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
Scale
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.
