Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe: Sweet Bliss

Sweet summer memories burst to life with these strawberry rhubarb crumb bars that blend tangy and sugary notes into one irresistible treat.

Ripe strawberries and fresh rhubarb create a vibrant filling nestled between buttery, crumbly layers of golden goodness.

Each bite carries the essence of seasonal produce at its peak.

The dessert strikes a perfect balance between tart fruit and rich, sweet crumble.

Bakery-style perfection comes together with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent experience.

These crumb bars are sure to become your new favorite summer dessert.

What’s Needed for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

• Flour: A foundational ingredient that creates the structure of the crumb bars.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps balance the tartness of the fruits.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the crumb mixture.
• Butter: Gives richness and helps create a tender, crumbly texture.

• Rhubarb, Strawberries: Fresh seasonal fruits that combine to create a tangy and sweet filling with vibrant color and flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the fruit flavors and helps prevent browning.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and depth of the fruit mixture.

• Baking Powder: Helps the crumb bars rise and creates a light, tender texture.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the fruit filling and prevents it from becoming too runny.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dessert.

Instructions for Baking Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

Step 1: Set Up Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage on the bottom and sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Crumb Base

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

Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like sandy, coarse crumbs.

Step 3: Form Initial Crust Layer

Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the prepared pan, creating an even, compact base layer that will support the fruity filling.

Step 4: Prepare Fruity Filling

• Chopped rhubarb
• Fresh strawberries
• Remaining sugar
• Cornstarch
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract

Stir until the fruits are evenly coated with the sweet, thickening mixture.

Step 5: Layer and Top the Bars

Spread the vibrant fruit mixture over the initial crust layer.

Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top, creating a rustic, uneven topping that will turn golden and crispy.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown top and bubbling fruit edges, indicating the bars are done.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Once cooled, lift out the parchment and slice into generous squares for serving.

Crumb Bar Baking Tips and Tricks

• Use precise measuring cups and spoons to ensure the right balance of flour, sugar, and butter for a consistent crumb texture.
• Choose bright red, firm strawberries and crisp rhubarb stalks for the most vibrant flavor and best results.
• Gently pat strawberries and rhubarb dry to prevent excess liquid from making the crumb bars soggy.
• Reduce sugar by 2-3 tablespoons if using very ripe, sweet strawberries or prefer less sweetness.
• Chill the butter before cutting into the dry ingredients for a more crumbly, tender texture.

Strawberry Rhubarb Bar Ideas for Next Time

• Gluten-Free Fruity Crumble Bars: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture.
• Vegan Berry Crumb Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, use maple syrup instead of sugar, and add ground flaxseed for binding.
• Low-Sugar Berry Bars: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, use fresh berries, and reduce cornstarch for a lighter version.
• Blueberry Almond Crumb Bars: Replace strawberries and rhubarb with fresh blueberries, add sliced almonds to the crumb topping, and sprinkle almond extract for depth of flavor.

Ways to Plate Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

• Sweet Brunch Companion: Pair these luscious bars with a light vanilla yogurt or whipped cream for an extra decadent morning treat.
• Berry Fresh Twist: Serve slightly warm alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to enhance the fruity, tangy flavors of the dessert.
• Picnic Perfect Snack: Pack these portable bars for outdoor gatherings, potlucks, or summer picnics as a delightful handheld dessert that everyone will love.
• Tea Time Elegance: Arrange bars on a beautiful platter with fresh mint leaves and enjoy with a hot cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea for an afternoon indulgence.

How to Store Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

• Place cooled bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep chilled for up to 5 days, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing quality.
• Store at room temperature in a covered container for 1-2 days, best consumed quickly to prevent softening or staleness.
• Warm refrigerated or frozen bars in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, restoring their crisp crumb topping and bringing out the fruit's vibrant flavors.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen fruits instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries and rhubarb. Thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing to prevent a soggy crust.

• How do I know if the rhubarb is ripe and good to use?

Choose rhubarb stalks that are firm, crisp, and have a bright red or deep pink color. Avoid stalks that are soft, bruised, or have brown spots.

• Is it necessary to remove the rhubarb skin?

While not mandatory, removing the tough outer strings can make the texture more pleasant. Simply peel the skin with a vegetable peeler before chopping.

Crumbly, Tart, and Sweet: Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

• Whip Up a Seasonal Delight: Capture the vibrant flavors of spring and early summer with this stunning strawberry rhubarb dessert that blends sweet and tart notes perfectly.
• Bake with Minimal Fuss: This straightforward recipe requires simple ingredients and basic baking skills, making it accessible for both novice and experienced home bakers.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Bar: These crumb bars are ideal for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings, offering a portable and shareable treat that everyone will love.
• Customize Your Creation: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping fruits or adjusting sweetness levels to match your taste preferences and seasonal produce availability.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Sweet summer memories melt into these irresistible Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars, blending tangy rhubarb with luscious strawberries in a buttery, crumbly embrace. Dessert dreams come alive with each delectable bite that whispers of sunshine and homemade comfort.

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Ingredients

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Strawberries and Rhubarb:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
• 2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped into small pieces
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Crust and Crumble Base:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks/226 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
2. Create the crumb base by thoroughly mixing flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl, then incorporate cold butter until the mixture develops a coarse, sandy texture.
3. Evenly distribute and firmly press half of the crumb mixture into the prepared pan, creating a compact, uniform bottom crust.
4. Prepare the fruit filling by gently combining rhubarb, strawberries, remaining sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl, ensuring all ingredients are well integrated.
5. Carefully spread the fruit mixture over the prepared crust, distributing it evenly to cover the entire surface.
6. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the fruit filling, creating a rustic, uneven topping that will provide texture and crunch.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and bubbling fruit filling that indicates complete cooking.
8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature before cutting into square bars for serving.

Notes

• Choose firm, bright red rhubarb stalks with no blemishes for the best flavor and texture in your bars.
• Adjust sugar levels depending on the ripeness of strawberries, as sweeter fruits might require less added sugar.
• Freeze the bars for up to 3 months in an airtight container, making them perfect for advance meal prep or unexpected guests.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising the delicious crumbly texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 224 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 49 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 26 mg