Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Bars

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Bars are a mouthwatering blend of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb, layered between a buttery oat crust and a golden crumb topping. This easy-to-make dessert captures the essence of spring and summer with its vibrant flavors and delightful texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These crisp bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them a crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a picnic, potluck, or simply indulging at home, you’ll love how effortlessly they come together. Plus, they’re easy to cut, store, and even freeze—making them a practical treat as well.

Ingredients

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

• Strawberries
• Rhubarb
• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch
• Lemon juice
• Old-fashioned rolled oats
• All-purpose flour
• Light brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Unsalted butter

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly.
3. Press about two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
4. In another bowl, stir together chopped strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
5. Spread the fruit mixture evenly over the crust.
6. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the top of the fruit layer.
7. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly.
8. Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 12 to 16 bars, depending on how large you cut them.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Total time: Approximately 2 hours

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan: Substitute vegan butter or coconut oil.
• Add-ins: Try mixing in chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even white chocolate chips for a twist.
• Other Fruits: Mix in raspberries or blueberries with the strawberries for added depth.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm a piece in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or place in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.
Bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

FAQs

What does rhubarb taste like?

Rhubarb has a tart, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet fruits like strawberries.

Can I use frozen strawberries and rhubarb?

Yes, just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the bars.

Do I have to peel rhubarb?

Not usually—unless the stalks are particularly thick or tough, peeling isn’t necessary.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until serving.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Rolled oats are best for texture, but in a pinch, you can use quick oats with a slightly softer result.

Is it okay to reduce the sugar?

Yes, but keep in mind that rhubarb is quite tart, so reducing sugar will change the balance of flavors.

Can I serve these warm?

Yes! Warm bars are delicious, especially when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Make sure to bake until the fruit is bubbly and the top is golden. Cooling fully before cutting also helps.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply use a larger baking pan or bake in two batches.

What’s the best way to cut clean bars?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. For best results, refrigerate the bars before cutting.

Conclusion

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Bars are a classic treat that brings out the best of early summer flavors. With their buttery crust, juicy filling, and crisp topping, they’re a guaranteed hit. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this simple yet delicious recipe is sure to become a favorite.

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