Strawberry Rhubarb Cake Bars Recipe

These Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars are a delightful fusion of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb, nestled in a buttery oat crumble. The combination of fresh berries and rhubarb creates a symphony of flavors that is both refreshing and indulgent. This dessert is deeply rooted in traditional baking, with its origins tracing back to European cuisine where rhubarb was often paired with sweet fruits to balance its tartness. The crumble topping adds a delightful textural element, making these bars perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a casual dinner party.

Ingredients:

• Crumb Layer:

  • 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/3 cups rolled old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• Filling:

  • 1 3/4 cups hulled and diced strawberries
  • 1 1/2 cups diced rhubarb, sliced 1/4-inch thick
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Butter a 9×9-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, ensuring the paper hangs over the edges for easy removal.
3. Make the Crumb Layer: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add oats, brown sugar, and granulated sugar; whisk to blend, breaking up any clumps of brown sugar with your fingertips. Whisk vanilla into melted butter, then pour it over the oat mixture. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened.
4. Press the Crumb Layer: Press 2/3 of the crumb mixture into the prepared baking dish using a spatula or the back of a fork. Set aside the remaining 1/3 for the topping.
5. Prepare the Filling: Combine diced strawberries and rhubarb in a medium mixing bowl. Toss with lemon juice.
6. Mix Sugar and Cornstarch: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and cornstarch. Pour the sugar mixture over the strawberry mixture and toss to coat.
7. Assemble the Bars: Pour the strawberry mixture over the bottom crumb layer in the baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/3 crumb mixture over the top.
8. Bake the Bars: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
9. Cool and Serve: Cool on a wire rack until warm, then cut into squares. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream if desired.

Top Tips:

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh strawberries and rhubarb will give your bars the best flavor. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
2. Soften the Butter: Ensure the butter is softened for easy mixing with the crumb ingredients.
3. Don’t Overmix: Avoid overmixing the crumb layer to maintain its texture.
4. Press Down Gently: When pressing the crumb layer into the baking dish, do so gently to prevent crumbling.
5. Let Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure they hold their shape.
6. Adjust Sugar: If using sweeter strawberries, reduce the granulated sugar in the filling accordingly.

Variations:

1. Lemon Glaze: Drizzle a lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled bars for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
2. Walnut Topping: Add chopped walnuts to the crumb mixture for added texture and flavor.
3. Cinnamon Swirl: Mix a pinch of cinnamon into the crumb mixture for a warm, spicy twist.
4. Blueberry Addition: Mix in some blueberries with the strawberries for a colorful and flavorful combination.
5. Oatmeal Cookies Crust: Use oatmeal cookies as the crust instead of the crumb mixture for a different texture.
6. Pecan Crumble: Replace oats with pecans for a nutty, crunchy topping.

Nutritional Guide:

Additional Nutritional Notes:
These bars are relatively low in calories and fat but high in carbohydrates due to the sugars from the fruits and the brown sugar in the crumb layer. The protein content is minimal but can be boosted by adding nuts or seeds to the crumb mixture. The high fiber content from the oats and fruits makes these bars a nutritious dessert option.