Description
Delight in these homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Bars featuring a buttery crumb crust layered with a sweet and tangy strawberry and rhubarb filling, topped with a crunchy brown sugar crumble. Perfect as a dessert or an afternoon treat, these bars bring a taste of fresh summer fruit baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Crust & Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
Topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- additional flour and butter (same as crust) for crumble topping as per step 5
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and chopped rhubarb with granulated sugar. Allow this mixture to sit for several minutes so the fruit releases its natural juices, enhancing the flavor and moisture.
- Make the crust dough: In a separate bowl, mix the flour and softened unsalted butter together until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. Add in the granulated sugar and the egg, then mix until a dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the prepared baking dish to create the crust base.
- Add the fruit layer: Spread the strawberry and rhubarb mixture evenly over the pressed dough crust, ensuring a consistent layer.
- Prepare and add the topping: Using the same bowl, combine the brown sugar with the remaining flour and butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Sprinkle this crumb topping evenly over the fruit filling to create a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Bake the bars: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before slicing into 16 bars for serving.
Notes
- For easier slicing, chill the bars after cooling to help them set firmly.
- Use ripe, fresh strawberries and crisp rhubarb for best flavor.
- You can substitute brown sugar in the topping with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
