Match with Crisp Rosé Wine: Light, slightly acidic rosé cuts through the dessert's richness, enhancing the fruit's bright notes and refreshing the palate.
• Serve Alongside Lavender Earl Grey Tea: Delicate floral tea notes harmonize with the dessert's fruity complexity, providing a sophisticated and aromatic accompaniment.
• Garnish with Fresh Mint Whipped Cream: Whip cream with finely chopped mint leaves to add a cool, herbal dimension that brightens the bars' intense fruit flavors.

How to Store Raspberry Rhubarb Bars Properly

• Store cooled raspberry rhubarb bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their delightful texture.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to preserve for up to 3 months, ensuring a sweet treat is always ready.
• Keep bars at room temperature for 1-2 days in a sealed container, away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place a paper towel between bar layers when storing to absorb excess moisture and maintain the crisp crust's delectable crunch.

FAQs for Raspberry Rhubarb Bars

• Can I use frozen fruits instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen raspberries and rhubarb work perfectly. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before using to prevent a watery filling.

• How do I know if the bars are fully baked?

Look for a golden-brown top and a filling that’s set with minimal movement when gently shaken. The edges should also look slightly firm and crisp.

• Is it necessary to use parchment paper?

While not absolutely required, parchment paper makes removing the bars much easier and helps prevent sticking. If you don’t have it, generously grease the pan with butter or baking spray.

• Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can slightly reduce the sugar, but keep in mind it helps with texture and caramelization. For a less sweet version, cut the sugar by about 25% and taste the filling before adding eggs.

Raspberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 80 minutes (or approximately 3 hours)
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet summer memories melt into these luscious raspberry rhubarb bars, blending tart fruit with buttery crumble. Homemade comfort shines through each golden-edged square, inviting friends to savor seasonal delights with pure joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit Base:

• 2 cups raspberries
• 2 cups chopped rhubarb
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Crust and Topping:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 tsp salt

Binding and Flavor:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, gently combine raspberries, rhubarb, granulated sugar, and lemon juice, letting the fruits macerate while preparing the crust.
3. Create the crust mixture by combining flour, softened butter, brown sugar, rolled oats, and salt in a large mixing bowl, working the ingredients until they form a crumbly, cohesive texture.
4. Press approximately two-thirds of the crust mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan, creating an even, compact base layer.
5. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl, then incorporate cornstarch, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well-blended.
6. Pour the egg mixture over the fruit, ensuring even distribution and gentle mixing to maintain fruit integrity.
7. Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture across the top of the fruit filling, creating a rustic, textured surface.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the filling appears set with minimal jiggle.
9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours.
10. Use parchment paper handles to lift the entire dessert from the pan, then slice into rectangular bars.
11. Optionally dust with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Macerate fruits beforehand to intensify their natural sweetness and create a more complex flavor profile.
• Ensure butter is room temperature for easier mixing and a more uniform crust texture.
• Select fresh, firm rhubarb and ripe raspberries for the most vibrant taste and optimal consistency.
• Customize the bars by experimenting with alternative fruit combinations like strawberry-rhubarb or blueberry-rhubarb for diverse flavor experiences.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg