If you're looking for a dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavors of strawberry and rhubarb with a buttery crumb topping, this Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars recipe is the perfect treat for you. Whether you're preparing for a family gathering, picnic, or just craving a delicious dessert to enjoy at home, these bars will surely hit the spot. Read on to learn everything you need to know about making these delectable Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars, from the ingredients list to step-by-step cooking instructions, plus tips on serving and common mistakes to avoid.
What Are Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars?
Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are layered dessert bars made with a sweet, tangy strawberry-rhubarb filling sandwiched between a buttery, crumbly crust and topping. The combination of juicy strawberries and tart rhubarb creates a unique flavor profile that contrasts perfectly with the crunchy and buttery layers. This dessert is easy to make, versatile, and perfect for serving with a cup of coffee or tea, or as a showstopper at a party.
Ingredients List for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars
To make these delicious bars, you'll need a mix of fresh fruits and pantry staples. Here's a comprehensive list of ingredients for the crust, filling, and crumb topping.
Crust and Topping Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds flavor to the topping)
Strawberry Rhubarb Filling Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 2 ½ cups fresh rhubarb, diced (you can use frozen, but thaw and drain it first)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for added brightness)
Substitutions and Variations
While this Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars recipe is already delightful, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Make sure to pick a blend that contains xanthan gum for structure.
- Sugar Substitutes: If you want to reduce the sugar, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Keep in mind that alternative sweeteners may alter the taste slightly.
- Berry Substitutions: If strawberries aren't in season, you can replace them with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. The combination of rhubarb and other tart berries will still result in a tasty dessert.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace the butter with a plant-based butter or margarine to make these bars dairy-free.
- Vegan Variation: In addition to using plant-based butter, swap the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s dive into how to make these irresistible Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars from scratch. Follow these instructions carefully for the best results.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars once baked.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust and Crumb Topping
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add in the cubed cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract, and stir until the mixture begins to clump together. Set aside about 1 ½ cups of this mixture to use as the crumb topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Rhubarb Filling
In another large bowl, combine the diced strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using). Gently toss the ingredients together until the fruit is well-coated and the cornstarch is evenly distributed. The cornstarch will help thicken the filling as it bakes.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Spread the strawberry-rhubarb filling evenly over the crust in the baking dish. Make sure the fruit mixture is distributed across the surface. Then, sprinkle the reserved crumb topping evenly over the fruit layer. You can press the crumbs down lightly to ensure they adhere.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges. The crumb topping should have a light crunch while the fruit filling should be soft and slightly jammy.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is important because it helps the filling set. After the bars have cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan and slice them into squares or rectangles.
How to Cook Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients for the crust and crumb topping.
- Cut in the cold butter and add the egg and vanilla extract to create a crumbly mixture.
- Press most of the mixture into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
- Toss the strawberries and rhubarb with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and zest to make the filling.
- Spread the fruit filling over the crust and sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool completely before slicing into bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Crust and Crumb Topping: When combining the dry ingredients with butter, it's important not to overmix. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs, which helps create a light, flaky texture.
- Not Allowing the Bars to Cool: Letting the bars cool completely is crucial for setting the filling. Cutting into them too soon can result in a runny mess.
- Using Too Much Sugar: The filling should have a balance of sweet and tart. Adding too much sugar can overpower the rhubarb's natural tartness and make the bars overly sweet.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are as beautiful as they are delicious. Here’s how you can serve and present them for an added wow factor.
How to Serve Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars
- Serve the bars at room temperature or chilled for a refreshing treat.
- For an indulgent touch, top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess balances the tartness of the rhubarb beautifully.
- Pair the bars with a hot cup of tea or coffee to complement the flavors.
Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars
- Dust the top of the bars with a light coating of powdered sugar for a professional-looking finish.
- Serve on a decorative plate with a sprig of mint or a few whole strawberries on the side to add a pop of color.
- Arrange the bars in a neat grid on a platter for a clean, elegant presentation at gatherings or events.
Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe Tips
- Make-Ahead Option: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They also freeze well, so you can enjoy them later.
- Use Seasonal Ingredients: Fresh strawberries and rhubarb taste best when in season. However, you can use frozen fruit in a pinch—just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before using.
- Cutting Clean Bars: For cleaner slices, refrigerate the bars for at least an hour after cooling. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I freeze Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well! After baking and cooling, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.
Can I use frozen strawberries and rhubarb?
Absolutely. If using frozen fruit, be sure to thaw it completely and drain off any excess liquid before adding it to the filling. This prevents the bars from becoming too watery.
What’s the best way to store the bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them.
Do I have to peel the rhubarb?
You don’t need to peel rhubarb, but if the stalks are particularly thick or tough, you can peel away the outer layer using a vegetable peeler for a softer texture.
Conclusion
Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are the perfect dessert to showcase the flavors of summer. The sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb create a harmonious balance with the buttery crust and crumbly topping. Whether you're serving them at a family gathering, potluck, or just enjoying a sweet treat at home, these bars are sure to impress. Follow the recipe and tips above to bake up a batch of these delightful bars. Enjoy every bite, and don't forget to share this recipe with friends and family!
PrintStrawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe
These strawberry rhubarb crumb bars combine a sweet and tart filling of fresh strawberries and rhubarb, topped with a buttery crumb crust. The perfect dessert bars for spring and summer, using seasonal ingredients.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries
- Rhubarb
- Sugar
- Lemon juice
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish.
- Mix strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl. Let sit.
- Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and butter to make the crumb mixture.
- Press half the crumb mix into the pan and top with the strawberry-rhubarb filling.
- Sprinkle remaining crumbs on top and bake until golden.
- Cool before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Ensure rhubarb is fresh for optimal flavor.
- Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Pairs well with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
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