If you’re looking for a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors wrapped up in a buttery, crumbly crust, this Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. These bars offer a perfect balance between the bright, juicy bite of fresh strawberries and the slightly tart, refreshing zing of rhubarb. Each bite melts in your mouth with a tender, oat-studded base that adds just the right amount of texture. Whether you want to impress guests at a summer gathering or simply crave a warm, homemade treat, these bars deliver joy in every square.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to bringing out the best in this dessert. Each component plays an important role— from the wholesome oats lending chewiness to the burst of fresh strawberries and rhubarb injecting vibrant color and flavor. Let’s get started with what you’ll need!
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the crust and topping for perfect crumbly texture.
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats: Adds a hearty chew and rustic charm to every bite.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Gives a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the fruit filling.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures a lightness in the oat crust to keep it from being overly dense.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and binds the dry ingredients into a tender crust.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced: Bright, juicy, and bursting with natural sweetness.
- 2 cups rhubarb, diced: Adds the perfect touch of tartness to offset the strawberries.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the fruit filling evenly without overpowering it.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling, keeping it wonderfully gooey but not runny.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A splash of acidity that highlights the freshness of the fruit.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the filling with warm, comforting notes.
How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature ensures even baking, allowing the crust to crisp up beautifully while the filling bubbles. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal of those perfectly formed bars.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust and Topping
In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly. Take about two-thirds of this mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This forms a sturdy yet tender base for your fruity filling. Keep the remaining oat mixture aside; it will become the delicious crunchy topping.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In another bowl, toss together the diced strawberries and rhubarb. Add the granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until the fruit is evenly coated. This combination will bubble up with sweet-tart flavor as it bakes into a luscious filling.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spread the fruit filling evenly over the crust layer. Then sprinkle the reserved oat topping evenly over the fruit. This layered approach guarantees a perfect balance of crumble and juicy filling in every bite. Place your dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the topping turns golden brown and the filling bubbles with irresistible aroma. Let it cool completely before cutting into 16 bars.
How to Serve Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of these Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe slices makes an indulgent finish. For an extra pop of freshness, sprinkle a few chopped mint leaves or lightly dust powdered sugar over the bars right before serving.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea. If you’re planning a brunch or dessert spread, complementary sides include light salads or a cheese platter to balance the sweet and tart flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider serving these bars as mini squares topped with a fresh strawberry slice and a leaf of mint on decorative plates. You can also layer crumbled bars with Greek yogurt and honey in parfait glasses for a show-stopping twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep delicious and moist for up to 4 days, making for quick grab-and-go snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars unfrosted for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying again.
Reheating
To revive that freshly baked warmth, pop slices in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave briefly for about 20 seconds. The filling will re-soften and the crust regain some crispness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries and rhubarb for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from frozen fruit before mixing the filling to avoid a watery texture.
Is it possible to substitute gluten-free flour?
Yes, a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works well here. Just keep in mind the oats should be certified gluten-free if you need a completely gluten-free dessert.
Can I make these bars vegan?
To veganize, replace butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and ensure sugars and other ingredients comply with your preferences. The result will still be wonderfully delicious.
How do I prevent the topping from burning?
If you notice the oat topping browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
What makes the filling thick and not runny?
The cornstarch in the filling is the secret ingredient that thickens the juices released by strawberries and rhubarb as they bake, so the bars cut cleanly without sogginess.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe enough for anyone who loves a wonderful balance of sweet and tart in their desserts. It’s such a joy to prepare and even more rewarding when you share those flaky, fruity bites with friends and family. Trust me, once you try it, these bars will become a staple in your baking repertoire!
Print
Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the perfect balance of sweet and tart with these homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Bars. Featuring a buttery oat crust and crumbly topping that envelop a luscious mixture of fresh strawberries and rhubarb, these bars bake to golden perfection and cool into a fruity treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust and Topping
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Fruit Filling
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 cups rhubarb, diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare the Crust and Topping: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the melted unsalted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Reserve one-third of this oat mixture for the topping.
- Form the Crust: Press two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust layer. Set aside the remaining crumb mixture for the topping.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the diced fresh strawberries, diced rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Assemble the Bars: Evenly spread the strawberry and rhubarb filling over the oat crust. Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture evenly over the fruit filling, creating the crumbly topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, cut into 16 bars and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the filling is spread evenly to prevent soggy spots.
- Allowing the bars to cool completely helps the filling set properly.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the oat mixture.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
