If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that beautifully balances tart and sweet, with a texture that’s both crumbly and tender, the Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe will become your new best friend. These bars bring together the juicy brightness of fresh strawberries and the slightly tangy kick of rhubarb, all nestled between layers of buttery oat crust that simply melt in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or a crowd-pleasing picnic dessert, these bars capture the essence of spring and summer in every bite. I can’t wait for you to dive in and make this delightful recipe your own!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe means gathering a handful of everyday ingredients, each playing a vital role. From the wholesome texture of oats to the natural sweetness of brown sugar, every item contributes to the flavor, crumb, or that perfect golden-baked finish.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb to the crust and topping.
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats: Adds a hearty, chewy texture and nutty flavor for that classic bar feel.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings warmth and subtle molasses notes for depth in the crust.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise just a bit and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Gives richness and creates that golden, buttery crust.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced: Bursts with juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 cups rhubarb, diced: Adds tartness, a key partner to strawberries for balance.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the berry filling just enough without overpowering it.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the fruit filling so it’s perfectly set, not runny.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Lifts and brightens the flavors of the fruit mixture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and aromatic sweetness to the filling.
How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to bake your bars evenly. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, which not only prevents sticking but also makes removing the bars a breeze once they’ve cooled.
Step 2: Create the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine your flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir them together so they’re well blended, then pour in the melted butter. Mix just until the ingredients start coming together into crumbly clumps. Press about two-thirds of this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to form the crust. Save the rest for a crumbly topping later.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a separate bowl, toss the diced strawberries and rhubarb with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. This mixture will develop a beautiful balance of sweet and tangy flavors that’s absolutely irresistible. The cornstarch ensures the filling holds together perfectly after baking.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Spread the fruit filling evenly over the oat crust in your pan. Then sprinkle the reserved oat crumb mixture over the top, covering the filling like a delicious, golden blanket. This layering gives the bars a wonderful contrast of textures.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake your bars for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges. Allow the bars to cool completely in the dish—this step is key for setting the fruit filling and making slicing much easier. Once cooled, cut into 16 squares and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely touch of elegance and sweetness to these bars. Alternatively, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream turns them into a wonderfully indulgent treat. Fresh mint leaves can also brighten the presentation and complement the tartness perfectly.
Side Dishes
These bars shine on their own, but pairing them with a light green salad or a tangy yogurt dip can make for a balanced dessert or snack experience. For brunch, these bars are fabulous alongside scrambled eggs or a smooth fruit smoothie to keep the fresh fruit theme going.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve the bars in individual glass jars layered with extra strawberries, rhubarb compote, or even a vanilla custard. You can also cut them into fun shapes with cookie cutters for themed parties or place them alongside a cheese board for a sweet-and-savory combo.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep your Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe covered tightly in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week without losing their delightful texture.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars or the whole pan in plastic wrap and then foil, and pop them in the freezer. They’ll keep for up to three months, making them perfect for a make-ahead treat. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
If you prefer warm bars, gently reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Microwaving works too, but the oven method best preserves the crispness of the oat topping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries and rhubarb for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing the filling to prevent sogginess in your bars.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure to use certified gluten-free oats for a safe, gluten-free treat.
How do I get the crust to be firm enough to hold the filling?
Pressing the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the pan before baking is crucial. Melting the butter fully and mixing everything well helps create a sturdy yet tender base.
Can I substitute rhubarb with another fruit?
If you’re not a fan of rhubarb, try swapping with tart green apples or even tart cherries. These will maintain that lovely balance of sweetness and tanginess.
What’s the best way to cut the bars without them crumbling?
Make sure the bars have cooled completely before cutting. Using a sharp knife, preferably warmed slightly under hot water and dried, will give cleaner cuts and less crumble.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to make this Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe and experience the magic of its bright flavors and comforting textures. There’s something so satisfying about baking with fresh fruit and oats that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll become a seasonal staple you’ll look forward to sharing again and again. Happy baking, friend!
Print
Strawberry Rhubarb Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Bars featuring a buttery oat crust and a tangy-sweet strawberry rhubarb filling. Perfectly balanced with a crumbly topping, these bars are a delicious treat for any occasion, combining the freshness of strawberries and rhubarb with a hint of vanilla and lemon.
Ingredients
Crust and Topping
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 cups rhubarb, diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
- Make Crust and Topping Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the melted unsalted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Reserve one-third of this mixture for the topping, and press the remaining two-thirds evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, mix together the diced fresh strawberries, diced rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. This combination creates a sweet and tart filling that will thicken during baking.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the strawberry rhubarb filling evenly over the pressed crust in the baking dish. Then, sprinkle the reserved oat crumble mixture evenly on top of the filling to create a crisp and crunchy topping.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the dish. After cooling, cut into 16 bars and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the bars are completely cooled before cutting to allow the filling to set and prevent them from falling apart.
- Fresh rhubarb is preferred, but frozen rhubarb can be used if thawed and drained well.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour and oats with certified gluten-free alternatives.
- If you prefer a less tart filling, adjust the amount of granulated sugar to taste.
