Sweet-Tart Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe for Summer Joy

Sweet summer memories dance through this strawberry rhubarb crumb bars adventure that promises pure delight.

Seasonal fruits blend magnificently in a dessert both rustic and elegant.

Crimson rhubarb and ruby strawberries create a perfect harmony of tartness and sweetness.

Crisp buttery crumbles top a luscious fruit filling that melts in your mouth.

Each bite carries a nostalgic whisper of countryside picnics and grandmother’s kitchen.

Fragrant spices and fresh ingredients elevate this simple treat beyond ordinary expectations.

Grab a fork and savor every delectable moment of this irresistible homemade masterpiece.

FAQs

• What are the key flavors in this dessert?

The bars combine the sweet taste of strawberries with the tart punch of rhubarb, creating a perfect balance of flavors that’s both bright and refreshing.

• Is this recipe good for beginners?

Yes! This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced baking skills. The layering process is simple, and the crumb topping is very forgiving for home bakers.

• Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries and rhubarb work well. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing to prevent the bars from becoming too soggy.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden-brown crumb topping and slightly bubbling fruit edges. The bars should be set but still have a slight jiggle when the pan is gently shaken.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Full of Flavor

• Boost Family Dessert Time: Strawberry rhubarb crumb bars bring everyone together with their sweet-tart flavor that appeals to both kids and adults, creating delightful shared moments around the table.
• Master Simple Baking Skills: This recipe offers an excellent opportunity for home bakers to practice layering techniques and learn how to create a perfect crumb topping without complex professional skills.
• Seasonal Fruit Celebration: Capture the essence of spring and early summer by transforming fresh strawberries and rhubarb into a delectable dessert that highlights seasonal produce at its peak ripeness.
• Versatile Treat for Any Occasion: These bars work perfectly as a casual picnic dessert, potluck contribution, afternoon snack, or elegant finish to a dinner party, making them incredibly adaptable for different gatherings.

Ingredients for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the crust that provides structure and texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the base layer.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich and crumbly crust with a buttery flavor.

• Strawberries, Rhubarb: Fresh seasonal fruits that offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the fruits and helps create a jammy consistency.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the fruit filling and prevent excess moisture.

• All-Purpose Flour, Brown Sugar: Provides a sweet and sturdy texture to the crumbly layer.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the crumb topping and creates a rich, golden-brown finish.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic spice to complement the fruit flavors.

• Vanilla Extract, Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the bars.

How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create the Buttery Base

• Flour
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Cold butter
• Salt

Press this crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a solid foundation for your delicious bars.

Step 3: Prepare the Fruity Filling

• Fresh strawberries (chopped)
• Rhubarb (sliced)
• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Lemon zest
• Vanilla extract

Spread this vibrant fruit mixture evenly over the prepared crust, ensuring a colorful and tangy layer.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Crumbly Topping

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Cinnamon

Scatter this golden crumb mixture generously over the fruit layer, creating a delightful textural contrast.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Look for a golden-brown top and bubbling fruit edges that signal your bars are ready.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

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

Serve and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors!

Pro Tips for Crumb Bar Success

• Swap fresh strawberries with frozen ones during off-season, ensuring they're thawed and well-drained to prevent excess moisture.
• Reduce sugar for a less sweet version or use alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a healthier twist.
• Enhance flavor by adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the fruit mixture for depth and warmth.
• Check doneness by looking for golden-brown edges and a slightly bubbling fruit layer, which indicates the bars are perfectly baked.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.

Variations to Customize Crumb Bars

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use almond flour for the crumb topping to create a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular eggs, and select plant-based sugar to transform the recipe into a dairy-free treat.
• Berry Swap Variation: Substitute strawberries and rhubarb with mixed berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a different seasonal fruit combination.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and incorporate chia seeds into the fruit mixture for added natural sweetness and texture.

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

• Picnic Perfect Slices: Pack these bars in individual wraps for a delightful outdoor dessert that travels well and impresses friends at any gathering.
• Summer Brunch Delight: Serve warm alongside vanilla yogurt or whipped cream for an elegant breakfast treat that balances sweet and tangy flavors.
• Dessert Plating Elegance: Cut into precise squares and dust with powdered sugar, creating a bakery-style presentation that looks professionally crafted.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair with hot Earl Grey tea, letting the fruity crumb bars complement the tea's subtle bergamot notes for a sophisticated snack moment.

How to Store Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

• Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
• Refrigerate for extended freshness, keeping bars in a sealed container up to 5 days.
• Freeze individual bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheat refrigerated or frozen bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

Simple Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Irresistible strawberry rhubarb crumb bars combine sweet and tangy flavors in a delightful dessert. Buttery crumble layers and fresh seasonal fruits make these bars a perfect summer treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries
• 1 cup rhubarb

Dry Ingredients:

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

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
2. Create the buttery crust by blending flour, sugar, and cold butter until crumbly, then firmly press the mixture into the prepared pan’s bottom to form a compact base.
3. Toss freshly chopped strawberries and rhubarb with granulated sugar, cornstarch, and a touch of lemon zest to enhance the fruit’s natural tartness and prevent excess moisture.
4. Distribute the fruit mixture evenly across the prepared crust, ensuring a consistent layer that covers the entire surface.
5. Craft the crumble topping by mixing flour, brown sugar, oats, and cold butter until it resembles coarse, uneven crumbs with varying texture.
6. Generously sprinkle the crumb topping over the fruit layer, allowing some fruit to peek through for visual appeal.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the fruit filling bubbles slightly.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours, which helps the filling set and makes cutting easier.
9. Lift the bars out using the parchment paper edges, slice into square or rectangular portions, and serve at room temperature.

Notes

• Choose ripe, vibrant strawberries and fresh, crisp rhubarb for the most intense flavor and best texture.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the fruit filling for a warm, subtle spice that complements the sweet-tart profile.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend in both the crust and crumb topping.
• Create a dairy-free alternative by using coconut oil instead of butter, which adds a subtle tropical hint to the dessert.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 110 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg