Irresistible Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe to Savor

Recipe By:
Melisa Egan
Updated:

Strawberry rhubarb bars are the perfect blend of sweet and tart, with a buttery crust that crumbles in your mouth. Imagine biting into a bar that tastes like summer—juicy strawberries bursting with flavor and the tangy crunch of rhubarb dancing together like they’re at a party in your mouth.

I remember the first time I made these bars; my kitchen smelled like a candy store, and my friends couldn’t resist coming over for a taste test. The excitement filled the air, and soon my little gathering turned into a full-blown dessert party.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Strawberry rhubarb bars offer a delightful balance of flavors, making them irresistible to fruit lovers.
  • They are surprisingly easy to prepare, even for baking novices.
  • Their beautiful presentation makes them perfect for any occasion or gathering.
  • These bars are versatile enough to be enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet snack.

Creating strawberry rhubarb bars has brought joy to many family gatherings, with friends begging for seconds every time I make them.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Fresh Strawberries: Pick bright red, ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness and flavor.

  • Rhubarb Stalks: Choose firm stalks that have a vibrant pink color for the best texture.

  • Granulated Sugar: This sweetener balances the tartness of the strawberries and rhubarb perfectly.

  • All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating a crumbly base and thickening the filling.

  • Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for flakier crust; it adds richness to the overall flavor.

  • Eggs: They help bind everything together while adding moisture to the filling.

  • Baking Powder: This ingredient ensures your bars have that lovely rise and fluffiness.

  • Salt: A pinch enhances flavors and balances sweetness in both crust and filling.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for strawberry rhubarb bars

How to Make strawberry rhubarb bars

Prepare Your Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your baking dish by greasing it lightly with butter or nonstick spray.

Create the Crust Mixture: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add Eggs to Batter: Beat an egg into your crust mixture until well combined. This step will help hold everything together while keeping it tender.

Spread the Crust in Baking Dish: Press about two-thirds of the crust mixture evenly into your prepared dish, forming a solid base layer. Save some crumbs for topping later.

Make Your Filling: In another bowl, mix chopped strawberries and rhubarb with sugar. Pour this delicious mixture over your pressed crust evenly.

Add Topping and Bake!: Sprinkle remaining crust crumbs over the fruit filling before baking in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown on top.

With these steps completed, you’ll soon have strawberry rhubarb bars that smell heavenly as they bake! Enjoy them warm or chilled—either way, they’re bound to be a hit!

You Must Know

  • These strawberry rhubarb bars are sweet and tangy, perfect for any occasion.
  • The buttery crust complements the fruity filling beautifully, making them a delightful treat.
  • Bake a batch to impress friends or keep them all for yourself; we won’t tell.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by prepping the crust first, then make the filling while it’s baking. This maximizes your time and ensures everything is fresh when serving.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap strawberries with other berries or add a dash of lemon zest for an extra zing. Personalizing these bars keeps things exciting and matches your taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • To achieve perfect strawberry rhubarb bars, use fresh ingredients for vibrant flavors.
  • Always let the bars cool completely before cutting; this prevents a messy slice.
  • Experiment with spices like cinnamon to elevate the taste even further.

Baking these strawberry rhubarb bars brings back memories of summer picnics with my family, where they were always a hit among friends and relatives.

FAQ

What can I substitute for rhubarb in this recipe?

Try using tart apples or more strawberries as a delicious alternative to rhubarb.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour blends to create a gluten-free version of these bars.

How do I know when my bars are done baking?

The edges will be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbling slightly in the center when done.

Print

Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

Strawberry rhubarb bars are a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors with a buttery, crumbly crust. These bars capture the essence of summer with juicy strawberries and tangy rhubarb, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether served warm or chilled, they are guaranteed to impress your friends and family.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
  • 1 large egg (beaten)
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
  • 2 cups rhubarb stalks (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
  3. Add the beaten egg to the mixture and combine well.
  4. Press two-thirds of the crust mixture into the prepared dish.
  5. In another bowl, combine strawberries and rhubarb with sugar; pour over the crust.
  6. Sprinkle remaining crust crumbs on top and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 105mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Feel free to substitute strawberries with other berries or add lemon zest for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.

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