Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe
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If you’ve never tried the perfect harmony of sweet and tart, you’re in for a treat with this Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe. These bars combine tender oats and buttery crust with a luscious filling bursting with fresh strawberries and vibrant rhubarb. Every bite delivers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that feels like sunshine on a plate. Whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging by yourself, these bars will quickly become one of your most cherished desserts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make all the difference in creating a dessert that feels homemade and comforting. Each element plays a vital role: the oats add a lovely chewiness, the brown sugar lends deep caramel notes, and fresh fruit keeps it refreshingly tangy and sweet.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: for a sturdy yet tender base that holds everything together.
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats: bringing a rustic texture and a hint of nuttiness.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: adds moisture and a rich, molasses-like sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: gives the crust a slight lift, keeping it light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: balances the sweetness and enhances flavors overall.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: the secret to a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust and crumbly topping.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced: juicy sweetness that pairs perfectly with rhubarb’s tartness.
- 2 cups rhubarb, diced: brings a tangy brightness that makes these bars so distinctive.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: sweetens the fruit filling just right without overpowering it.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: helps thicken the fruit filling so it’s perfectly set.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: adds a zesty kick to brighten all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: a warm hint that rounds out the fruit filling beautifully.
How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your bars will lift out cleanly, keeping the edges perfectly intact and ready for slicing.
Step 2: Mix the Crust and Topping
In a large bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir just until the mixture looks crumbly. This is your secret crumbly base and topping! Press two-thirds of this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a solid crust, then save the rest to sprinkle over your fruit filling later.
Step 3: Prepare the Fruit Filling
Next up, toss the diced strawberries and rhubarb in a medium bowl. Add the granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix gently until everything is nicely coated. This filling is where the magic happens — the balance of tart rhubarb and sweet strawberries, thickened just enough for perfect, juicy bars.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Spread the fruit mixture evenly over the crust in your pan. Then, scatter the reserved crumbly oat mixture on top like a blanket, giving an irresistible crunchy contrast once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the bars for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling bubbles enticingly. Once out of the oven, let them cool completely. This wait is worth it because cooling allows the filling to set beautifully, making cutting clean bars a breeze.
How to Serve Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes can turn these bars from delightful to downright dazzling. A dusting of powdered sugar offers a pretty, snowy finish, while a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy counterpoint to the tart fruit filling.
Side Dishes
While these bars stand well on their own, pairing them with a light green salad or a cup of herbal tea makes a lovely afternoon treat. The freshness of a salad or the warmth of tea complements the bars’ diverse flavors without overwhelming them.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe extra special? Serve individual bars in small dessert bowls topped with a drizzle of honey or a few fresh mint leaves. Or transform them into mini parfaits layered with Greek yogurt and granola for an exciting twist everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Strawberry Rhubarb Bars, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep beautifully for up to 4 days, during which the flavors meld even deeper, making each bite more delicious than the last.
Freezing
If you want to save these bars for longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen bars last up to 3 months, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To enjoy these bars warm, simply reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or place them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. Warm bars bring out the buttery crust and the luscious fruit filling like freshly baked!
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries and rhubarb in this Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from frozen fruit before mixing it into the filling. This helps keep the bars from becoming too watery while baking.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. This substitution works well without sacrificing taste or texture.
How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
You’re looking for a golden brown top and bubbly filling visible through the crumbs. The edges should also be set and pulling slightly away from the pan.
Can these bars be made vegan?
Definitely! Replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil and use a plant-based sweetener if desired—your Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe will still be deliciously satisfying.
What kind of rhubarb should I use?
Fresh, firm stalks of rhubarb are best for this recipe. The vibrant pink or red stalks not only brighten the filling’s color but also add that signature tart flavor to the bars.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like serving up a batch of these Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe when friends or family come over. The perfect mix of sweet and tart, crumbly and juicy, makes them feel like a little celebration with every bite. I hope you enjoy baking and savoring these bars as much as I do—they truly bring warmth and joy to any table.
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Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these luscious Strawberry Rhubarb Bars featuring a buttery oat crust and a sweet-tart fruit filling. Perfect as a summertime treat or dessert, these bars combine fresh strawberries and rhubarb baked to bubbly perfection under a crumbly oat topping.
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
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 ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Prepare the Crust and Topping: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, packed brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the melted unsalted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and holds together when pressed. Press about two-thirds of this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Reserve the remaining one-third for the topping.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the diced strawberries and rhubarb with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix gently until everything is well combined and the fruit is coated evenly.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the prepared fruit filling evenly over the oat crust in the baking dish. Then sprinkle the reserved oat crumble mixture evenly over the fruit layer, covering it completely.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. This ensures the fruit is cooked through and the crust is crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the baking dish. This cooling step helps the filling to set, making it easier to cut into neat bars. Once cooled, cut into 16 squares and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries and rhubarb for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure the bars are completely cooled before cutting to prevent the filling from oozing.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
