why make this recipe
Tangy Rhubarb Bliss Bars give you a sweet and tart bite in each piece. They use simple pantry items and fresh rhubarb. You can make them for snacks, potlucks, or an easy dessert after dinner. They bake fast and taste best cooled to room temperature or warmed with ice cream.
introduction
These bars pair a crumbly buttery crust with a tangy cooked rhubarb filling. The steps are simple and clear, so this is good for cooks of all levels. If you like small, tasty treats, you might also enjoy a no-bake snack idea like Butterfinger Bliss Balls as a different sweet bite.
how to make Tangy Rhubarb Bliss Bars
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish so the bars do not stick.
- Make the filling: put rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat and stir until the rhubarb is soft and the mix thickens. Let it cool a little.
- Make the crumb mix: in a bowl, mix flour, softened butter, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder. Rub or stir until the mix looks like coarse crumbs.
- Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mix for the topping. Press the rest of the crumbs firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form the crust.
- Spread the warm rhubarb filling over the crust in an even layer. Sprinkle the reserved crumb topping over the filling.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool before cutting. Cutting while cool helps the bars hold their shape.
Ingredients :
- 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 egg
Directions :
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish. In a saucepan, combine rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla. Cook over medium heat until rhubarb is tender. In a bowl, mix flour, butter, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder until crumbly. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for topping. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the rhubarb filling over the crust, then sprinkle the reserved crumb topping on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Let cool before cutting into bars. Cut into squares and serve at room temperature. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a warm-cold contrast. Dust with a little powdered sugar for a simple look.
how to serve Tangy Rhubarb Bliss Bars
Serve at room temperature or slightly warm. A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a nice contrast. Dusting with powdered sugar adds a simple finish. These bars pair well with coffee or tea for a snack or light dessert.
how to store Tangy Rhubarb Bliss Bars
- At room temperature: keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- In the refrigerator: store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- In the freezer: wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
tips to make Tangy Rhubarb Bliss Bars
- Cut rhubarb into even pieces so it cooks evenly.
- Cook the filling until the rhubarb is soft and the mix thickens so bars do not get soggy.
- Press the crust firmly into the pan for a sturdy base.
- Keep 1 cup of the crumb mix for the topping as the recipe says.
- Let the bars cool before cutting to get clean squares.
variation (if any)
- Add 1 cup chopped strawberries with the rhubarb for a strawberry-rhubarb version.
- Stir 1 teaspoon lemon zest into the filling for extra brightness.
- Mix 1/2 cup rolled oats into the crumb mix for more texture.
- Use a bit of maple syrup instead of some sugar for a different sweetness.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen rhubarb?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain extra liquid before cooking to avoid a wet filling.
Q: Can I make these bars ahead?
A: Yes. Bake and cool, then store in the fridge. They stay good for several days and still taste nice.
Q: How do I keep the crust from being soggy?
A: Cook the filling until it is thick. Press the crust firmly and bake until the top turns golden brown.
Q: Can I skip the egg?
A: The egg helps bind the crumb mix. You can try a mashed banana or a flax egg, but texture may change.
Tangy Rhubarb Bliss Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet and tart Rhubarb Bliss Bars with a crumbly crust, perfect for snacks or dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Combine rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until rhubarb is tender.
- Mix flour, butter, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder until crumbly in a bowl.
- Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for topping. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the rhubarb filling over the crust, then sprinkle the reserved crumb topping on top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Cool before cutting into bars. Serve at room temperature or with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Cut rhubarb evenly for even cooking. Let bars cool before cutting to maintain shape.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg