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Close-up of rhubarb crumble bars with a crumbly topping and visible chunks of pink rhubarb on a white surface.

Classic Rhubarb Dream Bars with Shortbread Crust


  • Author: Samantha Brooks
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust topped with a lush, custard-like filling and tart, jammy rhubarb. These bars perfectly balance sweet and sour flavors, making them the ultimate springtime dessert for potlucks or afternoon tea.


Ingredients

Scale

For the crust

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 cup butter, softened

For the filling

  • 3 cups white sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt, 4 large eggs (beaten)
  • 4 1/2 cups fresh rhubarb (chopped)

Instructions

Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch dish.

Crust: Mix 2 cups flour, confectioners’ sugar, and softened butter until crumbs form. Press firmly into the pan.

Par-bake: Bake the crust for 10 minutes.

Filling: Whisk 3 cups sugar, salt, 1/2 cup flour, and beaten eggs. Stir in rhubarb.

Bake: Spread filling over the warm crust. Bake for 35 minutes until set.

Cool: Cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Notes

Material Matters: Use glass or ceramic; rhubarb acidity can react with unlined aluminum, affecting flavor.

Frozen Rhubarb Tip: Do not thaw; toss frozen pieces directly into the filling and add 5 minutes to the bake time.

Storage: Room temp for 2 days, fridge for 5 days, or freeze for 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 235
  • Sugar: 28
  • Sodium: 160
  • Fat: 9
  • Saturated Fat: 5
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 37
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 3
  • Cholesterol: 52

Keywords: rhubarb dream bars, rhubarb shortbread, spring dessert, rhubarb custard squares, easy rhubarb recipe