Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rhubarb Magic Bars are a fun twist on the traditional magic bar, featuring a fresh, seasonal ingredient—rhubarb—that adds a delightful tang to the rich, sweet layers. The combination of buttery graham cracker crust, creamy sweetened condensed milk, sweet white chocolate chips, crunchy walnuts, and shredded coconut creates an irresistible treat. These bars are easy to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients, and they’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as an everyday dessert. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced pro, this recipe will give you a delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
- 1 cup chopped fresh rhubarb
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.
- Evenly spread the chopped rhubarb over the crust, ensuring it’s distributed evenly.
- Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the rhubarb layer, making sure it covers the fruit.
- Sprinkle the white chocolate chips and walnuts (if using) evenly over the top of the bars.
- Finish by adding a generous layer of shredded coconut to cover the entire surface.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 portions.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 16 portions (16 bars)
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Overall Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Swap: If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute the white chocolate chips with semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Nut-Free: Leave out the walnuts for a nut-free version of the bars.
- Vegan Version: You can try using coconut milk or a dairy-free condensed milk substitute and non-dairy butter to make a vegan-friendly version of this dessert.
Storage/Reheating
- Store the rhubarb magic bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer shelf life, refrigerate them, where they will stay fresh for up to a week.
- These bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer-safe container.
FAQs
Can I use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using it in the recipe to avoid excess moisture.
Can I substitute the white chocolate chips?
Yes, you can substitute white chocolate chips with semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a richer and slightly less sweet flavor.
How can I make the crust more flavorful?
For an extra flavor boost, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract to the graham cracker crumb mixture.
Are there any ways to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or a gluten-free cookie crust.
Can I use a different nut instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! You can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even omit them altogether if you prefer.
How can I make these bars less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet bar, you can reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly or opt for a less sweetened coconut.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature or refrigerated. They also freeze well, so you can make them ahead and freeze for future enjoyment.
What’s the best way to cut these bars?
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Using a sharp knife will help ensure clean cuts.
Can I use a different fruit instead of rhubarb?
Yes, you can try other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or even apples, but rhubarb gives these bars a unique tartness that is hard to replicate.
How do I prevent the coconut from burning during baking?
To prevent the coconut from burning, keep an eye on the bars as they bake. If the coconut begins to brown too quickly, you can cover the bars loosely with foil until the center sets.
Conclusion
Rhubarb Magic Bars are the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, with layers of graham cracker crust, creamy white chocolate, crunchy walnuts, and coconut. This recipe is simple, easy, and sure to be a hit, whether you’re baking for a family gathering or treating yourself to something special. The combination of textures and flavors in each bar makes for a deliciously satisfying dessert that will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Rhubarb Magic Bars Classic
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 portions
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rhubarb Magic Bars feature a tangy rhubarb layer, sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate, coconut, and a buttery graham cracker crust. A perfect balance of flavors and textures in a simple, indulgent dessert.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup chopped fresh rhubarb
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.
- Evenly spread the chopped rhubarb over the crust, ensuring it’s distributed evenly.
- Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the rhubarb layer, making sure it covers the fruit.
- Sprinkle the white chocolate chips and walnuts (if using) evenly over the top of the bars.
- Finish by adding a generous layer of shredded coconut to cover the entire surface.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 portions.
Notes
If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute the white chocolate chips with semi-sweet chocolate chips.
For a nut-free version, leave out the walnuts.
To make a vegan version, use coconut milk or a dairy-free condensed milk substitute and non-dairy butter.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
