Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the magical combination of strawberries and rhubarb! It’s like a sweet and tart love affair happening right in your mouth. Every time I whip up a batch of these strawberry rhubarb crumb bars, I feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me. I remember my grandma’s kitchen, filled with the scent of fresh baked goods and laughter. The crumbly topping perfectly complements the juicy fruit filling, creating a dessert that’s not just delicious but also comforting. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked on that delightful balance of flavors. These bars are truly the essence of summer in every crumb!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups strawberries, chopped
- 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Prepare Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars
Preheat and Prepare the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). I can’t stress enough how important this step is! Preheating ensures that your bars bake evenly right from the start. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than a soggy bottom, and this little detail is key to avoiding that!
Mix the Fruit Filling
Now, grab a medium bowl and toss in the chopped strawberries and rhubarb. Sprinkle in the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and a splash of lemon juice. Give it a gentle stir until everything is coated—this will help thicken the juices as they cook. The aroma alone will have your mouth watering!
Prepare the Crust and Crumble Topping
In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—this part is so satisfying! Then, gradually add the flour mixture and the rolled oats. Stir until everything is combined; it’s going to be a crumbly mixture that’s just perfect!
Assemble the Bars
Next, take half of that crumb mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a greased baking dish—this is your crust! Spread the luscious fruit filling evenly over the crust, then take the remaining crumb mixture and sprinkle it generously on top. It’s like a cozy blanket for your fruit!
Baking Instructions
Pop the baking dish into the oven and let it bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the top is golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool completely before cutting into bars. Oh, the anticipation will be worth it, I promise!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: These strawberry rhubarb crumb bars come together in no time! With just 20 minutes of prep, you’ll be on your way to enjoying a delightful dessert.
- Easy to Make: The steps are simple and straightforward, making this a perfect recipe for cooks of all skill levels. You don’t need to be a pro to impress your friends and family!
- Delicious Flavor: The sweet strawberries paired with the tart rhubarb is a flavor explosion you won’t forget. It’s a perfect harmony that dances on your taste buds with every bite.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a barbecue, potluck, or family picnic, these bars are a crowd-pleaser. People will be coming back for seconds, trust me!
- Suitable for Vegetarians: With ingredients that are all plant-based, these crumb bars are a delightful treat everyone can enjoy without any worries.
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! These strawberry rhubarb crumb bars are not only scrumptious but also surprisingly reasonable in terms of nutrition. Each bar is estimated to contain:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. So, if you decide to swap in a different type of sugar or butter, just know it might change things a bit! But hey, who’s counting when you’re enjoying a delicious treat like this?
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your strawberry rhubarb crumb bars turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to keep in mind while you’re baking:
- Choosing the Right Fruit: When selecting strawberries, look for bright red berries that are firm and fragrant. For rhubarb, you want the stalks to be crisp and vibrant—avoid any that are wilted or have blemishes. Trust me, fresh ingredients make all the difference!
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: This little ingredient helps thicken the fruit filling and prevents it from getting too runny. It’s a game changer, so don’t skip it!
- Let Them Cool: I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but let your bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set up nicely and makes slicing much easier.
- Storage Tips: To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to two months. Just be sure to wrap them well!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to play around! Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the crumble or a dash of nutmeg to the fruit filling for a little extra flavor. It’s your kitchen—get creative!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the most delicious strawberry rhubarb crumb bars ever. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
You’ve baked these delightful strawberry rhubarb crumb bars, and now it’s time to take them to the next level! Trust me, there are so many delicious ways to serve them that will make your taste buds sing. One of my all-time favorites is to add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The creamy, cold ice cream melts slightly into the warm bars, creating a heavenly combination that’s simply irresistible!
If you want to keep things a bit lighter, a dollop of freshly whipped cream is another fantastic option. It adds a fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with the crumbly topping and juicy fruit filling. You could even sprinkle a little cinnamon on top of the whipped cream for a cozy touch!
And for those special occasions, why not drizzle a bit of homemade caramel or chocolate sauce over the bars? It adds a decadent flair that’ll impress your guests! Seriously, no one can resist that drippy goodness.
Lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous, serve them with a side of Greek yogurt mixed with honey. The tanginess of the yogurt complements the sweet-tart flavors of the bars beautifully. Whatever you choose, just know that these strawberry rhubarb crumb bars are a canvas for your creativity—enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen strawberries and rhubarb?
Absolutely! Frozen fruit will work just fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mixing it into your filling. This will help keep your bars from getting too soggy.
How do I know when my bars are done baking?
You’ll know they’re ready when the top is golden brown and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan. If you gently press the center, it should feel set but slightly soft. Just remember, they’ll firm up as they cool!
What can I substitute for the butter?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Just keep in mind that it might slightly change the flavor, but it’ll still be delicious!
How should I store leftover bars?
Store your strawberry rhubarb crumb bars in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to two months. Just be sure to wrap them well!
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Of course! These bars are perfect for making ahead. Just bake them, let them cool completely, and store them in the fridge. They taste just as good, if not better, after a day or two as the flavors meld together!
Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars: 5 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious dessert combining strawberries and rhubarb with a crumbly topping.
Ingredients
- 2 cups strawberries, chopped
- 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and brown sugar together.
- Add flour mixture and oats to the butter mixture.
- Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Spread fruit mixture over the crust.
- Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture on top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be served warm or cold.
- Add whipped cream for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: strawberry rhubarb crumb bars
