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Lemon Rhubarb Bars

Lemon Rhubarb Bars: A Refreshing Spring Delight to Savor

These Lemon Rhubarb Bars combine sweet and tart flavors, making them a perfect springtime dessert.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 57 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 17 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

For the Shortbread Crust
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter chilled and cubed
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt fine grain preferred
For the Lemon Custard Filling
  • 3 large Eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or half-and-half for lighter option
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest fresh from a large lemon
  • 1/2 cup Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Oil or extra lemon zest if unavailable
  • 1 cup Diced Rhubarb fresh or thawed frozen
For the Meringue Topping
  • 3 large Egg Whites room temperature
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar fine granulated
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract high-quality

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Baking Pan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon Rhubarb Bars
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Combine unsalted butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and kosher salt in a mixing bowl. Mix until it resembles coarse crumbs and press into the prepared pan.
  3. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, then bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and flour, then add eggs, heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and lemon oil. Fold in the diced rhubarb.
  5. Pour the custard filling over the cooled crust and bake for 40-45 minutes until firm.
  6. Prepare the Swiss meringue by combining egg whites and sugar over simmering water until warm, then whip until stiff peaks form.
  7. Spread the meringue over the cooled lemon bars and use a kitchen torch to lightly toast until golden brown.
  8. Let the meringue set for a few minutes before cutting into squares to serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Fresh ingredients like rhubarb will make a significant difference in flavor and texture. Allow adequate chill time for the custard to set properly.

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