Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful combination of sweet and tart, look no further than these Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars. The juicy berries and tangy rhubarb work together perfectly, creating a mouthwatering filling that is surrounded by a buttery, crumbly topping. These bars are an ideal treat to serve to friends and family at a summer picnic, as a light dessert at dinner, or even for a special breakfast alongside your morning coffee.
The unique flavor profile of strawberries and rhubarb gives these bars a nostalgic taste reminiscent of spring and summer. The contrast between the soft, fruity center and the crunchy crumb topping creates a lovely texture that’s sure to please anyone’s palate. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or chilled in the fridge, these bars offer a delicious, refreshing treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time:
Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 40-45 min | Total Time: 55-60 min
How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chopped strawberries
- 2 cups chopped rhubarb
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9″x13″ baking pan by greasing it lightly.
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Make sure everything is evenly mixed, then set it aside.
- Prepare the crumb mixture: In another bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt together. This mixture will create that crumbly topping we love.
- Cut in the butter: Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients until you reach a coarse crumb consistency. This step is vital for a good texture.
- Form the crust: Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan to form a solid crust.
- Spread on the filling: Pour the fruit filling over the crust, spreading it evenly to ensure every bite has a taste of the fruity goodness.
- Top with crumbs: Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the fruit filling for a delightful topping.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Cool and slice: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares for the perfect serving.
Pro Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh strawberries and rhubarb when in season for the best flavor. If using frozen fruit, ensure it’s thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture.
- Allow to Cool Completely: Patience is key! Cooling completely ensures the bars set properly and makes slicing easier.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: The acidity from lemon juice helps balance the sweetness of the strawberries while enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Cut with a Hot Knife: To achieve clean cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry before slicing the bars.
- Adjust Sugar for Personal Preference: Depending on the sweetness of your fruit, feel free to adjust the sugar in the filling to suit your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars deliver a fantastic blend of sweet and tart flavors that create a satisfying experience with every bite. The chewy crumb topping and fruity filling strike a delightful balance between textures, making them more than just a treat; they’re a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal fruit.
Perfect for casual gatherings, they can also fit right into a brunch spread or be served at a backyard barbecue. Plus, they can be easily made ahead of time, allowing you to serve a delicious dessert with minimal effort.
How to Serve Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars
Presentation is key when serving these delightful bars. Arrange the sliced bars on a beautiful platter, and consider garnishing with a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty finish. These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
As for drinks, serving them with a chilled glass of lemonade or sweet iced tea will enhance the experience, making it even more refreshing on warm days. You could also complement them with a cup of rich coffee, perfect for a leisurely brunch setting.
How to Store Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars
To enjoy your Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars for days to come, store them in an airtight container in the fridge where they can last up to a week. If you’re looking to keep them longer, you may freeze the bars. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Frozen, they can last up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw in the fridge overnight. If you want to warm them up, place the bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or heat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for that freshly baked taste.
Tips to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Better
- Experiment with Spices: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the crumb mixture can elevate the flavor profile.
- Mix in Other Fruits: Don’t hesitate to mix in raspberries or blueberries for extra flavor and color.
- Adjust Texture: For a more wholesome version, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Varying Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet treat, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the crumb topping while keeping the fruit filling luscious.
Variation Ideas
- Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg for binding to cater to vegan diets.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Add Nuts: For additional crunch, consider folding in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the crumb mixture.
- Alternative Fruits: Use different fruit combinations like peach and blueberry or mixed berries based on your taste preferences.
Nutrition Information
(Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar)
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: ~200
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
While these bars do contain sugar and carbs, they also provide fiber from the fruit and oats, making them a satisfying treat in moderation.
Storage and Reheating
To keep your bars fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If reheating, you can:
- Microwave: Heat individual bars for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, place bars on a baking sheet, and warm them for 10 minutes.
- Skillet: For a crispy bottom, heat a bar in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes.
Customization Ideas
For added flavor, try topping your crumb bars with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate. You can also sprinkle some chia seeds or flaxseed meal into the filling for a health boost. If you’re not a fan of rhubarb, feel free to substitute it entirely with another berry or fruit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Overripe Fruit: While ripe fruit is great, overripe strawberries or rhubarb can lead to mushy filling. Aim for firm but ripe fruit.
- Not Allowing to Cool: Cutting the bars too soon can cause them to crumble. Letting them cool helps them set properly.
- Incorrect Butter Temperature: Make sure the butter is cold and cubed! If it’s melted, the crumb mixture will be too wet.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven. If it’s not hot enough when you place the bars inside, they may not bake evenly.
Serving Occasions
These crumb bars fit perfectly into a variety of occasions. They’re fantastic at summer barbecues, holiday gatherings, or simply enjoyed when you need a sweet treat with your afternoon tea. They also make for an excellent snack in lunchboxes or as a delightful breakfast option paired with yogurt.
Why Make This Recipe
What sets Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars apart is the harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The sweet strawberries balance out the tartness of the rhubarb, while the crumb topping provides a satisfying crunch. This recipe is also easy to follow, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
The use of simple, whole ingredients adds to its charm, helping it shine compared to more complicated desserts. It’s a nostalgic recipe that brings warmth and comfort, making it a favorite in families and gatherings alike.
FAQs
1. Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, by substituting coconut oil for butter and using a flax egg, you can create a delicious vegan version.
2. How can I prevent the filling from being too runny?
Make sure to combine cornstarch with the filling to help thicken the juices that release during baking. Also, using fresh, firm fruit will help!
3. Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! Just wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to three months.
4. Do I have to use rhubarb?
No, you can substitute rhubarb with other fruits, such as blueberries, peaches, or even a mixed fruit medley based on your preferences.
5. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars should be golden brown on top and the filling bubbly. You can also check with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they are ready!
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is approximate, and the ingredient brands you choose may change the count. Always check labels and adjust as necessary!
Print
Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful combination of sweet and tart, these Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars feature a mouthwatering filling surrounded by a buttery, crumbly topping.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped strawberries
- 2 cups chopped rhubarb
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9"x13" baking pan by greasing it lightly.
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Make sure everything is evenly mixed, then set it aside.
- Prepare the crumb mixture: In another bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt together.
- Cut in the butter: Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients until you reach a coarse crumb consistency.
- Form the crust: Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan to form a solid crust.
- Spread on the filling: Pour the fruit filling over the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Top with crumbs: Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the fruit filling.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Cool and slice: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the crumb mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg