Irresistible Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe for Summer

Sweet summer memories bloom with these delectable strawberry rhubarb crumb bars that promise pure nostalgia in every bite.

Fragrant berries dance alongside tart rhubarb, creating a symphony of flavors.

Crisp buttery layers crackle beneath rich fruit filling, inviting eager taste buds to celebrate.

Baking enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike will adore this simple yet extraordinary treat.

Humble ingredients come together effortlessly, yielding a rustic dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Crumbly streusel topping adds delightful texture, making each square a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

Serve these bars during afternoon tea or as a charming finale to any meal.

One taste, and you’ll be swept into a world of delicious comfort.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Proper Storage Guide

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the bars carefully to prevent them from absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality and taste.
• Warm refrigerated bars in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispy texture. Microwave for a quick 15-20 seconds if you prefer a softer treat.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Enjoy the bars slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.

Complements for Rhubarb Crumb Bars

• Pair Sweet Rosé Wine: Complement the dessert's fruity sweetness with a chilled, light rosé that echoes the strawberry notes and balances the tartness of rhubarb.
• Serve Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top the warm crumb bars with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a luxurious contrast between warm, crumbly texture and cold, smooth sweetness.
• Match Lavender Earl Grey Tea: Brew a fragrant Earl Grey tea with subtle lavender undertones to enhance the dessert's delicate fruit flavors and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Drizzle Honey Whipped Cream: Dollop lightly sweetened whipped cream infused with local honey to add a silky, floral dimension that elevates the strawberry-rhubarb complexity.

Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Redone

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil or dairy-free margarine, and use a flax egg instead of a chicken egg to create a plant-based crumb bar.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use fresh or frozen berries without added sugar for a healthier dessert.
• Seasonal Fruit Swap: Replace strawberries and rhubarb with blueberries and peaches, or use apples and cranberries for a different flavor profile during other seasons.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries and rhubarb. Thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing to prevent the bars from becoming too soggy.

• How do I know if the rhubarb is ripe and ready to use?

Look for firm, crisp stalks with a bright red or pink color. Avoid stalks that are soft, wilted, or have brown spots.

• Is it necessary to peel the rhubarb before using?

No, you don’t need to peel rhubarb. Just wash it thoroughly and trim the ends before chopping into pieces.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for better texture.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars That Balance Sweet And Tart

• Quicken Your Dessert Game: Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars offer a speedy solution for satisfying sweet cravings in under an hour.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: This recipe requires basic baking skills, making it perfect for novice bakers wanting to impress family and friends with minimal kitchen expertise.
• Seasonal Fruit Celebration: Capture the essence of spring and early summer by transforming fresh strawberries and rhubarb into a delightful, crowd-pleasing dessert that highlights seasonal produce.
• Versatile Treat for Any Occasion: Whether serving at a potluck, family gathering, or enjoying as an afternoon snack, these bars provide a crowd-pleasing option that transitions effortlessly between casual and elegant settings.

Strawberry Rhubarb Bar Composition

• All-Purpose Flour: A key base for the bar's structure and texture, providing a soft and crumbly foundation.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Add sweetness and help create a caramelized, rich flavor profile.

• Fresh Strawberries, Fresh Rhubarb: Provide natural tartness and fruity sweetness, core ingredients for the filling.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens fruit flavors and helps prevent browning.
• Cornstarch: Thickens fruit filling and prevents excess liquid.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complements the fruit's natural flavors.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, tender crumb and helps bind ingredients together.
• Egg: Provides structure and helps ingredients adhere.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Prep

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Grease a baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of bars later.

Step 2: Make Crumb Base

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Cut cold butter into the dry ingredients and mix in a beaten egg until the mixture becomes loose and crumbly.

Step 3: Form Initial Crust

Press half of the crumbly mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan, creating an even bottom layer that will serve as the foundation for the bars.

Step 4: Prepare Fruity Filling

• Fresh strawberries
• Chopped rhubarb
• Lemon juice
• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Vanilla extract

Mix until all ingredients are well combined and fruits are evenly coated.

Step 5: Layer Fruit Mixture

Spread the strawberry-rhubarb mixture evenly across the initial crust, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.

Step 6: Add Crumb Topping

Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the fruit filling, creating a delightful textured top layer.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown topping and bubbling fruit filling as indicators of doneness.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before cutting into individual servings.

This helps the bars set and makes clean cutting easier.

How The Experts Make Rhubarb Crumb Bars Pop

• Choose ripe, vibrant strawberries and fresh, crisp rhubarb for the most intense, sweet-tart flavor profile.
• Sprinkle a thin layer of cornstarch on the bottom crust before adding fruit to absorb excess moisture and maintain a crisp texture.
• Adjust sugar quantities based on the natural sweetness of your strawberries and the tartness of rhubarb for a perfectly balanced dessert.
• Ensure cold butter is used and cut into the dry ingredients to create a flakier, more delicate crumb topping.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Sweet strawberry rhubarb crumb bars blend tangy fruit with buttery, crumbly goodness. Homemade comfort emerges from simple ingredients, promising delightful bites you’ll savor with pure summer pleasure.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter (226 grams)
• 1 egg
• 2 cups fresh strawberries
• 2 cups fresh rhubarb

Binding/Stabilizing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and coating a baking pan with a thin layer of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Create the crumbly base by combining flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, then incorporate cold butter and beaten egg until the mixture develops a coarse, sandy texture.
3. Firmly press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even, compact foundation for the dessert.
4. Craft the fruity filling by gently tossing fresh strawberries and chopped rhubarb with lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract, ensuring each piece is well-coated and distributed.
5. Carefully spread the vibrant fruit mixture across the prepared crust, creating a colorful and even layer that will provide a burst of flavor.
6. Delicately sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the fruit, allowing some of the filling to peek through and create an appealing textural contrast.
7. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and bubbling fruit that indicates the bars are perfectly cooked.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps them set and makes cutting into neat squares easier.

Notes

• Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness and prevent soggy texture.
• Replace fresh strawberries with frozen ones during off-season, but drain excess liquid before mixing to prevent runny filling.
• Substitute gluten-free flour blend for regular flour to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals without compromising taste or texture.
• Toast the crumb topping ingredients briefly before mixing to develop deeper, nuttier undertones that complement the tangy fruit filling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg