Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

Ah, Strawberry Rhubarb Bars! If you’ve ever bitten into one of these delightful treats, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. Imagine a perfect balance of tartness from rhubarb mingling with the sweetness of succulent strawberries, all nestled within a buttery, crumbly crust. Not only are these bars incredibly delicious, but they’re also super easy to make, making them a go-to recipe for everything from casual family dinners to potluck parties.

Did you know that this classic combination has been winning hearts in American kitchens since the 19th century? Yes, Strawberry Rhubarb Bars are a dessert steeped in history! Perfect for those warm summer days or whenever you’re in need of a bright burst of flavor, these bars can be whipped up in no time. If you love these, then you’ll definitely appreciate our Lemon Blueberry Bars as well; both are perfect for spring and summer yet distinctly different in flavor. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s bring some homemade sweetness into your kitchen!

What are Strawberry Rhubarb Bars?

Now, you might be wondering, “What on earth are Strawberry Rhubarb Bars?” Well, picture this: a layer of fresh strawberries and tangy rhubarb, all cooked down into a lovely compote, slathered over a sweet, buttery shortbread base. Sound delicious? You’re right! But why the name? It’s all in the mix! The combination of these two ingredients has become a classic in American baking. And they say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, right? Well, serving Strawberry Rhubarb Bars is surely a step in that direction! So grab your baking pan and join the delicious simplicity of making your own!

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for Strawberry Rhubarb Bars!

1. A Flavor Explosion: The juicy strawberries perfectly complement the tartness of the rhubarb, creating a sweet-and-sour taste that dances on your palate. It’s like your taste buds are throwing a party!
2. Cost-Effective Creation: Making your own dessert means you can skip the bakery prices and enjoy homemade goodness without breaking the bank. Plus, who doesn’t love an easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for sharing?
3. Endless Variations: You can serve these bars as is, or elevate them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Want to try something different? Check out our Blueberry Crumb Bars for another delightful dessert experience!

Now you definitely want to try making these sweet treats at home, don’t you?

How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

Quick Overview

Making Strawberry Rhubarb Bars is not just easy; it’s downright fun! The preparation time is roughly 15 minutes, and baking takes about 45 minutes. In no time, you’ll have decadent bars that are simply bursting with flavor, ready to impress anyone who takes a bite.

Key Ingredients for Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

To get started, here’s what you’ll need:

• Fresh Strawberries (2 cups, chopped)
• Fresh Rhubarb (2 cups, chopped)
• Sugar (1 cup; adjust according to taste)
• Cornstarch (2 tablespoons)
• Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed)
• Butter (1/2 cup; melted)
• Flour (1 1/2 cups)
• Brown Sugar (1/2 cup)
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
• Egg (1; for binding)
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon; to enhance flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s like prepping a cozy home for a dinner guest!
2. Prepare the Fruit Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook until the mixture bubbles and thickens (around 6-8 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, flour, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until it forms a soft dough.
4. Assembly Time: Press half of the dough into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan to form the base. Pour the fruit mixture on top.
5. Top Layer: Crumble the remaining dough over the fruit filling, covering it evenly.
6. Bake Away: Place in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Cool and Serve: Once baked, let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares.

What to Serve Strawberry Rhubarb Bars With

These scrumptious bars pair wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments! Consider serving them with a side of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or perhaps a warm cup of chamomile tea. The options are endless—after all, sweet and tart bars call for delightful pairings!

Top Tips for Perfecting Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

1. Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always select fresh strawberries and rhubarb for the best flavor.
2. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your tartness preference, feel free to adjust the sugar content in the fruit filling. Just remember to balance it with the rhubarb’s natural tartness!
3. Don’t Overmix: When making the crust, avoid overmixing the dough to keep it crumbly and light.
4. Cooling Time: Patience is key! Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing; this will help them set and make for prettier squares.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftovers? No problem! You can store your Strawberry Rhubarb Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Want to save them for a later date? They freeze beautifully! Simply wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy them chilled!

Now that you’re armed with all this delicious knowledge, it’s time to get baking! Try your hand at these Strawberry Rhubarb Bars, and you may just create a new favorite dessert that your friends and family will be raving about for years to come. Enjoy every sweet moment!

Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

Delightful bars balancing the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of strawberries, all nestled in a buttery shortbread crust.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 9 pieces

Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Fruit Filling

• 2 cups Fresh Strawberries, chopped Use ripe strawberries for best flavor.
• 2 cups Fresh Rhubarb, chopped Choose fresh rhubarb for optimal tartness.
• 1 cup Sugar Adjust according to taste.
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch To thicken the fruit filling.
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.

For the Crust

• 1/2 cup Butter, melted Use unsalted for best results.
• 1 1/2 cups Flour All-purpose flour is suitable.
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar Adds a nice depth of flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt Balances the sweetness.
• 1 each Egg For binding the crust.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Enhances the overall flavor.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook until the mixture bubbles and thickens (about 6-8 minutes), stirring occasionally.

Make the Crust

• In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, flour, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until it forms a soft dough.

Assembly

• Pour the fruit mixture on top.
• Crumble the remaining dough over the fruit filling.

Baking

• Place in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
• Once baked, let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months.

Keyword Baking, Easy Dessert, Fruit Bars, Strawberry Rhubarb Bars, Summer Treat