Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

If you’re on the hunt for a delicious dessert that combines sweet and tart flavors, look no further than these Strawberry Rhubarb Bars! Picture this: a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a vibrant filling made from juicy strawberries and tangy rhubarb. They are not only eye-catching but also super easy to make, making them the perfect treat for potlucks, picnics, or just a refreshing dessert to enjoy at home.

Fun fact: Rhubarb is often mistaken for a fruit, but it’s actually a vegetable! Its relationship with strawberries, however, has made it a beloved duo in desserts for generations. This recipe thrives on seasonal ingredients, and when strawberries and rhubarb are at their peak, these bars truly shine. Plus, they can be made in just about an hour, making them a quick go-to for any home baker. Whether paired with vanilla ice cream or served on their own, Strawberry Rhubarb Bars are sure to become a family favorite. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make something delightful!

What are Strawberry Rhubarb Bars?

Ah, Strawberry Rhubarb Bars—what a fun name, right? These sweet squares combine fresh strawberries and tart rhubarb, nestled in a crunchy, buttery base. But have you ever wondered why rhubarb gets a starring role in desserts when it’s technically a vegetable? Maybe it’s because the sweet juiciness of strawberries brings out rhubarb’s tangy personality, creating a duo that’s irresistible! Just think, “the way to anyone’s heart is through a delicious dessert,” and these bars are sure to win over tasters young and old! So, why not channel your inner pastry chef and whip up a batch of these bars? Your family will thank you!

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

There are plenty of reasons to fall head over heels for these Strawberry Rhubarb Bars! First and foremost, the harmonious blend of flavors—the sweetness of strawberries combined with the zesty kick of rhubarb creates the perfect balance. Second, making these bars at home is a cost-saving delight. Buying fresh ingredients is often cheaper than purchasing gourmet bakery treats, plus you get the satisfaction of creating something from scratch!

These bars also offer a world of versatility when it comes to toppings. Dusting them with powdered sugar or serving them with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream takes them to a new level of deliciousness. If you love a good fruit dessert, be sure to check out our Blueberry Crisp recipe as well—fruit lovers unite! Get ready to surprise your taste buds by making these delicious Strawberry Rhubarb Bars today!

How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

Quick Overview

Making Strawberry Rhubarb Bars is incredibly simple and straightforward, making them the ideal choice for bakers of all skill levels. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a baking time of 45 minutes, you’ll have these mouth-watering delights ready to impress in no time!

Key Ingredients for Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

To get started, gather the following ingredients:

• For the crust:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the filling:
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
  • 2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, butter, and salt. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
3. Bake the crust: Place the crust in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
4. Make the filling: In a separate bowl, combine the strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well-coated.
5. Assemble: Pour the fruit mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake again: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the edges start to brown.
7. Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

What to Serve Strawberry Rhubarb Bars With

These delightful Strawberry Rhubarb Bars pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an indulgent treat. You could also complement the tartness of the bars with a refreshing cup of herbal tea or a tangy lemonade. Whatever you choose, these bars are sure to steal the show!

Top Tips for Perfecting Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

To make your Strawberry Rhubarb Bars even more delicious, consider these handy tips:

• Choose ripe fruit: The key to great flavor lies in using fresh, ripe strawberries and rhubarb. Opt for firm, plump strawberries and vibrant, crisp rhubarb stalks.
• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dessert, feel free to increase the amount of sugar in the fruit filling to your liking. Just keep in mind that rhubarb can be quite tart!
• Mind the baking time: Be sure to keep an eye on the bars as they bake. Ovens can vary, so adjust the time accordingly to get that perfect golden crust and bubbly filling.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. These bars are delicious cold or at room temperature! For longer storage, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm them in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.

Get ready to enjoy a sweet and tangy treat that will brighten any occasion. Go ahead and give these Strawberry Rhubarb Bars a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

Delicious dessert bars that combine sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb on a buttery, crumbly crust, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 9 squares

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the crust

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour For a buttery crust.
• 0.5 cups granulated sugar To sweeten the crust.
• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened Key ingredient for the crust consistency.
• 0.25 teaspoon salt To enhance flavor.

For the filling

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped Fresh and ripe for best flavor.
• 2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped Use vibrant rhubarb for tartness.
• 1 cup granulated sugar Controls the sweetness of the filling.
• 0.25 cups cornstarch To thicken the filling.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice Adds brightness to the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the overall flavor.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, butter, and salt. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x9-inch baking dish.
4. Place the crust in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
5. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Filling and Baking

1. In a separate bowl, combine the strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well-coated.
2. Pour the fruit mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
3. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the edges start to brown.
4. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven before serving.