If you’re craving a sweet yet tangy dessert that captures the essence of spring and summer, these Strawberry Rhubarb Bars are a perfect choice. Combining the juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries with the tartness of rhubarb, these bars are layered over a buttery oat crust and topped with a crumbly oat mixture. They’re easy to make and ideal for any occasion!
Ingredients:
For the Crust and Topping:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup brown sugar, packed
01 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
2 cups rhubarb, diced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Prepare the Crust and Topping:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture is well combined and crumbly. Press two-thirds of this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Set aside the remaining mixture for the topping.
Prepare the Filling:
In another bowl, combine the diced strawberries, diced rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until the fruit is well coated.
Assemble the Bars:
Spread the strawberry rhubarb filling evenly over the crust in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the top of the filling.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack.
Serve:
Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the baking dish. Cut into squares and serve.
Serving Tips:
Cool Completely: Ensure the bars are fully cooled before cutting them into squares. This helps the filling set properly and makes for cleaner, more attractive slices.
Use Parchment Paper: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the baking dish for easier slicing and serving.
Garnish Options: For a decorative touch, you can dust the bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving. Fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream also make great additions.
Pairing Suggestions: These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a refreshing treat.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They will stay fresh and tasty without refrigeration.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the bars in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Chilling them can also help them stay firm and easy to cut.
Freezing: To extend the shelf life, you can freeze the bars. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: If desired, you can warm the bars slightly in the microwave for a few seconds before serving, especially if they’ve been frozen.
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FAQs:
Can I use frozen strawberries and rhubarb for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries and rhubarb. Be sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing with the other filling ingredients to avoid excess moisture.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make these bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats. Check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I substitute the brown sugar with a different sweetener?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar, maple sugar, or even a sugar substitute like stevia. Keep in mind that this might slightly alter the flavor and texture of the crust and topping.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
Conclusion:
These Strawberry Rhubarb Bars offer a delightful balance of sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb on a buttery oat crust. Perfect for spring and summer, they’re easy to make and versatile for various occasions. With proper storage, you can enjoy these delicious bars for days to come!
📖 Recipe:
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Strawberry Rhubarb Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Strawberry Rhubarb Bars, combining sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb over a buttery oat crust. Perfect for spring or summer, these easy-to-make bars are a delicious treat for any occasion. Enjoy them fresh, or store them for later!
Ingredients
For the 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
For the 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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Crust and Topping: Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Stir in melted butter until crumbly. Press two-thirds into the baking dish to form the crust. Set aside remaining mixture for topping.
- Prepare the Filling: Combine strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla in a bowl.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the filling over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture on top.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and bubbly. Cool completely before cutting.
Notes
Use fresh fruit for the best flavor. If using frozen fruit, thaw and drain thoroughly.
Adjust sugar based on the tartness of the rhubarb.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 bars
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving
