Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe

If you're a fan of classic strawberry rhubarb pie but want a handheld treat that’s easy to share, Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are your answer! These bars combine the irresistible tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of strawberries, layered between a buttery crust and a crunchy, golden crumb topping. They’re ideal for summer picnics, potlucks, or as a cozy dessert to enjoy with a cup of tea.

These bars offer all the flavor of a pie, without the fuss of rolling out dough or cutting slices. Keep reading for the full recipe and tips on how to make these delightful treats!

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What Are Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars?

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a tangy strawberry-rhubarb filling, and a crumbly oat topping. The rhubarb provides a delightful tartness, while the strawberries add sweetness and a bright, fruity flavor. The combination of the crunchy crumb topping and the soft, jammy filling makes for a dessert that’s both satisfying and nostalgic. These bars are like a pie that you can eat with your hands—perfect for casual snacking or special occasions.

Ingredients List for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious crumb bars:

For the Crust and Crumble Topping:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Rhubarb Filling:

• 2 cups rhubarb, diced (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and quartered
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is quite adaptable, and you can easily switch up the ingredients depending on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few substitution and variation ideas:

1. Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.
2. Dairy-Free Option: Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like margarine or coconut oil.
3. Mixed Berries: If strawberries aren’t available, you can mix in other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
4. Nutty Crumble: For extra crunch, add ½ cup of chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the crumb topping.
5. Spiced Filling: For a warmer flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the filling mixture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps to make these Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars from start to finish.

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

2. Make the Crust and Crumble

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Whisk everything together until well combined.
• Add the cold butter cubes and vanilla extract. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, mix the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Some larger chunks of butter are fine—they will create a deliciously flaky crust.
• Take ⅔ of this mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to form the crust. Set the remaining ⅓ of the crumb mixture aside for the topping.
• Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes, or until it starts to turn lightly golden around the edges. Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

3. Prepare the Strawberry Rhubarb Filling

• In a medium bowl, toss together the diced rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir until the fruit is well coated and the cornstarch is evenly distributed. The cornstarch will help thicken the filling as it bakes, giving the bars that perfect, jammy texture.

4. Assemble the Bars

• Spread the strawberry-rhubarb filling evenly over the pre-baked crust.
• Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the filling, ensuring even coverage. Don’t worry if some fruit is still peeking through—the crumb topping will spread and crisp up as it bakes.

5. Bake the Bars

• Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
• Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.

6. Cut and Serve

• Once the bars have cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan. Cut them into squares or rectangles, and serve!

How to Cook Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here are a few important tips to ensure your Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars turn out perfect:

1. Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is crucial for creating a flaky crust and crispy crumb topping. Make sure your butter is cold and firm when you mix it into the dry ingredients.
2. Don’t Overmix the Crust: When making the crust and crumble, you want the mixture to stay crumbly. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough base rather than a light and buttery one.
3. Bake Until Golden: Keep an eye on the bars during the final baking stage. The topping should turn a beautiful golden brown, and the filling should be bubbly. This ensures the crumble is crunchy and the filling is thickened.
4. Cool Before Slicing: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. The filling needs time to set, and cutting them too soon can cause the bars to fall apart.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a straightforward recipe like this, there are a few potential pitfalls to watch out for:

1. Soggy Crust: If you don’t pre-bake the crust, it may turn out soggy underneath the filling. Pre-baking ensures the base stays crisp.
2. Too Tart or Too Sweet: Rhubarb is naturally tart, so balancing the sweetness is key. Taste your strawberries beforehand; if they’re very sweet, you might reduce the sugar slightly. Conversely, if they’re tart, you can increase the sugar.
3. Runny Filling: If you skip the cornstarch or don’t bake the bars long enough, the filling may be too runny. Be sure to follow the recipe and let the bars bake until the filling is bubbling and thick.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are versatile and can be served warm or at room temperature. Here are some serving ideas:

1. Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream pairs wonderfully with the tart fruit and crunchy topping.
2. Drizzle with Glaze: For extra sweetness and a polished presentation, drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the cooled bars. You can make a quick glaze by mixing 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk and a splash of vanilla extract.
3. Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a lovely touch just before serving.

How to Serve Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

These bars are best served at room temperature, though they’re also delicious slightly warmed. To serve them warm, you can microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds. They’re perfect as a dessert on their own or served with coffee, tea, or lemonade. They make a great addition to any potluck or party, and they’re easy to transport if you’re on the go.

Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

1. Decorative Platter: Arrange the bars on a pretty platter and garnish with fresh strawberries and small sprigs of mint for a pop of color.
2. Tiered Dessert Stand: Display the bars on a tiered stand alongside other desserts for a more elegant presentation at parties or gatherings.
3. Gift-Wrapped Bars: For a thoughtful gift, wrap individual bars in parchment paper and tie with string or a ribbon. Perfect for sharing!

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your crumb bars turn out perfectly every time:

• Cut Evenly: Use a sharp knife to slice the bars, and for even cleaner cuts, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between each cut.
• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. They also freeze well—just wrap individual bars tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the crust and crumble mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. The bars themselves can also be made a day ahead and kept in the fridge until ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars?
A: Yes! These bars freeze beautifully. Once fully cooled, cut them into squares and wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I use frozen fruit?
A: Absolutely. If using frozen rhubarb or strawberries, no need to thaw them beforehand. Just increase the cornstarch to 3 tablespoons to account for the extra moisture.

Q: Can I make these bars in a smaller pan?
A: Yes! If you use an 8x8-inch pan, you’ll have thicker bars. Just extend the baking time by 5-10 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.

Conclusion

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are the perfect dessert for spring and summer, combining the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of strawberries and the comfort of a buttery crumble topping. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying an afternoon snack, or treating your family to a homemade dessert, these bars are sure to impress. Follow the recipe, customize it to your liking, and enjoy the delicious result! Happy baking!

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