Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe

Strawberry and rhubarb are a classic pairing that delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, especially when baked into soft, buttery crumb bars. These Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are an irresistible treat with a tender, crumbly base and topping, and a luscious fruit filling that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you're enjoying them at a summer picnic, a potluck, or just as a snack at home, these crumb bars are sure to satisfy. Keep reading for the full recipe, tips, and variations to help you create the perfect batch!

---

What Are Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars?

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are a delicious dessert or snack bar made with layers of buttery, crumbly dough and a sweet-tart strawberry and rhubarb filling. The bottom layer serves as a sturdy yet soft base, while the top layer is a crispy, golden crumb topping. Between the two layers is a juicy filling of fresh strawberries and tangy rhubarb, cooked down with sugar and a hint of lemon to create a jammy, flavorful center. These bars combine different textures and flavors in every bite, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.

---

Ingredients List for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

To make these delicious crumb bars, you’ll need the following ingredients, divided into two parts: the crumb crust and topping, and the strawberry rhubarb filling.

For the Crumb Crust & Topping:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for added warmth)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Rhubarb Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped (about 4 stalks)
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar (adjust based on the tartness of your rhubarb)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)

---

Substitutions and Variations for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

Feel free to customize this recipe with substitutions or variations that suit your taste or dietary needs:

1. Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum for structure.
2. Dairy-Free Option: Swap the butter for a plant-based butter alternative or margarine. Choose a variety that is firm and cold, as this helps create the crumbly texture.
3. Different Fruits: Replace the strawberries with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches. You can also adjust the ratio of rhubarb to fruit if you prefer more or less tartness.
4. Oats in the Crumble: Add ½ cup rolled oats to the crumb topping for a heartier texture and extra crunch.
5. Cinnamon and Nutmeg: For extra warmth and depth, add a pinch of ground nutmeg along with the cinnamon in the crumble mixture.

---

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars is easier than you might think! Simply follow these step-by-step instructions to create your delicious bars.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Crust and Topping

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using).
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The pieces of butter should be pea-sized.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and vanilla extract. Add this to the crumb mixture and mix until the dough starts to come together.
4. Set aside about 1 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, forming an even layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Rhubarb Filling

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
2. Stir frequently and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the fruit softens and the mixture thickens slightly. You want the fruit to break down but still retain some texture.
3. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

1. Once the strawberry rhubarb filling has cooled slightly, pour it evenly over the crust in the baking pan.
2. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top of the filling, making sure to cover as much surface area as possible.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
2. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing.

---

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

1. Cutting cold butter into the dry ingredients creates the perfect crumbly texture for both the crust and topping.
2. When making the filling, cooking the strawberries and rhubarb briefly helps soften the fruit and thicken the filling before baking.
3. Evenly spreading the filling and crumb topping ensures every bite has a balance of tart fruit and buttery crumble.
4. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This ensures they set properly and hold their shape.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when making Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars:

1. Using room temperature butter: Cold butter is essential for creating the crumbly texture of the crust and topping. If the butter is too soft, the crumb layer will be less crisp and more doughy.
2. Overcooking the fruit filling: Cooking the strawberries and rhubarb just until they soften is key. Overcooking them will result in a mushy filling that can become too watery in the oven.
3. Skipping the cooling time: It can be tempting to slice into the bars while they’re still warm, but cooling is necessary for the bars to set properly. Cutting them too early can cause the bars to fall apart.

---

Serving and Presentation Tips

When serving Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars, a little extra attention to presentation can make them even more irresistible!

How to Serve Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

• Serve warm or at room temperature: These bars are delicious either way. If you prefer them warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
• Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream complements the tartness of the rhubarb and makes for a more indulgent dessert.

---

Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

• Dust with powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar before serving adds a touch of elegance.
• Garnish with fresh strawberries or rhubarb slices: Place a few slices of fresh strawberries or thinly sliced rhubarb stalks on the serving plate for a beautiful, vibrant presentation.
• Serve on a wooden board or cake stand: For a rustic look, serve the bars on a wooden board or an elegant cake stand to add a touch of charm to your presentation.

---

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe Tips

• Store leftovers: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freeze for later: You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.
• Double the recipe: If you’re serving a large group or want to have extra bars on hand, double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan (like a 10x15-inch pan). Adjust the baking time as needed, and keep an eye on them.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen strawberries and rhubarb?

Yes, you can use frozen fruit, but be sure to thaw it first and drain any excess liquid. You may need to cook the filling a little longer to help reduce the moisture content.

2. How do I know when the bars are done?

The bars are done when the crumb topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

3. Can I use only strawberries or only rhubarb?

Yes, you can make these bars with just strawberries or just rhubarb. However, if you use only rhubarb, you may need to increase the sugar in the filling to balance out the tartness.

4. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the bars up to a day in advance. Store them at room temperature or in the fridge, and serve the next day.

---

Conclusion

These Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are a delightful way to enjoy the classic combination of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb in a buttery, crumbly treat. Perfect for summer picnics, afternoon tea, or as a dessert at any time of year, these bars are sure to become a favorite. With their balance of textures and flavors, they offer a refreshing yet indulgent bite that everyone will love. Happy baking!

Print