Quick & Zesty Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe

Sweet summer memories bloom with these strawberry rhubarb crumb bars that capture the essence of sunny afternoons.

Juicy berries mingle with tart rhubarb, creating a vibrant filling nestled between buttery, crumbly layers.

Farmers markets inspire this delightful dessert, where seasonal produce beckons with colorful charm.

Crisp edges and soft centers make each bite a perfect balance of textures.

Baking these bars feels like wrapping yourself in a warm, nostalgic embrace.

Home kitchens come alive with the aroma of fresh fruit and golden, sugary crumbs.

Serve these bars and watch smiles spread faster than jam on warm toast.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars That Impress

• Burst with Seasonal Freshness: Celebrate spring and early summer by using ripe, juicy strawberries and tender rhubarb in a delightful dessert that captures the essence of the season.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Bars: Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings, these bars offer a crowd-pleasing treat that’s both visually appealing and incredibly delicious.
• Master Simple Baking Technique: Enjoy a beginner-friendly recipe that requires minimal baking skills, with straightforward steps anyone can follow to create a stunning dessert that looks professionally made.
• Customize with Ease: Experiment with different fruit combinations or add a sprinkle of nuts to the crumb topping, making this versatile recipe adaptable to your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.

Ingredients for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that creates the base and crumbly texture of the bars.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
• Baking Powder: Provides a light and slightly risen texture to the crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
• Cold Butter: Creates a flaky and rich base with its cold temperature and fat content.

• Rhubarb: A tart vegetable that adds a unique tangy flavor to the dessert.
• Strawberries: Sweet and juicy fruit that complements the tartness of rhubarb.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness of the fruits and adds sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the fruit filling and prevent excess liquid.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps prevent fruit browning.

• Powdered Sugar: A classic finishing touch for dusting over the bars for extra sweetness and presentation.

Stepwise Guide to Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Prep the Pan

Crank your oven to 375°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Slice cold butter into small pieces and work it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs.

Press half of this magical crumb mixture firmly into the prepared pan, creating a solid foundation for your delicious bars.

Step 3: Prepare the Fruity Filling

• Chopped rhubarb
• Sliced strawberries
• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Fresh lemon juice

Mix these ingredients until the fruits are evenly coated and glossy.

Step 4: Layer the Fruity Goodness

Spread the vibrant fruit mixture evenly over the crumb base, making sure to cover every inch of the crust.

Step 5: Add the Crumbly Topping

Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the fruit layer, creating a rustic, textured top that will turn golden and crispy during baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown top and set fruit filling.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper edges to lift the entire batch out, then slice into delectable squares.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

• Ensure butter is cold and cut into small cubes for the perfect crumbly texture that creates a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crust.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries and tender rhubarb for the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness in the fruit layer.
• Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing of the bars without sticking.
• Adjust sugar levels based on the sweetness of your fruits – rhubarb can be quite tart, so taste and modify accordingly.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting to help them set and maintain their shape, creating picture-perfect dessert squares.

Twists on Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

• Gluten-Free Berry Bars: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Fruit Crumble: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based sugar, and add ground flaxseed as a binding agent.
• Low-Sugar Fruit Bars: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use mixed berries for a reduced-calorie option.
• Dairy-Free Crumb Bars: Use margarine or coconut oil instead of butter, ensuring all ingredients are dairy-free for those with lactose intolerance.

Serving Ideas for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

• Summer Picnic Delight: Pack these bars in a cute container for a fresh outdoor treat that screams sunshine and sweet memories.
• Dessert Brunch Companion: Serve warm alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an elegant weekend morning indulgence.
• Gifting Goodies: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper with a ribbon for a homemade present that feels personal and delicious.
• Tea Time Charm: Pair with a light herbal tea or cold milk for a perfect afternoon snack that balances tart and sweet flavors.

How to Store Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the crumb bars fresh and delicious.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze the bars for longer storage by placing them in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, where they’ll stay good for 2-3 months.
• Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen fruits instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries and rhubarb. Thaw and drain them completely before using to prevent excess moisture in the bars.

• How do I know when the crumb bars are done baking?

Look for a golden-brown top and set edges. The filling should be bubbling slightly, and the crumb topping should look crisp and lightly browned.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture.

Quick Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Irresistible strawberry rhubarb crumb bars blend sweet and tangy flavors in a delightful dessert. Buttery crumble layers and fresh seasonal fruit create a perfect summer treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Fruit Layer:

• 2 cups strawberries
• 2 cups rhubarb
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crumb Base and Topping:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Arrange the oven rack in the middle position and heat to 375°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
2. Create the base crust by combining dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Incorporate chilled butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse, irregular crumbs. Gently press half of this mixture firmly into the prepared pan, creating an even foundation.
3. Prepare the fruit filling by dicing rhubarb and strawberries into uniform pieces. Toss with sugar, cornstarch, and fresh lemon juice, ensuring each fruit piece is evenly coated and glistening.
4. Distribute the vibrant fruit mixture carefully across the pressed crust, spreading it to create a uniform layer that reaches the edges of the pan.
5. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the fruit, allowing some fruit to peek through, which creates an appealing rustic texture.
6. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and bubbling fruit edges that indicate complete cooking.
7. Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely in the pan, which helps the filling set and makes cutting cleaner and more precise.
8. Using parchment paper edges, lift the entire dessert from the pan and slice into square bars for serving.

Notes

• Swap ingredients flexibly by using gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Freeze extra bars in an airtight container for up to one month, preserving their delicious texture and flavor.
• Reduce sugar slightly if using very ripe, sweet strawberries to maintain balanced tartness from rhubarb.
• Add ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumb topping for deeper, warming flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg