Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe

Looking for a dessert that's both sweet and tart, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion? These Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are your answer! With the delightful combination of juicy strawberries and tangy rhubarb, these crumb bars are a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're hosting a summer picnic, a brunch, or just want something sweet to snack on, this recipe has got you covered. Stick around for all the details, tips, and tricks to make the best crumb bars ever!

What Are Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars?

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are a delightful dessert that features a buttery crumb crust, a juicy fruit filling made from strawberries and rhubarb, and a crunchy topping. These bars are baked to perfection and are ideal for sharing at parties, family gatherings, or simply enjoying with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The tangy rhubarb balances the sweetness of the strawberries and the crumbly, buttery crust brings it all together.

Now, let’s dive into the key elements of this recipe!

Ingredients List for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

For the Crust and Crumb Topping:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides the base for the crust and the crumb topping.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the rhubarb.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted – Melted butter binds the crumb mixture and adds richness.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps give the crust a little lift and prevents it from being too dense.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor by balancing the sweetness.

For the Strawberry Rhubarb Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced – Sweet and juicy, strawberries are the main star of the filling.
• 2 cups fresh rhubarb, diced – Tart and tangy, rhubarb gives a wonderful contrast to the sweet strawberries.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Adds brightness and prevents the fruit from being overly sweet.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the fruit filling, balancing the tartness of the rhubarb.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch – Thickens the filling, ensuring the bars don’t become too runny.

Substitutions and Variations

You can customize your Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some great options:

1. Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
2. Dairy-Free Option: Replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative to create a dairy-free version of these bars.
3. Other Fruit Combinations: If strawberries and rhubarb aren’t in season, you can use other fruits like blueberries, peaches, or raspberries for the filling. However, the balance of sweet and tart may change, so adjust the sugar accordingly.
4. Spices: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumb topping for a warm, cozy flavor.
5. Oats in the Topping: For an extra crunch, consider adding ½ cup of rolled oats to the crumb topping mixture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars might seem complicated, but it's easier than you think. Follow these simple steps to bake your perfect batch!

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars later.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Crumb Topping

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until a crumbly mixture forms.
• Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping, and press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the crust. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to make it firm and even.

Step 3: Prepare the Fruit Filling

• In a medium bowl, combine the strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss the fruit mixture until evenly coated. This will ensure the filling thickens as it bakes.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

• Spread the strawberry and rhubarb filling evenly over the crust. Then, sprinkle the reserved crumb topping over the fruit layer, covering it as evenly as possible.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

• Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling.
• Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares. This ensures the filling sets properly and makes slicing easier.

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

To recap:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the pan.
2. Mix crust and topping: Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and melted butter. Reserve 1 cup for the topping.
3. Press the crust into the prepared pan evenly.
4. Prepare the filling by mixing strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
5. Assemble by spreading the fruit over the crust and sprinkling the crumb mixture on top.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
7. Cool before cutting for neat, perfectly portioned bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

1. Not Using Enough Cornstarch: Cornstarch is key to thickening the filling, so don’t skip it! Without it, your bars could turn out runny.
2. Overcooking the Bars: Keep an eye on the bars while they bake. If you bake them too long, the topping may burn and become overly dry.
3. Cutting the Bars Too Soon: It’s tempting to dig in right away, but cutting the bars before they’ve cooled completely can result in a messy, unstructured filling.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are easy to serve and are just as delicious warm or cold. Here are some tips for the perfect presentation:

How to Serve Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

• As a Dessert: Serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert pairing.
• For Brunch: These bars also work great as a part of a brunch spread. Serve them alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and coffee for a balanced and delicious morning treat.
• Make Ahead: These bars keep well for up to 3 days, making them a great make-ahead option for entertaining.

Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

• Rustic Platter: For a casual gathering, serve the bars on a wooden board or rustic platter with powdered sugar lightly dusted on top.
• Elegant Plate: For a more formal occasion, serve the bars on individual dessert plates with a drizzle of strawberry syrup or a fresh mint sprig for added color.
• Picnic-Style: These bars travel well, so pack them in a picnic basket with other sweet and savory treats for a perfect outdoor feast.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe Tips

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh strawberries and rhubarb for the best flavor. If out of season, frozen fruit works too, just thaw and drain the excess liquid.
2. Chill Before Serving: For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the bars for at least an hour before slicing. This allows the filling to fully set.
3. Store Properly: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them to keep them fresh longer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries and rhubarb? A: Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the other ingredients.

Q: How long do these bars last? A: Stored in an airtight container, the bars will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature, or up to 5 days in the fridge.

Q: Can I freeze the bars? A: Absolutely! These bars freeze well. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q: What can I substitute for rhubarb if I don’t like it? A: If rhubarb isn’t to your taste, you can substitute it with an equal amount of other tart fruits like raspberries, cherries, or even diced apples.

Conclusion

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. With a buttery crust, juicy fruit filling, and crumbly topping, these bars are sure to become a favorite. Easy to make, customizable, and versatile, this recipe is a must-try! Whether you’re serving them for dessert, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these crumb bars are bound to impress. Now, grab your ingredients and get baking—your new favorite treat awaits!

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