These Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars combine a buttery crust, sweet-tart fruit filling, and golden crumble topping in one simple, sliceable dessert. With their vibrant flavors and rustic texture, they’re a seasonal favorite perfect for brunches, picnics, and anytime snacking.
Why You’ll Love These Bars
- Bright flavor: Sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb make the perfect match
- Simple preparation: No mixer needed; everything comes together in bowls
- Great texture: A buttery base, jam-like center, and crumbly topping
- Perfect for gatherings: Easy to cut, pack, and serve
Ingredients
For the Crust & Crumb Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1½ cups diced rhubarb (fresh or frozen)
- 1½ cups diced strawberries
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy lifting after baking.
2. Make the Crust and Topping
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it in until the mixture is crumbly.
Stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture begins to hold together. It should still be slightly crumbly.
Press two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer. Reserve the remaining dough for the topping.
3. Prepare the Fruit Filling
In another bowl, combine the strawberries, rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
Stir gently to coat the fruit evenly.
Spread the mixture over the crust in the pan.
4. Add Crumb Topping
Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the fruit layer. Leave some pieces larger for a more rustic topping.
5. Bake
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
6. Slice and Serve
Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice into squares.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Best served the day of baking, but can be left out for several hours.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap cooled bars tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Tips for Success
- Use cold butter to get a flaky, crisp topping.
- Do not overmix the dough—crumbly texture is ideal.
- Allow the bars to cool completely for clean slices.
- Feel free to swap fruits—blueberries, raspberries, or cherries work well.
- For added texture, mix ½ cup rolled oats into the crumb topping.
- For a glaze, combine ½ cup powdered sugar with 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk and drizzle over cooled bars.
Nutrition Information (Per Bar)
- Calories: 210
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Sugars: 16g
- Protein: 2g
Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my rhubarb filling watery?
Rhubarb contains a lot of natural moisture. To prevent a runny filling, always mix the fruit with cornstarch or another thickener before baking.
Should these bars be refrigerated?
Yes. Once cooled, they should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture. They can be kept for 4 to 5 days.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes. These bars hold up well in the refrigerator and can be made a day ahead. The flavors continue to meld and improve over time.
Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes. If using frozen strawberries or rhubarb, do not thaw them before adding to the filling. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
These Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are a simple way to showcase spring and summer produce in a crowd-pleasing format. With their crisp buttery base, juicy fruit center, and golden topping, they’re a no-fuss treat that’s easy to prepare and even easier to love.