Irresistibly Sweet & Tart: The Ultimate Easy Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars Recipe
Delight your senses with these incredibly easy-to-make Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars, a perfect blend of sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb, crowned with a quick, irresistible oat crumbly topping. Optionally finished with a delicate icing drizzle, these bars are soft, tender, and bursting with vibrant seasonal flavors. They capture the essence of spring and summer in every bite, offering a delightful balance of fruit and texture that is truly unforgettable.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a gathering, or simply craving a homemade treat, these strawberry rhubarb bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Their convenient bar form makes them ideal for serving, as they hold their shape beautifully, showcasing the rich, fruity filling and the golden-brown crumble. Get ready to bake a dessert that tastes as good as it looks!
Why This Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bar Recipe is a Must-Try
This strawberry rhubarb crumble bars recipe stands out for several compelling reasons, making it a fantastic alternative to a traditional fruit crumble. While a classic crumble is undeniably delicious, it often requires scooping, which can be messy when serving larger groups. These crumble bars, however, offer a thicker, more stable consistency, allowing you to neatly cut them into individual, perfectly portioned squares or rectangles that hold their shape flawlessly.
The structured nature of these bars makes them incredibly practical for transport and serving at events like potlucks, picnics, or family get-togethers. Instead of fussing with bowls and spoons, you can simply arrange these delightful bars on a platter, ready for guests to pick up and enjoy. Beyond their convenience, this recipe perfectly harmonizes the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the pleasant tartness of rhubarb, creating a balanced flavor profile that is both refreshing and comforting. The buttery oat crumble topping adds a textural contrast that elevates the experience, ensuring every bite is a symphony of flavors and textures.
Essential Ingredients for Your Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars
Before you begin baking these irresistible strawberry rhubarb crumble bars, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. For precise measurements, detailed instructions, and a printable version of this recipe, please refer to the dedicated section at the end of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
Let’s dive deeper into the key components that make these strawberry rhubarb crumble bars so extraordinary, along with some helpful substitution tips.
The Golden Crumble Topping – The foundation of our delightful topping is a blend of quick oats, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, a hint of cinnamon, and salt. These dry ingredients are combined with unsalted butter, ideally at room temperature, to create that perfect crumbly texture. The quick oats contribute a tender chewiness, while the combination of brown and granulated sugars provides a rich sweetness with a subtle molasses note. Baking soda helps with a light lift, and cinnamon adds a warm, inviting spice. If you opt to use salted butter instead of unsalted, remember to omit the ¼ teaspoon of salt specified for the crumble topping to maintain the ideal flavor balance. For an extra touch of indulgence, consider drizzling the cooled bars with a simple homemade icing, prepared from powdered sugar and a splash of milk.
The Juicy Fruit Filling – At the heart of these bars is a vibrant filling of fresh strawberries and tart rhubarb. This classic pairing is enhanced with lemon juice, additional granulated sugar, and cornstarch. The lemon juice plays a crucial role not only by adding a bright, zesty counterpoint to the sweetness but also by aiding in the structural integrity of the bars. Its acidity helps the fruit filling set firmly, ensuring your bars hold together beautifully when sliced. Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, preventing the filling from becoming too runny and ensuring it achieves a luscious, jam-like consistency. While fresh fruit is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can certainly use frozen strawberries and rhubarb (thawed and patted dry) if fresh isn’t available.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars
Follow these detailed step-by-step photos and instructions to effortlessly create these delicious bars. For the complete printable recipe with all measurements and instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this page.
- First, combine all the dry ingredients for your topping – flour, quick oats, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt – in a large mixing bowl. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure even distribution. Now, add the room temperature unsalted butter. Using your fingers, a pastry cutter, or two butter knives in a scissor-like motion, work the butter into the dry mixture until it forms a cohesive, crumbly, and slightly wet consistency. There should be no dry pockets of flour left.
EXPERT TIP – While a pastry cutter or two butter knives are effective, many bakers find that using their fingertips is the easiest and most efficient way to combine the topping ingredients. The warmth of your hands helps to properly incorporate the butter, ensuring a perfectly textured crumble.
- Next, take approximately two-thirds of the prepared crumble mixture (roughly 3 scant cups) and firmly press it into the bottom of an 8×8 baking dish that has been lined with parchment paper. Ensure the parchment paper hangs over the edges, creating “slings” for easy removal later. Use the palm of your hand or the flat bottom of a measuring cup to compact the crust evenly across the pan. This creates a solid base for your fruit filling.
- In a separate large bowl, combine your hulled and diced fresh strawberries with the sliced rhubarb. Pour in the lemon juice, then sprinkle the granulated sugar and cornstarch over the fruit. Gently toss everything together until all the fruit is thoroughly coated. The cornstarch is essential here to thicken the fruit juices during baking, preventing a soggy bottom layer. Carefully spoon this vibrant fruit mixture evenly over the pressed crust in your baking dish.
- Finally, take the remaining one-third of the crumb topping (about 1 cup) and evenly sprinkle it over the fruit filling. Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the fruit filling is visibly bubbling around the edges and the crumb topping has turned a beautiful golden brown and is set. This indicates that the fruit is tender and the flavors have melded perfectly.
- Once baked, carefully remove the bars from the oven and transfer the baking dish to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely in the pan. This cooling process is crucial for the bars to firm up and hold their shape. Once cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of bars out of the dish. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into your desired squares or rectangles before serving. Enjoy the delightful contrast of textures and flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Crumble Bars
Absolutely! These crumble bars can be prepared up to one day in advance. While they are still delicious beyond this timeframe, we recommend serving them within 24 hours to ensure the crumble topping maintains its optimal crispness. If you need to plan further ahead, you can prepare the crumble topping mixture several days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator or even the freezer until you’re ready to assemble and bake.
Once cooled, store your strawberry rhubarb crumble bars in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep in mind that the topping may soften slightly over time due to moisture from the fruit filling. If you plan to serve them within a few hours, they can also be safely kept at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze individual bars tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Yes, you can certainly use frozen fruit for these crumble bars if fresh seasonal produce isn’t available. For best results, allow both the frozen strawberries and frozen rhubarb to thaw completely to room temperature before using. Once thawed, it’s crucial to pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step helps prevent a watery filling and ensures your bars have the perfect consistency. If using frozen, you might also consider adding an extra half tablespoon of cornstarch to the filling to account for any residual liquid.
For strawberries, look for bright red berries that are firm, plump, and free of blemishes. A sweet aroma is also a good indicator of ripeness. For rhubarb, choose firm, crisp stalks that are reddish-pink to green. Avoid stalks that are limp or bruised. Remember to always remove and discard the leaves, as they are toxic.
Yes, with a few simple substitutions, you can easily make these bars gluten-free. Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Ensure your quick oats are certified gluten-free, as oats can sometimes be cross-contaminated during processing. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Delightful Serving Suggestions for Your Crumble Bars
These strawberry rhubarb crumble bars are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many delicious ways. For a truly decadent experience, serve them warm straight from the oven with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Just be aware that if served too warm, the bars might not be completely firm, offering a more rustic, spoonable texture. If you prefer a neat, sliceable bar, allow them to cool completely before cutting.
Once cooled and sliced, these bars are perfect for individual portions. They are wonderfully transportable, making them an ideal dessert to bring along to backyard barbecues, casual potlucks, picnics, or any family gathering. The vibrant combination of strawberries and rhubarb is particularly fantastic during the spring and summer months, making this recipe an excellent way to utilize freshly picked strawberries from your local farm or garden-fresh rhubarb. Even outside of peak season, you can enjoy these bars year-round by using frozen rhubarb from your freezer stash.
Consider enhancing your serving with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of a light lemon glaze for extra panache. For a unique twist, pair them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea. No matter how you choose to serve them, these sweet and tart crumble bars are sure to be a hit!
Discover More Delicious Cobbler and Crisp Recipes
If you love the comforting flavors and textures of crumbles, crisps, and cobblers, you’re in for a treat! Explore some of our other favorite recipes that are perfect for any occasion:
- Classic Rhubarb Crisp
- Rustic Blueberry Cobbler
- Refreshing Summer Fruit Crisp
- Effortless Crockpot Apple Cobbler
- Simple Peach Cobbler Dump Cake
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Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars
IMPORTANT – Don’t forget to scroll back up and read the Frequently Asked Questions and Expert Tips within the blog post for additional helpful information!
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Ingredients
Crumble Topping
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup quick oats
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks, at room temperature
Filling
- 16 oz strawberries hulled and diced
- 2 cups rhubarb sliced into 1/4-1/2 inch thickness
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
Optional Icing Drizzle
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons milk
Things You’ll Need
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8×8 baking pan
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Mixing bowls
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Wire cooling racks
Before You Begin
- EXPERT TIP: You can use a pastry cutter or two butter knives, scissor-style, to mix the crumble. However, many find it easiest and most effective to simply use their fingers to combine the topping ingredients until a uniform crumbly and wet texture is achieved.
- Storage: These delicious crumble bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep in mind that the longer they sit, the softer the crumble topping may become. They are also perfectly fine to keep at room temperature for a few hours.
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to create “slings” for easy removal later.
For The Topping
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In a large bowl, combine all the dry topping ingredients (flour, quick oats, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt). Mix well. Add the room temperature butter and work it into the dry mixture until it’s fully incorporated, resembling wet crumbs with no dry spots.2 cups all purpose flour, 1 cup quick oats, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 cup unsalted butter
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Take two-thirds of the crumble mixture (approximately 3 scant cups) and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the parchment-lined 8×8 baking dish using your palm or the back of a measuring cup.
For The Filling
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In another large bowl, toss the diced strawberries and sliced rhubarb with the lemon juice. Sprinkle the granulated sugar and cornstarch over the fruit, tossing gently until everything is thoroughly coated. Spoon this fruit mixture evenly over the pressed crust in the baking pan.16 oz strawberries, 2 cups rhubarb, 1 Tablespoon lemon juice, 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
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Evenly sprinkle the remaining one-third of the crumb topping (approximately 1 cup) over the fruit filling. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the fruit filling is bubbling merrily and the topping is golden brown and set.
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Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack in the pan. Once fully cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the bars from the baking dish. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into individual squares or rectangles before serving.
Optional Glaze
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To make the optional icing drizzle, whisk together ½ cup powdered sugar with 1 teaspoon of milk. Add another teaspoon of milk if needed, mixing until you achieve a smooth, drizzling consistency. Drizzle the icing over the cooled crumble bars just before serving.1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 teaspoons milk
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Storage – You can store your crumble bars in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, though the longer they sit the softer the crumble may get. You can also keep these at room temperature for a few hours and they will be just fine!
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post was originally published here on May 17, 2021.