Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of tart rhubarb and sweet strawberries, especially when it comes together in a delightful bar form. I distinctly remember the first time I tasted these strawberry rhubarb bars at a summer picnic; the flavors danced on my palate, capturing the essence of warm weather and shared moments. Whether you’re looking for a delectable treat to bring to a potluck or a dessert that will impress your family during a weekend gathering, these bars are a fantastic choice. They are not only easy to make but also a celebration of seasonal fruits, making them perfect for any occasion.

Why Make This Recipe

Reasons to Try It

What makes this recipe special is its balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness of strawberries beautifully complements the tangy notes of rhubarb, creating an irresistible filling enveloped in a buttery oat crust. This dish is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that can transport you to sunny afternoons spent outdoors.

“These strawberry rhubarb bars are hands down the best dessert I’ve ever made! The flavors are vibrant, and they disappeared within minutes at our family BBQ.”

Perfect for a weeknight treat or as a crowd-pleaser during a holiday gathering, these bars are quick to prepare and budget-friendly. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch!

How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

Step-by-Step Overview

Making strawberry rhubarb bars might seem daunting, but it’s quite straightforward. You’ll be:

1. Prepping the fruit filling.
2. Combining the crust and topping ingredients.
3. Assembling the layers.
4. Baking until golden and bubbly.

Ingredients

Gather These Items

To make these delicious bars, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups sliced strawberries (measure after removing the cores & slicing)
• 2 cups chopped rhubarb (chopped about 1/5 – 1/4 inch slices, approximately 1/3 cm)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch (24 grams, AKA corn flour in the UK and Australia)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (30 ml, freshly squeezed)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 grams)
• 1 cup brown sugar (210 grams, light or dark)
• 1/2 cup white sugar (100 grams)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cup rolled oats (large rolled oats are preferred)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (226 grams, melted)

Note: You can substitute fresh rhubarb for frozen rhubarb if needed; just make sure to thaw it thoroughly and drain excess moisture.

Directions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang around the edges for easy removal.

2. Prepare the Fruit Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine sliced strawberries, chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Set aside to allow the fruit to release some juices.

3. Make the Oat Crust: In another bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the melted butter and rolled oats, mixing until crumbly.

4. Assemble the Bars: Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread the fruit mixture evenly over it, then crumble the remaining oat mixture on top.

5. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.

6. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

How to Serve Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

Best Ways to Enjoy It

These strawberry rhubarb bars stand deliciously on their own, but you can elevate the experience with a few creative touches:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
• Pair with fresh whipped cream or even a dollop of yogurt for a lighter option.

How to Store

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

To keep your strawberry rhubarb bars fresh, follow these storage tips:

• Refrigerate: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
• Freeze: You can also freeze them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Remember, proper food handling is crucial—always ensure your bars are cooled completely before storing.

Tips to Make

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: The flavor of the bars is directly influenced by the quality of your fruit. Use ripe strawberries and fresh rhubarb for the best results.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, feel free to reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the fruit filling.
• Oat Texture: Experiment with the oats—quick oats will yield a finer crumble, while old-fashioned oats provide more texture.

Variations

Creative Twists

Why not switch things up? Here are a few variations you can try:

• Add a Pinch of Nutmeg: For a warm, aromatic flavor, mix in a little nutmeg with the oats.
• Coconut Bliss: Incorporate shredded coconut into the oat mixture for a tropical twist.
• Berry Medley: Combine other berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, along with the strawberries for a vibrant mix.

FAQs

Common Questions

How long does it take to prepare?
Preparation takes about 20 minutes, while baking requires 35-40 minutes, totaling under an hour.

Can I substitute the rhubarb?
Yes! Alternatively, you can use other fruits like apples or peaches, but keep in mind the filling’s sweetness may need adjustment.

What’s the best way to reheat them?
To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Creating these delicious strawberry rhubarb bars is a delightful way to enjoy seasonal produce and share a piece of summer with friends and family. Happy baking!

Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

Delightful strawberry rhubarb bars with a buttery oat crust, perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 bars

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Fruit Filling

• 2 cups sliced strawberries Measure after removing the cores & slicing.
• 2 cups chopped rhubarb Chopped about 1/5 – 1/4 inch slices.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar 100 grams.
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch 24 grams, AKA corn flour in the UK and Australia.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 30 ml, freshly squeezed.

For the Oat Crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour 250 grams.
• 1 cup brown sugar 210 grams, light or dark.
• 1/2 cup white sugar 100 grams.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups rolled oats Large rolled oats are preferred.
• 1 cup unsalted butter 226 grams, melted.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang around the edges for easy removal.
• In a mixing bowl, combine sliced strawberries, chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Set aside to allow the fruit to release some juices.
• In another bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the melted butter and rolled oats, mixing until crumbly.

Assembly and Baking

• Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread the fruit mixture evenly over it, then crumble the remaining oat mixture on top.
• Place in the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.
• Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish, or pair with fresh whipped cream or yogurt.

Keyword Dessert Recipe, Easy Baking, Strawberry Rhubarb Bars, Summer Treat