Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe

If you’re a fan of sweet and tangy desserts, then you’re in for a treat! This Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe combines the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of strawberries, all nestled between a buttery crumb crust and topping. Perfect for summer picnics, brunches, or just as a midweek indulgence, these crumb bars are sure to become one of your favorite go-to desserts. Follow this recipe for step-by-step instructions, substitutions, variations, and tips for baking these irresistible bars.

What Are Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars?

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are a dessert featuring a buttery shortbread-style crust, a luscious strawberry-rhubarb filling, and a crumbly streusel topping. The flavors are a perfect marriage between sweet and tart, with the strawberries adding sweetness and the rhubarb contributing a delightful tang. The combination of textures—flaky crust, juicy fruit filling, and crispy crumb topping—makes this dessert a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients List for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

For the Crust and Crumble Topping:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

For the Strawberry Rhubarb Filling:

• 2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped into small pieces (about ¼ inch thick)
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra tartness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Substitutions and Variations

Don’t have all the ingredients on hand or looking to make some adjustments? No problem! Here are a few substitutions and variations to customize your Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars:

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the flour contains xanthan gum for structure.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based or vegan butter alternative.
• Frozen Fruit: If fresh strawberries and rhubarb are out of season, you can use frozen fruit. Just be sure to thaw and drain the fruit well to avoid excess moisture.
• Mixed Berries: You can substitute some of the strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry twist.
• Oat Crumb Topping: Add ½ cup of rolled oats to the crumble topping for a heartier texture.
• Spiced Crumb Bars: Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg into the crumb topping for a warm, spiced flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make the best Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars ever? Follow these easy steps to create a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery deliciousness.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to help lift the bars out later.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust and Crumble Topping

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and stir until combined. The dough should be crumbly but will hold together when pressed.

Step 3: Press the Crust

Take about two-thirds of the crumb mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to make sure it’s firm and even. Set the remaining one-third of the crumb mixture aside for the topping.

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Rhubarb Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract (and lemon juice, if using). Toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated. The sugar will help to draw out the juices and the cornstarch will thicken the mixture as it bakes.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Spread the strawberry-rhubarb filling evenly over the crust in the pan. Be sure the fruit is distributed evenly to avoid soggy or uneven bars.

Crumble the remaining one-third of the dough over the fruit layer, making sure to leave some chunks for texture. This crumbly topping is what gives the bars their delightful crunch.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it loosely with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. This will allow the filling to set, making it easier to slice. After cooling, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.

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

To recap, here’s a simplified guide for making these amazing Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F.
2. Make the Crust & Crumble: Combine flour, sugar, butter, and egg to create a crumbly dough for both the base and topping.
3. Prepare the Filling: Mix strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, and cornstarch to create the sweet and tangy filling.
4. Assemble: Press two-thirds of the dough into a baking dish, add the fruit filling, and top with the remaining dough crumbles.
5. Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown.
6. Cool & Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes like these Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars have their pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid common mistakes:

• Soggy Crust: If your crust comes out soggy, it might be because your fruit mixture is too wet. Make sure to properly drain frozen fruit or pat down fresh fruit if they’re very juicy.
• Not Enough Crumble: Be sure to reserve enough of the dough mixture for the topping. The crumb layer should be thick enough to provide a crunchy contrast to the filling.
• Overbaking: If the bars bake too long, they can dry out. Check for doneness after 40 minutes; the topping should be golden, and the fruit filling should be bubbling.
• Cutting Too Early: Patience is key! Let the bars cool fully before cutting. Cutting them while still warm can cause the filling to spill out and make the bars difficult to handle.

Serving and Presentation Tips

The presentation of your Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars can elevate them from a casual dessert to something show-stopping. Here’s how to serve and present them beautifully:

How to Serve Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

These crumb bars are best served slightly chilled or at room temperature. If you want to dress them up, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar over the top for a classic look.

Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

• Rustic Platter: Stack the bars on a rustic wooden platter and garnish with fresh strawberries and mint leaves.
• Elegant Plate: Place each bar on a small plate with a drizzle of strawberry sauce or a sprig of mint.
• Individual Servings: Pre-cut the bars and serve them in cupcake liners for easy grabbing at parties or picnics.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bar Recipe Tips

To ensure success every time you bake these bars, here are a few more helpful tips:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold butter will help the crumble topping stay light and flaky.
• Even Layering: Make sure the fruit is spread evenly across the crust so each bar has a consistent filling.
• Chill Before Serving: Chilling the bars in the fridge before slicing can make cutting cleaner and neater, especially if the filling is still a bit loose.
• Storage: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life for up to a week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Ahead of Time?

Yes! These bars can be made a day in advance. In fact, letting them sit overnight in the refrigerator will help the flavors meld and make slicing easier.

Can I Freeze Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars?

Absolutely! These bars freeze very well. Once cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Do I Have to Use Fresh Strawberries and Rhubarb?

Nope! You can use frozen strawberries and rhubarb, just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.

Can I Use a Different Fruit Combination?

Definitely! If rhubarb isn’t your favorite, you can use a mix of strawberries and raspberries, or even swap rhubarb for peaches or apples.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a buttery crumble that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking them for a special event or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, they’re guaranteed to be a hit! So why not try this recipe today? Happy baking!

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