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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Evenly distribute and firmly press half of the crumb mixture into the prepared pan, creating a compact, uniform bottom crust.
- 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.
- Carefully spread the fruit mixture over the prepared crust, distributing it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the fruit filling, creating a rustic, uneven topping that will provide texture and crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and bubbling fruit filling that indicates complete cooking.
- 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