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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- In a medium bowl, gently combine raspberries, rhubarb, granulated sugar, and lemon juice, letting the fruits macerate while preparing the crust.
- 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.
- Press approximately two-thirds of the crust mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan, creating an even, compact base layer.
- Whisk eggs in a separate bowl, then incorporate cornstarch, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well-blended.
- Pour the egg mixture over the fruit, ensuring even distribution and gentle mixing to maintain fruit integrity.
- Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture across the top of the fruit filling, creating a rustic, textured surface.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the filling appears set with minimal jiggle.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours.
- Use parchment paper handles to lift the entire dessert from the pan, then slice into rectangular bars.
- 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