Dreamy Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sweet summer memories dance through this strawberry rhubarb crumb bars creation that connects generations of bakers.

Juicy red fruits mingle with crumbly, buttery layers in a dessert promising pure comfort.

Tangy rhubarb provides unexpected brightness against sugary strawberry notes.

Neighborhood gatherings and backyard picnics feel instantly more delightful with these humble yet elegant treats.

Seasonal ingredients shine in this simple yet stunning recipe crafted to delight every palate.

Each bite carries whispers of sun-drenched gardens and childhood pleasures.

Why Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Are Tasty

• Burst with Seasonal Flavors: Capture the essence of spring and early summer with this delightful combination of sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb in a single, mouthwatering dessert.
• Create Stress-Free Baking: Enjoy a simple recipe that requires minimal technical skills, making it perfect for bakers of all experience levels who want a delicious treat without complicated steps.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these bars at potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend brunches, guaranteeing smiles and requests for seconds from kids and adults alike.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping fruits or adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to make it your own signature dessert that reflects your personal baking style.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Ingredients

• Strawberries: Fresh, ripe berries that provide a sweet and tangy flavor to the dessert.
• Rhubarb: Tart stalks that add a unique, slightly sour taste and beautiful color to the bars.
• Sugar: Helps to balance the tartness of the rhubarb and enhance the overall sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the fruit filling and prevents it from becoming too runny.

• All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt: Form the foundation of the crumbly dough and provide structure.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
• Butter: Provides moisture, richness, and helps bind the crumb mixture together.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and complements the fruity filling.

• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch pan that allows for even baking and easy serving of the bars.

How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Create Fruity Magic

• Fresh strawberries
• Chopped rhubarb
• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch

Gently mix until the fruits are evenly coated and set aside.

Step 3: Craft the Crumbly Base

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Brown sugar

Pour in melted butter and vanilla extract, then mix until the mixture becomes delightfully crumbly.

Step 4: Build the First Layer

Press half of the crumbly dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a firm and even foundation.

Step 5: Layer the Fruit

Spread the strawberry-rhubarb mixture evenly across the dough base, ensuring a colorful and vibrant layer.

Step 6: Top with Remaining Crumbs

Sprinkle the remaining crumbly dough over the fruit filling, creating a rustic and delicious topping.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown top and bubbling fruit edges.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely.

Once cooled, cut into square portions and serve.

Tips for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

• Pat strawberries and rhubarb dry before mixing to prevent excess liquid that could make bars soggy.
• Adjust sugar ratio depending on fruit ripeness and personal preference for perfect flavor profile.
• Ensure butter is fully incorporated into dry ingredients for a cohesive, sturdy crumb topping.
• Use a sharp knife and wipe blade between cuts for neat, even bar squares.
• Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Variations of Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

• Gluten-Free Strawberry Rhubarb Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delicious crumb texture.
• Vegan Berry Crumble Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil, use maple syrup instead of brown sugar, and add ground flaxseed as a binding agent for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Berry Bars: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and use fresh berries without additional sugar for a diabetic-friendly dessert option.
• Seasonal Fruit Variation: Replace strawberries and rhubarb with mixed berries, peaches, or apricots to create a flexible recipe that adapts to seasonal produce availability.

Serving Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

• Sweet Summer Picnic Delight: Pack these crumb bars in cute mason jars for a charming outdoor dessert that travels perfectly.
• Brunch Centerpiece Sensation: Serve bars slightly warm with a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream for an elegant morning treat.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair these bars with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea, creating a delightful sweet and tangy combination that feels refined yet comforting.
• Dessert Platter Star: Arrange bars on a rustic wooden board with fresh strawberry slices and mint leaves for a visually stunning presentation that highlights the seasonal ingredients.

Storing Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

• Store cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap each layer separately with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place bars on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning.
• Heat individual bars for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add additional 5-second intervals if needed. Enjoy slightly warm for best texture.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen fruits instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries and rhubarb. Thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing with sugar and cornstarch to prevent a watery filling.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden-brown crumb topping and bubbling fruit filling around the edges. The bars should be set but still slightly soft in the center.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture and consistency.

• How ripe should the strawberries be for this recipe?

Use ripe but firm strawberries. Overly soft or mushy fruits can make the filling too wet and affect the bar’s texture.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Sweet summer memories unfold in these irresistible strawberry rhubarb crumb bars, where tangy rhubarb and juicy strawberries nestle between buttery, crumbly layers. Dessert dreams come alive with each delightful bite that promises pure seasonal bliss.

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Ingredients

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Fresh Fruits:

• 1 cup strawberries, hulled and diced
• 1 cup rhubarb, diced

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Create a vibrant fruit mixture by gently combining chopped strawberries and rhubarb with sugar and cornstarch, ensuring even distribution and allowing the ingredients to macerate while preparing the crust.
3. Craft the crumb base by blending flour, baking powder, salt, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl, then introduce melted butter and vanilla extract to develop a textured, slightly moist dough.
4. Firmly press approximately half of the crumbly dough into the prepared pan, creating an even, compact foundation that will support the fruit layer.
5. Carefully distribute the macerated fruit filling across the crust, spreading it uniformly to ensure each bite contains a balanced ratio of fruit and pastry.
6. Generously scatter the remaining crumb mixture over the fruit layer, creating a rustic, textured topping that will transform into a golden, crisp surface during baking.
7. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown color and listening for the gentle bubbling of the fruit filling.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling set and makes cutting into neat squares easier.

Notes

• Swap rhubarb with seasonal berries like blackberries or raspberries for a delightful flavor variation.
• Reduce sugar content by using half the recommended amount or substituting with stevia for a lower-calorie option.
• Enhance the crumb texture by adding chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the topping for extra crunch.
• Make the bars gluten-free by replacing all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 240 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 2.5 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg