Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Bars
Summer is the perfect time to make homemade desserts that taste like the season. Strawberry rhubarb bars are a tasty twist on traditional pie. They mix sweet strawberries with tart rhubarb in a treat that’s easy to make.
These bars turn a classic pie filling into something simple and portable. They’re perfect for any skill level, bringing big flavor with little effort. The buttery crust and fresh fruit filling make it a dessert that’s both old-fashioned and modern.
If you’re looking for a dessert that everyone will enjoy, try these strawberry rhubarb bars. Each bite combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tang of rhubarb. It’s all wrapped in a golden, crispy crust that’s irresistible.
Easy Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe
Making a perfect rhubarb dessert is easy. This recipe combines fresh strawberries and tangy rhubarb. It’s a treat anyone can make at home.
The beauty of these bars is their simplicity. With just a few ingredients and basic tools, you can make a delicious dessert. It will impress everyone you share it with.
Here are the essential tools you’ll need:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Cutting board and knife
Using seasonal ingredients makes these bars special. Strawberries and rhubarb are at their best in late spring and early summer. This means your dessert will be full of fresh sweetness.
This recipe is great for all home bakers. Whether you’re experienced or just starting, these bars are easy to make. They’re a delicious homemade treat for everyone.
Ingredients for Strawberry Rhubarb Bars
Making a great fresh fruit dessert begins with picking the best ingredients. These strawberry rhubarb bars mix sweet and tart tastes that will excite your taste buds.
For the fruit filling, you’ll need:
- Fresh strawberries (about 2 cups, hulled and chopped)
- Rhubarb stalks (1-2 cups, cut into small pieces)
- Granulated sugar
- Cornstarch
- Fresh lemon juice
The buttery crust and oat crumble topping need these key ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Rolled oats
- Unsalted butter (room temperature)
- Brown sugar
- White sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
Pro tip: Pick ripe, bright red strawberries and crisp rhubarb stalks for the best flavor. Room temperature butter is key for a perfect oat crumble topping that’s both tender and crumbly.
If you have dietary restrictions, you can swap gluten-free flour and use different sweeteners. This way, you can make this tasty dessert your own.
How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Bars
Making homemade fruit bars is all about preparation and detail. Follow these tips to make strawberry rhubarb bars that will wow your loved ones.
- Prepare the Fruit Filling
- Wash and chop fresh strawberries and rhubarb into small, uniform pieces
- Combine fruit with sugar to macerate and release natural juices
- Let mixture sit for 15-20 minutes to develop rich flavor
- Make the Crust and Crumble
- Mix flour, butter, sugar, and oats in a large bowl
- Create a versatile mixture that serves as both crust and topping
- Press half the mixture into a lined baking pan
- Baking Process
- Par-bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden
- Spread fruit filling evenly over the par-baked crust
- Sprinkle remaining crumble mixture on top
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and bubbly
This easy recipe turns simple ingredients into a tasty dessert. The secret is using fresh ingredients and following each step carefully.
| Ingredient | Preparation Time | Baking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Strawberries | 15 minutes | 35-40 minutes |
| Rhubarb | 15 minutes | 35-40 minutes |
| Crumble Mixture | 10 minutes | Par-bake: 10-12 minutes |
Your strawberry rhubarb bars will come out golden and crispy on top. They’ll have a luscious, fruity filling that’s sure to be a hit with your family.
Tips for Making Strawberry Rhubarb Bars
Making perfect fruit bars needs some smart tricks. Pick firm but ripe strawberries and fresh rhubarb for the best taste and texture. The secret to great rhubarb tips is in how you prepare and handle it.
Here are some key tips for making tasty strawberry rhubarb bars:
- Chop strawberries and rhubarb into uniform small pieces (about 1/4 inch) to ensure even cooking
- Drain excess moisture from fruit to prevent a soggy bottom crust
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and consistent texture
- Let bars cool completely before cutting to maintain structural integrity
Texture is key in fruit bars. To get a crisp bottom crust, pre-bake the base for 10-15 minutes before adding fruit. This trick helps prevent sogginess and keeps the crust crunchy.
Rhubarb is quite tart. To balance it, add enough sugar to match its tartness. Try different sugar amounts to find your favorite flavor.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Making a dessert ahead of time can be a lifesaver for busy bakers. These strawberry rhubarb bars are ideal for saving time. You can prepare parts of them well before your event or gathering.
Using prep ahead strategies can make baking easier. You can split the bar making into several steps:
- Crust Preparation: Mix and press the crust into the pan up to 2 days before baking
- Crumble Topping: Prepare and refrigerate for up to 3 days
- Fruit Filling: Chop and mix strawberries and rhubarb, storing separately in airtight containers
For better time management, follow these storage tips:
| Component | Refrigerator Storage | Freezer Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Crust | 2 days | 1 month |
| Crumble Topping | 3 days | 2 months |
| Fruit Filling | 1 day | 3 months |
When it’s time to bake, just put everything together. If the crust or filling is cold, add 5-10 minutes to the baking time. This way, your strawberry rhubarb bars become a hassle-free, tasty dessert.
Storing Leftovers
Keeping your strawberry rhubarb bars fresh is key. The right storage keeps them tasting great. Here’s how to do it right.
Follow these easy steps to keep your bars fresh:
- Store bars in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain peak quality
- Use a clean, flat container with a tight-fitting lid
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking
You can enjoy these bars in different ways. Try them cold, at room temperature, or warmed up. Each method brings out a unique flavor.
Here are some ways to reheat your bars:
- Microwave: 10-15 seconds on low power
- Oven: 5-7 minutes at 300°F (150°C)
| Storage Method | Duration | Recommended Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 5 days | 35-40°F (2-4°C) |
| Room Temperature | Up to 2 hours | 68-72°F (20-22°C) |
Pro tip: For the best taste, eat your strawberry rhubarb bars within 3-4 days. Add vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a special treat!
Freezing Strawberry Rhubarb Bars
Freezing strawberry rhubarb bars can be tricky. Their high moisture content makes long-term storage hard. When frozen, they become mushy and lose their texture.
Unlike other frozen fruit bars, strawberry rhubarb bars need special care. Fresh strawberries and rhubarb don’t keep their quality well when frozen.
- Avoid direct freezing of entire bars
- Refrigeration is a better storage method
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste
If you want to keep your strawberry rhubarb bars, try these tips:
- Cool bars completely before storing
- Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
- Consume within 48-72 hours for best quality
Experts say to enjoy these desserts fresh. Their vibrant flavors and perfect texture are best right after baking. Your strawberry rhubarb bars will taste best within a day.
Serving Suggestions
Your strawberry rhubarb bars are best with summer desserts. Try topping them with vanilla ice cream for a creamy touch. Add fresh mint leaves or powdered sugar for a special flair.
Pairing these bars with other desserts makes them stand out. Serve them at picnics or potlucks with homemade whipped cream. They’re easy to share and transport, perfect for any event.
For a fancy look, place the bars on a white plate with strawberry slices or coulis. They’re great for family desserts or a fancy dinner party. Serving them warm adds a cozy touch that everyone will enjoy.
Pro tip: Pack the bars in a container with a tight lid for events. They’re great at room temperature and stay fresh all day. This makes them perfect for any summer gathering.
