If you’re searching for the perfect blend of tangy and sweet in a handheld dessert, look no further than this Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe. Imagine a buttery crumb crust that melts in your mouth, topped with a luscious strawberry and rhubarb filling that bursts with fresh spring flavors, all crowned with a golden streusel. These bars are downright addictive and bring the best of the season’s fruits together in one delightful bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this recipe. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s creating a tender crust or bringing out the fruity brightness in the filling.
- 1 cup oats: Adds a hearty texture and wholesome crunch to the crumbly crust.
- 1 cup flour: The backbone of the crust and streusel, providing structure.
- ¾ cup brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes and a gentle sweetness to the bars.
- ½ cup butter, melted: Creates richness and binds the crust and crumb topping together beautifully.
- 2 cups chopped rhubarb: Offers a tangy punch that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 cup chopped strawberries: Injects juicy sweetness and vibrant color into the filling.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the fruit filling just enough without overpowering the natural flavors.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Thickens the filling to a luscious consistency that holds up nicely when sliced.
How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking. In a large bowl, mix together oats, flour, and brown sugar. Pour in the melted butter, stirring until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press half of this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 8×8-inch pan to form the buttery base that will hold all the fruity goodness.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped rhubarb, strawberries, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Cook, stirring often, for 5 to 7 minutes until the fruit breaks down slightly and the mixture thickens into a glossy, jam-like filling. This step is crucial for ensuring the filling is both flavorful and sets properly inside the bars.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
Spoon the warm fruit filling evenly over the pressed crust in your baking pan. Then, sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the top as a crumbly, golden streusel that adds texture and an irresistible look. Make sure to distribute it evenly so every bite has that classic crumbly finish.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling bubbles slightly around the edges. Once done, it’s important to let the bars cool completely to ensure clean, neat slices when cutting.
How to Serve Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream garnishes these bars beautifully, adding a creamy contrast to the tangy fruit. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves can also elevate the presentation and flavor profile effortlessly.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a light salad for a brunch spread or pair them with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a sweet afternoon treat. Their balanced tartness makes them versatile enough to complement many flavors without overpowering the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, cut the bars into mini squares and arrange them on a decorative platter with fresh strawberries and rhubarb stalks as garnish. You could also layer pieces into parfait glasses with vanilla yogurt for an elegant dessert presentation that’s sure to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making them a great option for make-ahead snacks or spontaneous dessert cravings.
Freezing
These bars freeze surprisingly well. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. When stored properly, they maintain their texture and flavor for up to 3 months—perfect for busy days when you need a quick homemade dessert.
Reheating
To enjoy the bars warm, simply microwave them for 15 to 30 seconds. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to restore the crumbly texture and bring out all the baked-in flavors like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries and rhubarb in this Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries and rhubarb can be used if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery filling.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats to make these bars suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising texture.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Press the crust firmly into the pan and bake it partially before adding the filling if you want an extra crisp base. Also, allowing the bars to cool completely helps the filling set and keeps the crust crisp.
Can I double the recipe to make a larger pan?
Definitely! Doubling the ingredients to fit a 9×13-inch pan works well. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it might need a few extra minutes to cook through.
What other fruits can I substitute in this recipe?
This recipe is wonderfully flexible. You can try substituting rhubarb with tart apples or adding blueberries alongside the strawberries for a fun twist on the classic combination.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and satisfying about this Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe that makes it a true springtime favorite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, these bars manage to hit all the right notes—tangy, sweet, buttery, and crumbly. Give them a try and you’ll soon find these bars becoming a beloved staple in your dessert rotation.
Print
Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 9 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Rhubarb Bars feature a buttery oat crust topped with a tangy-sweet strawberry and rhubarb filling, finished with a golden streusel topping. Perfectly balanced flavors of spring in every bite, ideal for a delightful dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Crust and Streusel
- 1 cup oats
- 1 cup flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
Filling
- 2 cups chopped rhubarb
- 1 cup chopped strawberries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the bars.
- Prepare Crust: In a bowl, combine oats, flour, and brown sugar. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is crumbly and moistened. Press half of this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 8×8-inch baking pan to form the crust.
- Cook Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped rhubarb, chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and becomes jam-like.
- Assemble Bars: Spread the cooked fruit filling evenly over the prepared crust in the baking pan. Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top of the filling.
- Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps achieve clean edges. Optional: serve with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Notes
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting for clean and neat slices.
- These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
