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Ruby Red Swirled Rhubarb Bars

A close-up, tempting shot of a square portion of Swirled Rhubarb Bars topped with crumble and powdered sugar.
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Make these beautiful swirled rhubarb bars with a buttery shortbread crust for a perfect spring dessert. This recipe uses fresh rhubarb for a tart and sweet treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup rhubarb jam (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This forms the base of your buttery shortbread crust.
  3. Whisk in the flour and salt until just combined. The mixture will look crumbly.
  4. Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
  5. Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
  6. While the crust bakes, prepare the swirl topping. In a small bowl, whisk together the rhubarb jam, egg yolk, and milk until smooth.
  7. Spread the rhubarb jam mixture evenly over the partially baked crust.
  8. Take the remaining one-third of the crumb mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the jam layer.
  9. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden brown and the filling is set.
  10. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is important for clean cutting.
  11. Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang. Dust the top generously with powdered sugar before slicing into squares.

Notes

  • For the best ruby-red swirl, use a high-quality rhubarb jam.
  • If you are making your own jam, ensure it is thick enough to hold its shape when spread.
  • These easy spring baking bars freeze well for later enjoyment.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/swirled-rhubarb-bars-buttery-shortbread-crust/