Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars: A Sweet and Tangy Summer Treat

There’s something undeniably comforting about crumb bars especially when they’re bursting with the bright, tangy flavour of rhubarb and the natural sweetness of strawberries. These Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are the perfect balance of tart and sweet, with a buttery oat crust and crumble topping that makes them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a picnic, a potluck, or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, these bars are a delicious way to celebrate the season’s best produce.

What Are Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars?

Strawberry rhubarb crumb bars are layered dessert bars consisting of a buttery oat crust, a fruity filling made with fresh or frozen strawberries and rhubarb, and a golden crumb topping. Baked until bubbly and crisp, they offer the nostalgia of a fruit pie but with the convenience of handheld treats. These bars are ideal for summer gatherings or as an everyday snack with a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Why Strawberry and Rhubarb Work So Well Together

Strawberries and rhubarb are a classic pairing in the world of baking. The strawberries lend natural sweetness, while the rhubarb brings a distinctive tartness. This combination results in a complex flavour that’s both refreshing and indulgent. The bright red hues also create a visually appealing dessert that captures the essence of summer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust and Crumb Topping:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups rolled oats
• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 225g (1 cup) unsalted butter, melted

For the Strawberry Rhubarb Filling:

• 2 cups diced rhubarb (fresh or frozen, if using frozen, thaw and drain first)
• 2 cups chopped strawberries
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)

How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

1. Prepare the Crust and Topping

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside 1 cup of the mixture for the topping.

Press the remaining crumb mixture into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish. Use your fingers or the bottom of a flat glass to firmly pack it into an even layer. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to set the base.

2. Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornflour. Stir well until the fruit is coated and the sugar begins to dissolve. Let it sit while the crust bakes.

3. Assemble and Bake

After the crust has baked for 10 minutes, remove it from the oven and evenly spread the strawberry rhubarb mixture over the base. Sprinkle the reserved crumb topping over the fruit filling.

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.

4. Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For cleaner slices, chill in the fridge for 1–2 hours before cutting. Lift out using the parchment paper and slice into squares or rectangles.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh, seasonal fruit when possible for the best flavour and texture. Frozen fruit works too but be sure to drain any excess liquid after thawing.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice—it enhances the fruit’s flavour and adds brightness to the filling.
• Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner slices.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Variations to Try

• Add vanilla or almond extract to the filling for a subtle flavour twist.
• Swap in other berries, like raspberries or blueberries, for a mixed-fruit bar.
• Add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to the crumb topping for a crunchier texture.
• Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.

Serving Suggestions

These crumb bars are perfect as they are, but if you want to elevate the dessert:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a nostalgic pie-like experience.
• Top with a spoonful of whipped cream or crème fraîche.
• Drizzle with white chocolate or glaze for added sweetness and a decorative touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make with pantry staples and seasonal fruit.
• Perfect for summer—a great alternative to pies or tarts.
• Great make-ahead dessert that holds well and tastes even better the next day.
• Versatile and adaptable with lots of room for creativity.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars are a celebration of the summer harvest, wrapped up in a nostalgic and crowd-pleasing treat. They’re easy to make, beautiful to look at, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this is one of those recipes you’ll want to return to again and again.

So next time you spot rhubarb at the market or find strawberries ripening in your garden, don’t hesitate bake a batch of these crumb bars and enjoy the sweet-tart joy of summer in every bite.