There’s something magical about the combination of strawberries and rhubarb that just screams summer! Imagine biting into a soft, sweet bar that perfectly balances tartness and sweetness, leaving your taste buds dancing in delight. strawberry dessert treat Strawberry rhubarb bars are more than just a treat; they evoke memories of long sunny days spent outdoors, with laughter echoing through the air as friends and family gather to savor this delightful dessert. refreshing summer dessert. For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Irish Apple Cake recipe.
Every time I whip up a batch of strawberry rhubarb bars, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She would let me pick fresh rhubarb from her garden, teaching me the delicate dance of balancing flavors. The aroma wafting through her home was a promise of sweet nostalgia. These bars are perfect for picnics, afternoon tea, or simply as a sweet indulgence after dinner—trust me, you’ll want to make these again and again!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These strawberry rhubarb bars are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort
- Their sweet-tart flavor profile is universally loved and perfect for sharing
- The vibrant colors will brighten any table and make it look gourmet without the fuss
- Enjoy them warm or chilled for a versatile dessert that suits any occasion
I recall the first time I made these bars for a family gathering; the smiles on everyone’s faces were my ultimate reward.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Spring Pesto Pasta recipe.
Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness; they should smell fragrant and look vibrant.
Rhubarb Stalks: Firm stalks with a bright color are best; avoid wilted or brown ends for optimal flavor.
Granulated Sugar: This balances the tartness of rhubarb; adjust based on your sweetness preference.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating that perfect base; use unbleached flour for better flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter works best here; it enriches the crust while allowing control over saltiness.
Eggs: Just two will help bind everything together while adding richness to the filling.
Baking Powder: A must for lightening up the texture of your bars; don’t skip this ingredient!
Vanilla Extract: A splash adds warmth and depth to your filling—always opt for pure extract when possible.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Bars
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Create Your Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter and sugar until creamy. Add flour and baking powder gradually, mixing until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan.
Prepare the Filling: Chop your strawberries and rhubarb into small pieces—aim for uniform size so they cook evenly. In another bowl, mix them with sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs until well combined.
Layer It Up!: Pour the fruit mixture over your crust in the baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly—it should look colorful and inviting already!
Bake Away!: Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes until golden brown on top. The filling should bubble slightly around the edges.
Cool Down Time!: Once baked, remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Patience is key here—your taste buds will thank you later!
Enjoy these delicious strawberry rhubarb bars fresh or chilled! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a delightful treat just for you! delicious berry dessert.
You Must Know
- These delightful Strawberry Rhubarb Bars are a perfect balance of sweet and tart
- The buttery crust pairs beautifully with the juicy filling, making them an irresistible treat
- Enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a summertime dessert that will impress everyone
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust first while preheating your oven. This allows the crust to cool slightly before adding the filling, ensuring a perfect texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap strawberries for raspberries or add a splash of lemon juice for extra zing. These small changes can elevate your bars in exciting ways!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For best results, reheat gently in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for maximum flavor; frozen ones can make your filling too watery
- Ensure your rhubarb is tender to balance perfectly with the sweetness of strawberries
- Don’t skip letting the bars cool completely before slicing; it makes all the difference!
Sharing these Strawberry Rhubarb Bars at a picnic once turned me into an instant crowd favorite! People were begging for the recipe—it was such a delightful moment. savory grilled chicken.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Rhubarb Bars?
Using fresh strawberries is best, but frozen can work if you drain excess moisture.
How should I cut the bars for serving?
Wait until they cool completely, then slice with a sharp knife for neat portions.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for delicious results.
Strawberry Rhubarb Bars
Strawberry Rhubarb Bars are a delightful summer treat that perfectly balances sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb. With a buttery crust and a vibrant filling, these bars evoke nostalgia and joy, making them perfect for picnics, gatherings, or simply indulging after dinner. Easy to make with minimal ingredients, they are sure to impress friends and family alike!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 cups rhubarb stalks, chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- For the crust, cream together the softened butter and sugar in a mixing bowl. Gradually add flour and baking powder until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In another bowl, combine chopped strawberries and rhubarb with sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs until well mixed. Pour this filling over the crust in the baking pan.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown on top and slightly bubbly around the edges. Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating a splash of lemon juice or substitute some strawberries with raspberries. Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days; gently reheat at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
