Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe

When strawberry season meets rhubarb season, magic happens in the kitchen. These Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars perfectly combine the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the tartness of rhubarb, all sandwiched between buttery, crumbly layers. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer dessert or a new way to enjoy this classic flavor pairing, these crumb bars are easy to make and sure to impress. Stick with us through this recipe and learn how to create a batch of delicious Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars in no time!

What Are Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars?

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are a simple, handheld dessert made with a buttery crumb base and topping, filled with a layer of strawberry and rhubarb fruit mixture in the middle. The bars combine the richness of a shortbread-like crust with the sweet and tart filling, making them the perfect balance of flavors. They are similar to a fruit pie or crumble but much easier to serve, as they can be cut into squares or rectangles for a convenient treat.

Ingredients List for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

To make Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Crumb Base and Topping:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Rhubarb Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 2 cups fresh rhubarb, diced (about 3-4 stalks)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the filling)

With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be able to create a delicious batch of Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars that everyone will love!

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few substitution ideas and variations:

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Be sure to choose a blend that’s made for baking to maintain the right texture.
• Dairy-Free: Swap out the butter for a dairy-free alternative, such as vegan margarine or coconut oil. Just make sure it’s cold before cutting it into the flour mixture for the crumb topping.
• Different Fruits: If rhubarb isn’t in season or available, you can substitute it with other tart fruits like raspberries or blackberries. You can also make these bars with just strawberries if you prefer.
• Crumble Topping: For a more textured crumb topping, try adding ½ cup of rolled oats or chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) to the crumb mixture before baking.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to start baking? Here’s how to make Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars step-by-step:

Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Crumb Topping

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Make the crumb mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This process will create the buttery crumb base and topping.
3. Add the egg and vanilla: Whisk the egg and vanilla extract in a small bowl, then stir it into the crumb mixture until just combined. The dough will be slightly crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
4. Press the crust: Press about ⅔ of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Set aside the remaining ⅓ for the topping.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Rhubarb Filling

1. Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, diced rhubarb, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated and the cornstarch is well distributed.
2. Layer the filling: Spread the strawberry rhubarb filling evenly over the crust in the baking pan, making sure the fruit reaches the edges.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Top with remaining crumbs: Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top of the fruit layer. You can use your hands to gently press the crumbs down for an even topping, but don’t pack it too tightly — you want some of the crumbs to stay loose for a light, crunchy texture.
2. Bake the bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling. The edges should look firm and slightly crispy.
3. Cool completely: Once the bars are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

1. Slice into bars: Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Transfer them to a cutting board and slice into squares or rectangles.
2. Serve and enjoy: These bars are perfect served at room temperature, but they’re also delicious slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

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

To recap the key steps:

1. Prepare the crumb mixture: Combine flour, sugar, and cold butter for a perfectly crumbly texture.
2. Create the fruit filling: Toss together fresh strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch to thicken the filling.
3. Assemble the layers: Press ⅔ of the crumb mixture into the pan, layer the fruit mixture on top, then sprinkle the remaining crumbs for a delicious crunchy topping.
4. Bake until golden: Bake for about 40-45 minutes until the topping is golden and the fruit is bubbling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Fruit: Keep an eye on the filling as it bakes to avoid overcooking. You want the fruit to soften but not turn into mush. The cornstarch will help thicken the filling as it bakes.
• Not Using Cold Butter: Cold butter is key to getting that perfect crumbly texture. Warm or softened butter will make the crumb topping too dense and greasy, so be sure to use butter straight from the fridge.
• Not Letting the Bars Cool: It may be tempting to slice into the bars while they’re still warm, but allowing them to cool completely helps the filling set and makes them easier to slice cleanly.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are not only delicious but also visually stunning with their golden crumb topping and bright, vibrant fruit filling. Here are some serving and presentation tips to elevate your dessert:

How to Serve Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

• Serve at room temperature: These bars are best served at room temperature, which allows the flavors to fully develop.
• With Ice Cream: For an indulgent summer dessert, serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a simple but elegant touch, lightly dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar before serving.

Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

• On a Serving Platter: Arrange the bars on a large serving platter or a wooden board for a rustic presentation, especially for gatherings or potlucks.
• Garnish with Fresh Berries: For an extra pop of color, garnish the platter with fresh strawberries or small sprigs of mint.
• Cut into Bite-Sized Pieces: If serving these at a party, cut the bars into bite-sized squares for an easy, grab-and-go dessert option.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars freeze well! Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Mix It Up: If you want to experiment, try adding a pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon to the fruit filling for a subtle spice, or use a combination of berries (like blueberries or raspberries) for a different flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen fruit?
A: Yes! You can use frozen strawberries and rhubarb if fresh isn’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain the fruit before using to avoid excess liquid in the bars.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Absolutely! To make the recipe vegan, use a plant-based butter substitute for the crumb mixture and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water) in place of the egg.

Q: Do I have to peel the rhubarb?
A: No, you don’t need to peel rhubarb for this recipe. Just make sure to wash it thoroughly and trim off any tough or woody ends.

Q: Can I add other fruits to the filling?
A: Yes! Feel free to add other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches to the filling for a mixed berry version of these crumb bars.

Conclusion

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are the perfect blend of sweet and tart, with a buttery, crumbly topping that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re making them for a summer picnic, holiday gathering, or simply to enjoy the flavors of the season, these bars are sure to be a hit. With easy-to-follow instructions and plenty of room for customization, this recipe is one you’ll want to return to again and again. So grab some fresh strawberries and rhubarb, and get baking! You won’t be disappointed.

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