The Perfect Sweet & Tart Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars Recipe

Sweet summer memories bloom when strawberry rhubarb crumble bars arrive at your table.

Crimson stalks and ruby berries mingle in a delightful dance of flavors.

Crisp buttery edges cradle soft, jammy fruit that bursts with tangy sweetness.

Delicate crumble topping adds a satisfying crunch to each delectable bite.

Rustic and homey, these bars speak of leisurely afternoons and gentle baking.

Warm from the oven, they beckon you to slice and savor every incredible morsel.

Gather your ingredients and let the baking magic begin!

Bright Notes in Sweet & Tart Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars

• Dive into a simple recipe that requires minimal culinary skills, perfect for bakers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
• Capture the essence of spring and early summer with a delightful combination of sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb in every delectable bite.
• Enjoy these bars as a crowd-pleasing treat for picnics, potlucks, afternoon tea, or a comforting homemade dessert that suits any casual gathering.
• Create a dessert that brings families and friends together, offering a nostalgic and irresistible sweet-tart experience that everyone will love.

The Blend Behind Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars

• Flour: A key component that provides structure for the crust and crumble.
• Oats: Adds texture and a wholesome flavor to the bar base.
• Brown Sugar: Brings sweetness and depth to the crumble mixture.
• Butter: Creates a rich, tender base with a golden flavor.

• Strawberries, Rhubarb: Fresh fruits that deliver a sweet and tart flavor profile for the filling.
• Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the fruits.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the fruit flavors and adds a subtle tanginess.

• Baking Powder: Helps the crust achieve a light and crisp texture.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the fruit filling and prevents excess liquid.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall sweetness of the dessert.
• Vanilla: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to both the crust and filling.

How to Build Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Grab a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it completely with parchment paper.

Ensure the paper hangs over the edges for easy removal later.

Position your oven rack in the middle and warm it to 350°F.

Step 2: Mix Crumble Base

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

Add softened butter and vanilla extract.

Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture looks like coarse sand.

Set aside 1 cup of this magical crumble for topping.

Step 3: Form Initial Crust

Press the remaining crumble mixture firmly into the prepared pan.

Create an even, compact layer that will become your delicious base.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden brown.

Step 4: Craft Fruity Filling

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

Gently mix until fruits are evenly coated with the sweet-tangy mixture.

Step 5: Layer and Bake

Pour the vibrant fruit filling over the partially baked crust.

Sprinkle the reserved crumble evenly across the top.

Return to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden color and the filling bubbles around the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

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

This helps them set and makes cutting easier.

Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire creation out and slice into perfect squares.

Serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Tips to Sharpen Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars

• Use ripe, in-season strawberries and fresh rhubarb for the most vibrant and intense taste profile.
• Pat strawberries and rhubarb dry before mixing to reduce excess moisture and maintain a crisp bottom layer.
• Freeze butter for 10 minutes before mixing to ensure a flaky, tender crumble topping that holds together beautifully.
• Taste your fruit mixture before baking and adjust sugar levels based on the natural sweetness of your strawberries and tartness of rhubarb.
• Wait until bars are completely cooled to ensure clean, neat cuts and prevent crumbling when serving.

Storing Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars with Ease

• Store cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm refrigerated bars at 325F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispy texture. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Heat individual bars for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and avoid overheating to maintain the crumble's delicate texture.

Matchups for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop a generous dollop of smooth, cold vanilla ice cream alongside the warm, crumbly bars. The cold, rich creaminess perfectly balances the sweet-tart fruit filling and buttery crust.
• Complement with Chamomile Tea: Brew a delicate cup of chamomile tea to enhance the dessert's fruity notes. Its subtle floral hints and gentle warmth create a soothing counterpoint to the vibrant strawberry-rhubarb flavors.
• Match with Prosecco Spritzer: Whip up a light, effervescent prosecco spritzer with a splash of elderflower liqueur. The bubbly, slightly sweet drink cuts through the dessert's richness and adds a celebratory touch to your tasting experience.
• Serve with Whipped Mascarpone: Dollop silky, lightly sweetened mascarpone cheese on top of the bars. Its luxurious, tangy creaminess adds a sophisticated layer that elevates the entire dessert.

Flavor Swaps for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals. Keep other ingredients the same for a delicious alternative.
• Vegan Version: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar to create a plant-based friendly dessert that maintains the original flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Add extra cinnamon or vanilla extract to enhance natural sweetness without increasing calories.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut oil or plant-based butter substitute. Ensure all ingredients are dairy-free to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals while preserving the crumble's texture and taste.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen fruits instead of fresh for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries and rhubarb. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing with other filling ingredients to prevent a soggy crust.

• Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats to create a gluten-free version of the bars.

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

Look for a golden-brown crust and bubbling fruit filling around the edges. The top crumble should be lightly browned and the filling should look set but slightly jiggly in the center.

• Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can slightly reduce the sugar, but keep in mind that it helps with both sweetness and texture. If you want to cut back, try reducing by no more than 25% to maintain the recipe’s overall structure and taste.

Sweet & Tart Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Strawberry rhubarb crumble bars blend summer’s sweetest flavors into one irresistible dessert. Crisp oat-studded streusel and jammy fruit filling create a perfect balance of textures that will delight you at first bite.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Fat and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling Ingredients:

• 2 cups strawberries, sliced
• 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and lining a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
2. Create the foundational crumble mixture by combining flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
3. Incorporate softened butter and vanilla extract into the dry mixture, using fingertips or a pastry cutter to blend until the texture resembles coarse, pebble-like crumbs.
4. Separate and reserve 1 cup of the crumble mixture for the topping, setting it aside in a separate container.
5. Firmly press the remaining crumble mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even, compact base layer that will serve as the crust.
6. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes at 350F (175C) until it develops a light golden color and appears slightly set.
7. While the crust bakes, prepare the fruit filling by combining fresh strawberries, chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla in a separate mixing bowl.
8. Gently fold the fruit mixture to ensure all ingredients are well integrated and the cornstarch evenly coats the fruit pieces.
9. Once the crust is lightly golden, remove from the oven and carefully spread the fruit filling over the entire surface.
10. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly across the fruit layer, creating a textured topping.
11. Return the assembled bars to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the fruit filling begins to bubble around the edges.
12. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling set and makes cutting easier.
13. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and slice into square portions for serving.

Notes

• Choose ripe, firm strawberries and tender rhubarb for the best flavor balance and texture in your crumble bars.
• Adjust sugar levels based on fruit sweetness; taste your fruit mixture before adding to ensure perfect tartness.
• Dice rhubarb and strawberries into uniform small pieces to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the bars.
• Substitute gluten-free flour and rolled oats for a celiac-friendly version without compromising the delicious crumbly base.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg