Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Bars are a delightful, handheld version of the classic crisp, combining sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb with a buttery, oat-based crust and topping. These bars offer the perfect balance of fruitiness and sweetness, making them an ideal treat for picnics, bake sales, or any time you’re craving a fruity dessert. Their easy-to-make nature and irresistible flavor make them a family favorite.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the filling:

• Fresh or frozen strawberries
• Fresh or frozen rhubarb
• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract

For the crust and topping:

• All-purpose flour
• Old-fashioned rolled oats
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Unsalted butter (cold and cut into small pieces)
• Salt

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruit releases its juices and the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
4. Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust layer.
5. Evenly spread the strawberry rhubarb filling over the crust.
6. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top of the filling to form a crumble topping.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
8. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 9-12 bars.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

• Add a handful of chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, to the topping for extra crunch.
• Swap the strawberries for blueberries or blackberries for a different berry twist.
• Drizzle a simple glaze over the bars after baking for extra sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Store the Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries and rhubarb for this recipe?
Yes, frozen fruit works well. Just make sure to thaw and drain the fruit to avoid excess liquid in the filling.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, the bars can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Let them cool completely before storing.

Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute coconut sugar or maple syrup for the granulated sugar, but the texture may vary slightly.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats to make these bars gluten-free.

Can I use a different fruit combination?
Absolutely! You can mix and match different fruits like peaches, apples, or raspberries for a new twist on the classic.

Conclusion

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Bars offer the perfect mix of sweet and tart, with a buttery oat crust and crumble topping that will have everyone reaching for more. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a simple family treat, these bars are sure to be a hit. Their easy preparation and delicious flavor make them a must-try dessert for any fruit lover!

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