Are you a fan of sweet, fruity desserts with a hint of tanginess? Then this Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars recipe is just what you need! Packed with the vibrant flavors of juicy strawberries and tart rhubarb, these crumbly bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a family gathering, a picnic, or just craving a homemade treat, this recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth. Read on to learn how to make these delicious bars step by step, and don’t miss out on the tips, substitutions, and serving ideas to ensure your dessert turns out perfect!
What are Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars?
Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are a layered dessert with a buttery, crumbly base, a sweet yet tart fruit filling, and a crunchy crumb topping. The star ingredients—strawberries and rhubarb—combine to create a delightful balance of flavors. The fruit filling is sandwiched between a buttery crust and a golden, crisp topping. With the perfect texture of a soft, fruity center and crumbly exterior, these bars are great for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step process of making these heavenly Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars.
Ingredients List for the Crust and Crumb Topping:
To create the perfect base and topping for your Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure and stability for both the base and the crumb topping.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the rhubarb and strawberries.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor and prevents the bars from tasting too sweet.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Creates a rich and buttery flavor while also helping the crust and topping bind together.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle layer of flavor to the crust and crumb.
Ingredients List for the Strawberry Rhubarb Filling:
The filling is where the magic happens. Here’s what you’ll need to create that sweet-tart combination:
- 2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped into small pieces: Rhubarb brings a unique tartness to balance the sweetness of the bars.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped: Juicy strawberries add natural sweetness and bright color.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Helps sweeten the fruit mixture and soften the tartness of the rhubarb.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the filling to ensure it holds together when sliced into bars.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Enhances the tangy flavor of the rhubarb while brightening the strawberries.
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to make this recipe your own? Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to make the bars gluten-free. Ensure your blend includes xanthan gum for proper texture.
- Vegan Option: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan margarine or coconut oil. The flavor will slightly change, but the texture will remain crumbly and delicious.
- Alternative Sweeteners: Swap out granulated sugar for coconut sugar or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness. Just keep in mind that the texture may change slightly with liquid sweeteners.
- Mix of Berries: If strawberries aren’t your favorite, mix in raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry crumb bar.
- Nut Topping: Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the crumb topping for extra crunch and flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of making Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars.
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Prepare the crust and crumb mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve about 1 cup of this mixture for the crumb topping.
- Form the crust: Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create an even crust layer. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the fruit filling: In a separate bowl, mix the chopped rhubarb and strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir well until the fruit is evenly coated, and the mixture starts to look glossy.
- Assemble the bars: Spread the strawberry-rhubarb mixture evenly over the partially baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly on top of the fruit layer, covering as much of the surface as possible.
- Bake: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, slice into squares or rectangles and serve.
How to Cook Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars is a straightforward process that involves three main steps: preparing the crust, making the fruit filling, and assembling the layers. By following the instructions closely, you’ll end up with a dessert that has a perfectly buttery base, a deliciously fruity center, and a crunchy topping.
- Mix and bake the crust: Start by combining the dry ingredients for the crust, then adding melted butter and vanilla extract. Press the mixture into the baking dish to create a solid foundation and prebake it to ensure a crisp base.
- Prepare the filling: While the crust is baking, combine the rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Make sure the cornstarch is evenly mixed to avoid any clumping in the filling.
- Layer and bake: Once the crust is out of the oven, spread the fruit mixture evenly over it. Top with the reserved crumb mixture and return to the oven until golden brown.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make sure your Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars turn out perfectly, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Overbaking the Crust: The crust needs to be lightly golden when you prebake it, not fully baked. Overbaking at this stage will result in a hard crust.
- Not Using Enough Cornstarch: Cornstarch is crucial for thickening the fruit filling. If you skip or reduce it, the filling may turn out too runny.
- Undercooking the Bars: Make sure the bars are baked long enough so that the crumb topping turns golden brown and the filling is set. If the top looks too pale, leave it in for a few extra minutes.
- Cutting the Bars Too Soon: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into them. This will give the filling time to set and make it easier to slice cleanly.
Serving and Presentation Tips
To elevate your Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars and make them even more tempting, consider these serving and presentation ideas:
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The warm bars paired with cold ice cream make for an irresistible dessert.
- Drizzle with icing: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the top before serving.
- Garnish with fresh fruit: Add a few fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars
These bars are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can serve them warm or at room temperature. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread, afternoon tea, or as a sweet treat after dinner. Simply slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy!
Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars
For a visually appealing presentation, try these ideas:
- Layered dessert stands: If you’re serving these at a party, arrange the bars on a tiered dessert stand for a stunning display.
- Individual plates with toppings: Serve each bar individually on small dessert plates with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Rustic tray: Embrace the rustic charm of these bars by serving them on a wooden tray lined with parchment paper.
Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe Tips
- Chill the bars before cutting: For cleaner slices, refrigerate the bars for an hour after they’ve cooled completely.
- Store in an airtight container: These bars will stay fresh for up to three days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
- Reheat gently: If you prefer to serve the bars warm, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen fruit for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen strawberries and rhubarb if fresh isn’t available. Make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess liquid in the filling.
2. Can I freeze the bars? Absolutely! These bars freeze well. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.
3. Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare these bars a day or two ahead. Store them in the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature before serving, or serve them chilled.
Conclusion
Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a buttery crumb topping that complements the fruity filling. Whether you’re making these for a summer picnic, a family gathering, or just to enjoy at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. With step-by-step instructions, easy substitutions, and helpful tips, you’re all set to bake a delicious batch of Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars. So what are you waiting for? Get baking and enjoy these delightful treats!
PrintStrawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe
These strawberry rhubarb crumb bars combine sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb with a buttery, crunchy crumb topping. Easy to make and perfect for a summer dessert, this recipe is ideal for those looking to enjoy seasonal produce in a delightful treat. The bars are baked to perfection and served in convenient squares, making them perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries
- Rhubarb
- Sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix the crust ingredients and press into the bottom of the pan.
- Combine strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, and a bit of flour; spread over the crust.
- Prepare the crumb topping and sprinkle over the fruit layer.
- Bake until golden and let cool before slicing into bars.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen strawberries or rhubarb if fresh is unavailable.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
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