Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe

Looking for the perfect dessert that balances sweetness with a subtle tartness? These Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are the answer! With a buttery crust, a juicy fruit filling, and a crunchy crumb topping, this recipe brings a delightful harmony of flavors and textures to your table. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect crumb bars. So, read on, and let’s dive into the delicious world of Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars!

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What are Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars?

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are a dessert made with layers of shortbread-like crust, a luscious filling of fresh strawberries and tart rhubarb, and a crumbly, buttery topping. The combination of strawberries and rhubarb creates the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. These bars are a great way to celebrate the flavors of spring and early summer when strawberries and rhubarb are in season. The crumbly top gives a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft and juicy filling. You can serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cold as a grab-and-go snack.

Ingredients List for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

To get started on your Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients for the crust, filling, and crumb topping:

For the Crust and Crumble Topping:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your crumb bars, giving structure to the crust and topping.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust and adds a bit of crunch.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: Provides a slight lift to the crust and crumble, making them light and airy.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors in both the crust and crumble.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Adds richness and helps create that buttery, flaky texture.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients together for a firm crust and crumbly topping.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor.

For the Strawberry Rhubarb Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced: The sweet and juicy strawberries are the perfect partner for rhubarb.
• 2 cups fresh rhubarb, diced: Adds a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling without overpowering the natural flavors of the fruit.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the fruit mixture, ensuring your bars hold together when cut.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Enhances the tartness and adds brightness to the filling.

Substitutions and Variations

While this recipe is classic and delicious as is, there are a few substitutions and variations you can try depending on your preferences or what’s available in your kitchen.

1. Fruit Substitutions: If strawberries or rhubarb aren’t available, you can substitute other fruits. Raspberries, blackberries, or peaches work well as replacements or add-ins to the recipe.
2. Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
3. Vegan Option: Use a plant-based butter alternative and replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) to make the recipe vegan.
4. Lower-Sugar Version: Reduce the sugar in both the filling and the crust by half, or use a sugar substitute like coconut sugar or a stevia blend. Keep in mind that the bars will be less sweet but still flavorful.
5. Add a Spiced Twist: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or cardamom to the crumb topping for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the strawberry-rhubarb filling.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to bake? Follow these steps to create your Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars from scratch.

Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Crumble Topping

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the cold cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and vanilla extract. Add this to the flour-butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Press half of the dough mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Set aside the remaining half for the crumble topping.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Rhubarb Filling

1. In another large bowl, combine the diced strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
2. Stir gently until the fruit is well-coated, and the cornstarch and sugar are evenly distributed.
3. Spoon the strawberry-rhubarb filling evenly over the prepared crust.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Crumble the remaining dough mixture evenly over the fruit layer. You can leave some larger chunks to give the bars a more textured topping.
2. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
3. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.

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

Let’s break down the cooking process into clear steps so you can achieve perfect bars every time:

1. Prepare your ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients are measured and ready to go. This ensures a smooth and stress-free cooking process.
2. Make the crust and crumble topping: The dough for the crust and topping comes together quickly. Be sure to work quickly with the butter to keep it cold, which is essential for a flaky crust and crumb.
3. Prepare the fruit filling: Toss the fruit with sugar and cornstarch right before adding it to the crust. This ensures that the sugar and cornstarch don’t draw too much moisture from the fruit, which could make the bars soggy.
4. Assemble the layers: Press half the dough mixture into the baking dish for the crust, add the fruit filling, and sprinkle the remaining dough mixture on top for a crumbly finish.
5. Bake to perfection: Keep an eye on your bars as they bake. The top should be golden, and the filling should be bubbling at the edges.
6. Cool completely: Resist the urge to cut into the bars immediately. Let them cool completely to ensure the filling sets and the bars hold together when cut.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not letting the bars cool completely: Cutting into the bars too soon can result in a messy, runny filling. Patience is key!
• Overworking the dough: When making the crust and crumble topping, be careful not to overmix. You want the butter to remain cold and create a light, crumbly texture.
• Using too much fruit: Stick to the recommended amounts of strawberries and rhubarb. Too much fruit can make the bars overly wet and soggy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Your Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are sure to impress, but with the right serving and presentation, you can elevate them to the next level.

How to Serve Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

• Warm with Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The cold ice cream paired with the warm, tangy bars is an unbeatable combination.
• Cold with Whipped Cream: Chill the bars and serve them with a dollop of whipped cream for a lighter, refreshing treat.
• As a Snack: These bars are just as good on their own, perfect for a grab-and-go snack or packed in a lunchbox.

Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

• Powdered Sugar Dusting: Dust the tops of the bars with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
• Fruit Garnish: Serve the bars with a few fresh strawberries or a rhubarb stalk curled on the side for a pop of color.
• Serve on a Wooden Board: Present the bars on a rustic wooden board for a casual, country-inspired look.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe Tips

• Use fresh, in-season fruit: For the best flavor, use ripe, fresh strawberries and rhubarb. Frozen fruit can be used in a pinch but may result in a wetter filling.
• Make ahead: These bars keep well in the fridge for up to a week or can be frozen for longer storage.
• Adjust sweetness: If your rhubarb is extra tart, you can add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the filling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen strawberries and rhubarb?

Yes, you can use frozen fruit, but thaw it first and drain any excess liquid to prevent the bars from becoming too soggy.

How long do Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars last?

These bars will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely! Once they’re completely cooled, wrap the bars tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend.

Conclusion

There you have it—a delightful and easy-to-make Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars recipe! With their perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, buttery crust, and crumbly topping, these bars are a fantastic dessert for any occasion. Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed cold as a snack, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to experiment with the variations and tips we’ve shared. Happy baking!

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