Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, combining juicy strawberries, tangy rhubarb, and a buttery crumb topping. These delicious bars are the ultimate spring and summer dessert, and they’re surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you're serving them as a light treat for a family gathering, a picnic, or just craving something special, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. Keep reading to learn how to make these delectable crumb bars from scratch, along with tips, variations, and more!

this Recipe

What Are Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars?

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are layered dessert bars made up of three main components: a buttery crust, a juicy fruit filling, and a crumbly topping. The combination of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb creates a flavorful contrast that’s hard to resist. The crust and topping are often made from a simple mixture of flour, sugar, and butter, making this a fuss-free recipe that even beginner bakers can master.

Ingredients List for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

To make Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Crust and Topping:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Rhubarb Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
• 2 cups rhubarb, diced
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)

Substitutions and Variations

While this recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, you can easily make substitutions or add variations to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

• Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, like vegan butter or coconut oil.
• Alternative Sweeteners: If you’re looking to cut down on refined sugar, you can try using coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey instead of granulated sugar. Just keep in mind that liquid sweeteners will slightly alter the texture of the bars.
• Different Fruit Combinations: If strawberries and rhubarb aren’t in season or you prefer other fruits, try using raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a new twist on the recipe.
• Nut Topping: Add a bit of crunch by mixing chopped almonds or pecans into the crumb topping.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make your own Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars? Follow this simple step-by-step guide to ensure a perfect batch every time.

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.

2. Prepare the Crust and Topping

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse sand. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and vanilla extract, then add this to the flour mixture. Continue mixing until the dough starts to come together but is still crumbly.

3. Press the Crust Into the Pan

Take half of the crumb mixture and press it firmly into the prepared baking dish to form the base crust. Use your hands or the back of a measuring cup to ensure it’s evenly distributed. Set the remaining crumb mixture aside for the topping.

4. Make the Filling

In another bowl, toss together the diced strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using). The cornstarch will help to thicken the filling as it bakes, ensuring your bars don’t become soggy.

5. Add the Filling

Spread the strawberry rhubarb mixture evenly over the crust. Make sure to distribute the fruit evenly so every bite has a good mix of both strawberries and rhubarb.

6. Add the Crumb Topping

Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the fruit filling, making sure to cover the entire surface. Don’t worry if some fruit peeks through—this will give your bars a rustic, homemade look.

7. Bake the Bars

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before slicing.

How to Cook Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

The success of Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars lies in properly layering the crust, filling, and topping. It’s important to ensure that the fruit filling is thick enough to hold its shape when cut, but not too runny. The key is using the right amount of cornstarch to thicken the juices from the strawberries and rhubarb. Additionally, chilling the bars before cutting will make it easier to get clean, even slices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Unripe Fruit: For the best flavor, make sure your strawberries are ripe and sweet. Rhubarb should be firm but not overly tough. Avoid using frozen fruit as it can release too much liquid during baking, making your bars soggy.
• Skipping the Cornstarch: Don’t skip the cornstarch in the filling—it’s essential for thickening the fruit juices and preventing the bars from becoming too watery.
• Cutting the Bars Too Soon: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This will give the filling time to set and prevent the bars from falling apart.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are baked and cooled, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Here are a few serving and presentation tips to elevate this simple dessert.

How to Serve Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

• Room Temperature or Chilled: These bars taste great at room temperature or chilled. If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate the bars for an hour before serving.
• Top with Ice Cream: For a decadent treat, serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a final touch, lightly dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar just before serving.

Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

• Rustic Look: Keep the bars in their natural, rustic form by cutting them into uneven squares or rectangles. The crumbly topping and visible fruit filling will add to their homemade charm.
• Uniform Squares: For a more polished look, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into evenly sized squares. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.
• Garnish with Fresh Fruit: Add a few fresh strawberry slices or rhubarb ribbons on top for a colorful garnish that hints at the delicious filling inside.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe Tips

• Chill the Butter: For the perfect crumbly texture in both the crust and topping, make sure the butter is cold when you cut it into the flour mixture.
• Even Layers: Press the crust layer firmly into the pan so that it holds together when baked. For the topping, keep it looser for that signature crumbly texture.
• Test for Doneness: The bars are done when the crumb topping is golden and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the pan with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars in advance?
A: Yes! These bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, chilling them overnight often improves the texture, making them easier to cut.

Q: Can I freeze Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars?
A: Absolutely! Let the bars cool completely before cutting, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries and rhubarb?
A: You can, but it's best to thaw and drain the frozen fruit first to avoid adding too much moisture to the bars.

Q: How long do Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars last?
A: They will keep for up to 4 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Yes, simply substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoon water) in place of the egg.

Conclusion

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the best of summer’s bounty with a buttery, crumbly topping. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try some of the variations, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Easy to make and versatile, this dessert is perfect for both casual and special occasions. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family!

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