If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors, these strawberry rhubarb crumb bars are just what you need. They bring together the delightful taste of fresh strawberries and tangy rhubarb, all enveloped in a buttery crumb topping. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.
Imagine biting into a soft, chewy bar with a hint of tartness from the rhubarb and the sweet juiciness of strawberries. The crumbly topping adds a satisfying crunch that complements the soft filling. Whether served warm or chilled, these bars are a delightful treat any time of year.
The Allure of Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars
These enticing crumb bars bring together the unique combination of strawberries and rhubarb, resulting in a dessert that is both sweet and tangy. The vibrant pink filling peeks out from beneath a golden, buttery crumb topping, creating a visual treat that invites indulgence.
Each bite offers a delightful contrast in textures, where the soft filling melds with the crunch of the crumb topping. This balance makes them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration with friends.
Ingredients That Shine
The key to these bars lies in the selection of fresh ingredients. Chopped strawberries add a burst of sweetness, while rhubarb contributes a refreshing tartness that elevates the overall flavor profile. Together with a base of rolled oats and flour, the ingredients create a harmonious blend that is hard to resist.
A touch of lemon juice and vanilla extract enhances the fruity notes, while brown sugar lends a depth of flavor to the crumb topping, making each bite memorable.
Creating the Perfect Crust
A well-made crust sets the foundation for these bars. The mixture of flour, oats, and brown sugar, combined with cold butter, forms a crumbly texture that is pressed into the baking dish. This method ensures a sturdy base that holds up against the luscious filling.
By reserving a portion of this mixture for the topping, bakers can achieve a lovely layered effect. As it bakes, the crust transforms into a beautifully golden layer, perfectly contrasting the vibrant fruit beneath.
Preparing the Luscious Filling
The filling is where the magic happens. Combining the fresh strawberries and rhubarb with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice creates a mixture that is both flavorful and visually appealing. As the fruit cooks in the oven, the sugars caramelize, and the juices meld to form a rich, bubbling center.
Even before it bakes, the filling promises a delightful sweetness that will balance with the crumb topping. The addition of cornstarch ensures that the filling isn’t too runny, providing a perfect consistency that holds its shape when sliced.
The Baking Process
Once the layers are assembled, the pan is slid into the oven, where the magic truly takes place. The bars need about 35 to 40 minutes to bake, during which time the kitchen fills with a mouthwatering aroma of baked fruit and buttery crumbs.
Watching the topping achieve a golden hue while the filling bubbles beneath is an exciting moment for any baker. The anticipation builds as the bars cool, and the wait is well worth it when they are finally ready to be cut into squares.
Serving Suggestions
These crumb bars shine on their own, but they can be elevated with a few simple serving suggestions. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance, and pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
For an extra flourish, fresh strawberries and rhubarb stalks can be artfully arranged around the bars, enhancing their visual appeal while hinting at the fresh flavors within. They are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them, leaving a lasting impression with their vibrant taste and lovely presentation.
The Perfect Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars
These strawberry rhubarb crumb bars feature a buttery crust and crumble topping that encases a luscious filling made from fresh strawberries and rhubarb. With a delightful mix of flavors and textures, they are both sweet and slightly tart, making them an enticing dessert option.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
- 1 cup chopped rhubarb
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and baking soda. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the Crust: Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, combine strawberries, rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix gently until the fruit is coated.
- Add the Filling: Spread the fruit mixture evenly over the crust in the baking dish.
- Add the Topping: Crumble the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the fruit layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares. Serve as is, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 16 bars
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
