Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

There’s something utterly magical about the combination of strawberries and rhubarb, and I just can’t get enough of it! The first time I made Strawberry Rhubarb Bars, I was taken back to my childhood, where summer meant fresh fruits and outdoor picnics. As a kid, I always looked forward to my grandmother’s baking, and this recipe brings back all those warm, nostalgic feelings. The sweet, slightly tart flavor of the strawberries combined with the unique tang of rhubarb is a pairing that feels like sunshine on a plate. These bars are perfect for any spring gathering, whether it’s a family barbecue or a cozy afternoon tea with friends. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them a fantastic choice for anyone looking to impress without spending all day in the kitchen.

Everything You Need for Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

When it comes to making Strawberry Rhubarb Bars, the ingredients truly matter. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key players include the sweet strawberries, tangy rhubarb, and buttery crumble that ties everything together beautifully.

• All-purpose flour: 1 cup – This forms the base of the crumble, providing structure and texture.
• Rolled oats: 1.5 cups – They add a wholesome chewiness and a rustic feel to the crumble topping.
• Baking powder: 0.5 teaspoon – This helps give the bars a little lift, making them light and airy.
• Salt: 0.5 teaspoon – A pinch to enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness.
• Brown sugar: 0.5 cup (packed) – Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor to the crumble.
• Granulated sugar: 0.25 cup – Sweetens the fruit filling and the crumble topping perfectly.
• Unsalted butter: 0.75 cup (softened) – Essential for a rich, buttery crumble that melts in your mouth.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon – Adds a warm, sweet aroma, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Strawberries: 2 cups (hulled and diced) – The star of our recipe, offering vibrant sweetness.
• Rhubarb: 2 cups (diced in small 1/4 pieces) – Adds a tart kick that perfectly balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Lemon zest: 1 teaspoon – Brightens the flavors and adds freshness to the filling.
• Lemon juice: 1 teaspoon (freshly squeezed) – Enhances the fruitiness and adds acidity.
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon – Thickens the fruit filling, ensuring it holds together nicely.
• Sugar: 0.33 cup – A touch more sweetness for the fruit filling.

Instructions for Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

Creating Strawberry Rhubarb Bars is a breeze! Follow these simple steps and soon enough, you’ll have a mouthwatering dessert that everyone will love. Let’s get started!

1. Prep the oven and baking dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish and spray it lightly with cooking spray. Line it with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the sides. This step is essential for easy removal later.

2. Make the fruit filling. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced strawberries and rhubarb. Sprinkle with sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Gently toss everything together until the fruit is well coated and set aside to let the flavors meld.

3. Make the crumble mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking powder, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Add in the butter and vanilla extract. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture is crumbly. Reserve about a cup of this mixture for the topping.

4. Assemble the bars. Press the remaining crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Evenly spread the fruit filling over the crumb layer, ensuring that it’s distributed well. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the top and gently press it down.

5. Bake. Transfer your baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end to ensure it doesn’t burn.

6. Cool, cut, and serve. Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. Lift it out using the parchment paper, and cut into squares. Serve your delicious Strawberry Rhubarb Bars as is, or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Tips and Tricks about Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

Mastering Strawberry Rhubarb Bars can be fun with these handy tips! Let’s ensure you get the best out of your baking experience.

• Storage: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for maximum freshness.
• Freezing: You can freeze these bars! Just cut them into squares, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
• Pairing: These bars pair wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for added indulgence.
• Serving suggestion: Serve them warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent touch.
• Substitutions: You can swap in other berries if you prefer; blueberries or raspberries can also work well.

How to Serve Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

When serving Strawberry Rhubarb Bars, presentation is key! Here are some ideas to elevate your serving style:

• Fresh toppings: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a classic dessert.
• Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish that adds a hint of sweetness.
• Seasonal fruit: Consider serving with additional fresh strawberries or rhubarb for a burst of color.
• Pairings: These bars go perfectly with a cup of herbal tea or coffee for afternoon treats.
• Picnic perfect: Ideal for outdoor gatherings, pack them in a portable container for easy serving.
• Family gatherings: They make a beautiful centerpiece on dessert tables during spring celebrations or potlucks.

FAQ

Conclusion

Strawberry Rhubarb Bars are truly a delightful dessert that perfectly captures the essence of spring. The sweet and tart combination of flavors, along with the fantastic textures, makes them an irresistible treat. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s an easy way to bring a touch of homemade goodness to your table. Trust me, once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why they hold such a special place in my heart!

Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

The perfect combination of sweet and tart, Strawberry Rhubarb Bars are a must-try! With a buttery crumble topping and a delicious fruit filling, these easy bars are ideal for any spring occasion. You won't be able to resist making them tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 9 servings

Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

• 9-inch Square Baking Cake Pan

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups Rolled oats
• 0.5 teaspoon Baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 cup Brown sugar (packed)
• 0.25 cup Granulated sugar
• 0.75 cup Unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 2 cups Strawberries (hulled and diced)
• 2 cups Rhubarb (diced in small ¼ pieces)
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
• 0.33 cup Sugar

Instructions

 

• Prep the oven and baking dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9x9-inch baking dish and spray it lightly with cooking spray. Line it with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the sides. This step is essential for easy removal later.
• Make the fruit filling. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced strawberries and rhubarb. Sprinkle with sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Gently toss everything together until the fruit is well coated and set aside to let the flavors meld.
• Make the crumble mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking powder, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Add in the butter and vanilla extract. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture is crumbly. Reserve about a cup of this mixture for the topping.
• Assemble the bars. Press the remaining crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Evenly spread the fruit filling over the crumb layer, ensuring that it’s distributed well. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the top and gently press it down.
• Bake. Transfer your baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end to ensure it doesn’t burn.
• Cool, cut, and serve. Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. Lift it out using the parchment paper, and cut into squares. Serve your delicious Strawberry Rhubarb Bars as is, or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Notes

• Storage: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for maximum freshness.
• Freezing: You can freeze these bars! Just cut them into squares, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
• Pairing: These bars pair wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for added indulgence.
• Serving suggestion: Serve them warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent touch.
• Substitutions: You can swap in other berries if you prefer; blueberries or raspberries can also work well.

Keyword Easy Dessert Recipe, fruit bars, Spring Desserts, Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

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Meet Olivia Bennett

For me, cooking is about connection. Whether I’m making a quick breakfast or a three course dinner, I focus on the feeling the food gives you. I love the entire process of food blogging, from chopping the first onion to adjusting the lighting for the final photo. I’m the one who reminds the team to slow down and really taste the food as we go, ensuring every recipe has that “home-cooked” warmth.