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Rhubarb Bars

These sweet and tangy bars with a shortbread crust are just like lemon bars but with a rhubarb twist, Enjoy!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 24 bars

Ingredients

RHUBARB PUREE:

  • 3 c. chopped rhubarb
  • 1/2 c. granulated sugar
  • 1/4 c. water

CREAM CHEESE SHORTBREAD:

  • 5 oz. cream cheese room temperature
  • 1/2 c. unsalted butter room temperature
  • 2/3 c. granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 1/3 c. all-purpose flour

RHUBARB CURD:

  • 4 lg. eggs
  • 3/4 c. granulated sugar
  • rhubarb puree from above
  • 7-8 drops red dye optional
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 3 T. lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
  • Confectioner's sugar for dusting

Instructions

  • RHUBARB PUREE: In a medium pot, combine chopped rhubarb, sugar, and water and heat over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the rhubarb is completely broken down. Transfer mixture to a blender and puree until smooth; set aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
  • CREAM CHEESE SHORTBREAD: With a hand mixer or standing mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, cream the butter, cream cheese, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Turn the mixer to low speed and slowly incorporate the flour.
  • Press the dough firmly onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to the edges. Bake for 15 minutes. While the shortbread is cooking, make the rhubarb curd.
  • RHUBARB CURD: In a large bowl, whisk all ingredients except for the flour. Use as much red dye as you'd like, and remember that the color will fade a bit during cooking; once mixed, whisk in the flour.
  • Pour the rhubarb curd on top of the cream cheese shortbread, then bake for an additional 20 minutes to set the rhubarb.
  • Cool bars for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator. Cut into bars and dust with confectioners’ sugar.