Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart while delivering that irresistible crumbly texture, then this Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Bursting with juicy strawberries and tangy rhubarb, these bars combine freshness and warmth in every bite. The crumb topping is buttery and crisp, offering a delightful contrast to the luscious fruit filling. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a cozy afternoon treat, these bars are simple to make and nearly impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the tartness of fresh rhubarb to the comforting spices and wholesome oats in the crumb, each element is essential to making these bars truly shine.

• Chopped strawberries (2 cups): Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the filling.
• Chopped rhubarb (2 cups): Brings that tart, tangy bite that balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the fruit mixture without overpowering its natural flavors.
• Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Thickens the fruit filling to hold everything together perfectly.
• Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Enhances the fruit’s brightness and adds a subtle zing.
• All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Forms the base and crumbly texture of the crust and topping.
• Rolled oats (1 cup): Adds a hearty chew and rustic charm to the crumb topping.
• Brown sugar (1 cup): Brings a deep molasses sweetness to the crumbs and complements the fruit filling.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Infuses warmth and subtle spice in each bite.
• Baking powder (1 tsp): Gives a light lift to the crust and prevents it from being too dense.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Unsalted butter, cold and cubed (1 cup): Creates that rich, tender, and buttery crumb everyone loves.

How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the oven and pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease or line a 9×13 baking pan. Getting the oven ready early ensures your crumb bars will bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Mix the fruit filling

In a medium bowl, toss together the chopped strawberries, chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. This combination makes up the tangy, sweet fruit base that’s bursting with flavor. The cornstarch is key here to thicken up the juicy filling as it bakes, so it doesn’t get soggy.

Step 3: Combine dry crumb ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix is the foundation of your crumb topping, giving it that perfectly textured and aromatic quality.

Step 4: Cut in the butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips to work it in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. The cold butter is what makes the crumb topping light, flaky, and irresistibly buttery.

Step 5: Form the crust

Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This layer acts as the sturdy yet tender crust that holds everything together, so make sure it’s packed firmly and smooth for even baking.

Step 6: Add the fruit filling

Spread the strawberry and rhubarb mixture evenly over the crust. Try to keep the filling flat and uniform so every bite contains a delightful balance of fruit and crumb.

Step 7: Top with remaining crumbs and bake

Sprinkle the leftover crumb mixture over the fruit layer in a generous yet even coating. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly. Let the bars cool completely before slicing to let the filling set perfectly.

How to Serve Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate these crumb bars, dust them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with a warm vanilla glaze. Fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream on the side add a fresh, creamy touch that perfectly complements the tart fruit.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a refreshing contrast. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them an ideal treat for brunch or afternoon snack time.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests, try cutting the bars into small squares and arranging them on a beautiful platter with fresh strawberry and rhubarb slices decoratively placed around. Another fun idea is to sandwich the bars with softened cream cheese for a dessert sandwich twist that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to a week to keep them fresh. Make sure to cover them tightly to maintain that crumbly texture without drying out the fruit filling.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy your bars warm, pop them in a preheated 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. Reheating helps bring back that fresh-baked aroma and melts the fruit filling just a bit, creating a wonderfully comforting dessert experience.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries and rhubarb?

Yes, frozen fruit works well if fresh isn’t available, but be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing to avoid a watery filling.

What can I substitute for rhubarb?

If rhubarb is hard to find, you can substitute with more strawberries or try tart cranberries to maintain the tangy balance in the filling.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and oats certified gluten-free, and make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

Why do we need to let the bars cool completely before slicing?

Cooling allows the fruit filling to set and the crust to firm up, which keeps the bars from falling apart when sliced.

Can I make the crumb topping ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crumb topping a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake, which can save prep time on baking day.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so comforting about the Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe that makes it a dessert you’ll want to come back to again and again. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can bring this slice of fruity, buttery delight to the table. I truly hope you give these bars a try and enjoy every joyful bite—they’re a perfect celebration of fresh fruit and buttery crumb that’s downright irresistible.

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