Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe

Strawberry rhubarb crumb bars are the perfect blend of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb, with a buttery crumbly crust that’ll leave your taste buds begging for more. Whether you’re preparing a dessert for a special occasion or just a sweet treat for your family, these crumb bars are sure to become a crowd favorite. Keep reading for a complete guide to making the best strawberry rhubarb crumb bars, tips for variations, and much more.

What Are Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars?

Strawberry rhubarb crumb bars are delicious layered dessert bars that combine a crumbly, buttery crust, a luscious fruit filling, and a crumble topping. The filling is made with fresh strawberries and rhubarb, two fruits that complement each other perfectly. The rhubarb brings a tangy bite, while the strawberries add sweetness, creating a well-balanced and delectable dessert. The bars are easy to make, and they’re the perfect way to enjoy seasonal summer produce. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy them chilled as a snack.

Ingredients List for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect strawberry rhubarb crumb bars:

For the Crust and Crumble:

• 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, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Rhubarb Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For Optional Toppings:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving

Ingredient Notes and Tips:

• Butter: Make sure your butter is cold for the crumbly texture. Warm butter can make the crust too soft.
• Fresh Strawberries and Rhubarb: Fresh fruit works best for this recipe, but you can use frozen if needed. Just make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess liquid in the filling.
• Lemon Juice: This enhances the tanginess of the rhubarb and balances the sweetness of the strawberries.

Substitutions and Variations

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences or ingredients on hand. Here are a few ideas:

1. Fruit Substitutes: If rhubarb is out of season or unavailable, try substituting it with raspberries or cherries for a different kind of tartness. You can also use a mix of strawberries and blueberries for a sweeter variation.
2. Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your gluten-free flour mix contains xanthan gum for structure.
3. Sugar Substitutes: For a healthier version, you can substitute half of the granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup. Just note that these will add additional moisture, so you may need to increase the flour slightly in the crust.
4. Oatmeal Crumble: For a heartier, more textured crumble topping, you can mix in ½ cup of rolled oats with the crust and topping mixture.
5. Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the filling for extra flavor and brightness.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to start baking! Follow this easy step-by-step guide to making perfect strawberry rhubarb crumb bars.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
2. Prepare the Crust and Crumble: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the beaten egg and vanilla extract. The dough will be crumbly, but that’s perfect! Set aside about 1 cup of the mixture for the topping.
3. Press the Crust: Press the remaining crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to press it down firmly. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden, then remove from the oven and set aside.
4. Make the Filling: In another bowl, combine the chopped strawberries and rhubarb. Sprinkle sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract over the fruit and toss gently to coat. The cornstarch will help thicken the filling as it bakes.
5. Assemble the Bars: Pour the strawberry rhubarb filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Then, take the reserved crumb mixture and sprinkle it over the fruit filling, ensuring it covers the surface evenly.
6. Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden and the filling is bubbly. The kitchen will smell amazing as the fruit juices blend with the buttery crust!
7. Cool and Slice: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This can take about 1 hour. Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and slice them into squares.

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

1. Prep Time: 20 minutes
2. Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
3. Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, including cooling time.

Follow the detailed instructions above to ensure the best outcome. The key to the perfect crumb bars lies in the balance between a tender, buttery crust and the right amount of tart and sweet in the filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Warm Butter: The butter needs to be cold when mixed into the flour mixture for that perfect crumbly texture. If your butter is too warm, your crust will become greasy and overly soft.
2. Overmixing the Crumble: You don’t want a smooth dough; the mixture should remain crumbly. Overmixing will turn it into a dense crust rather than the desired light and crumbly texture.
3. Skipping the Pre-Bake: Baking the crust for a few minutes before adding the filling ensures it stays firm and doesn't turn soggy from the moisture of the fruit.
4. Not Allowing the Bars to Cool: It’s tempting to dig into these bars right away, but give them time to cool. This helps the filling to set and makes it easier to slice cleanly.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Strawberry rhubarb crumb bars can be served in various ways depending on the occasion. Here are some ideas for serving and presenting your crumb bars to impress your guests:

1. With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar for an elegant and sweet finish.
2. Add a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve warm bars with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing. The creamy texture of the ice cream complements the tart fruit filling beautifully.
3. Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream on top of each bar adds a light, airy contrast to the dense crumbly crust.
4. Fresh Berries for Garnish: Sprinkle a few fresh strawberries or extra rhubarb pieces on top for a burst of color and extra flavor.

How to Serve Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

You can serve these crumb bars either warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for afternoon snacks, picnics, or even a delightful dessert after a summer meal. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

• Stacking on a Tiered Cake Stand: For a more formal presentation, arrange the bars on a tiered stand with fresh strawberry slices as decoration.
• Individual Plates: Place each bar on an individual dessert plate and garnish with a small sprig of mint or a drizzle of strawberry sauce.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe Tips

1. Chill the Bars: If you prefer a firmer texture, chill the bars in the fridge for 1-2 hours before serving.
2. Use a Serrated Knife: For cleaner cuts, use a serrated knife to slice the bars after they’ve completely cooled.
3. Make Ahead: You can prepare these bars a day in advance. The flavors actually deepen after they’ve sat for a while.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze strawberry rhubarb crumb bars?
A: Yes! These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Q: Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely. If you’re using frozen strawberries and rhubarb, make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

Q: How do I prevent soggy bars?
A: Pre-baking the crust helps keep the base from getting soggy. Also, make sure to allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to let the filling set properly.

Q: What if I don’t have rhubarb?
A: If you can’t find rhubarb, you can substitute it with another tart fruit like raspberries or cherries.

Conclusion

Strawberry rhubarb crumb bars are an irresistible treat, perfect for summer gatherings, family picnics, or even just a weekday dessert. With their combination of sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb, paired with a buttery crumb topping, these bars are bound to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Follow this guide to bake the perfect batch, and feel free to get creative with substitutions and presentation. Enjoy every delicious bite!

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