Rhubarb Crumble Bars Recipe

Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dessert for summer? Look no further than these homemade Rhubarb Crumble Bars. With a thick and generous base, a sweet and tart rhubarb compote, and a crispy oat crumble topping, these bars are the perfect way to enjoy the unique flavor of rhubarb. Inspired by Swedish dessert bars, this recipe combines fresh rhubarb, lemon juice and zest, sugar, cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, butter, and oats to create a mouthwatering treat.

Indulge your taste buds with the perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors in every bite. The natural tartness of the rhubarb is balanced by the sweetness of the compote, while the crumble topping adds a delicious crunch. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply looking to satisfy your dessert cravings, these rhubarb crumble bars are sure to impress.

Key Takeaways:

• Rhubarb Crumble Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make summer dessert.
• They have a thick and generous base, a sweet and tart rhubarb compote, and a crispy oat crumble topping.
• The key ingredients include fresh rhubarb, lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, butter, and oats.
• The rhubarb filling is made by cooking the rhubarb with sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until soft and juicy, then thickening it with cornstarch.
• The crumble crust is made with a combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and butter.

The Perfect Blend of Sweet and Tart

Rhubarb Crumble Bars offer the perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors. The natural tartness of the rhubarb is balanced by the sweetness of the compote. The crumble topping adds a delicious crunchy texture to the bars. These bars are a great way to enjoy the unique flavor of rhubarb and are perfect for summer gatherings and desserts.

When it comes to rhubarb desserts, it doesn’t get much better than a classic rhubarb crumble. With its combination of tangy rhubarb filling and buttery crumble topping, this dessert is sure to delight your taste buds. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make!

To create the perfect blend of sweet and tart, start by preparing the rhubarb filling. Simply combine fresh rhubarb with sugar and a splash of lemon juice. The sugar helps to balance out the tartness of the rhubarb, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing citrus note. Cook the mixture until the rhubarb is tender and juicy.

While the rhubarb filling is simmering away, it’s time to make the crumble topping. This is where the real magic happens! Combine flour, oats, sugar, and butter to create a crumbly texture that will become golden and crispy in the oven. Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the rhubarb filling, and it’s ready to bake.

Once your rhubarb crumble bars are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before cutting them into squares. The combination of the tangy rhubarb filling and the buttery crumble topping is simply irresistible. Serve them warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

So, if you’re looking for a delicious rhubarb dessert that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart, look no further than these rhubarb crumble squares. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to impress your friends and family.

When it comes to enjoying the unique flavor of rhubarb, these rhubarb crumble bars are the way to go. Don’t miss out on this delightful summer treat!

The Key Ingredients

In order to create the perfect sweet and tangy rhubarb bars, you will need to gather the following key ingredients:

1. Fresh rhubarb
2. Lemon zest
3. Lemon juice
4. Sugar
5. Cornstarch
6. All-purpose flour
7. Baking powder
8. Butter
9. Oats

These ingredients come together harmoniously to create a mouthwatering rhubarb filling and a delightful crispy crust. The sweet and tangy flavors of the rhubarb combined with the buttery goodness of the crust result in a truly irresistible dessert.

The Key Ingredients for Sweet and Tangy Rhubarb Bars

Now that we’ve covered the essential ingredients, let’s move on to the next section to learn how to make the delicious rhubarb filling.

Making the Rhubarb Filling

Making the rhubarb filling for the bars is simple and easy. It’s the key step in creating the best rhubarb crumble bar recipe, resulting in a quick rhubarb dessert that is both delicious and satisfying. Here’s how to make the perfect rhubarb filling:

1. Start by preparing the fresh rhubarb. Wash the stalks thoroughly and trim the ends. Cut them into small, bite-sized pieces.
2. In a saucepan, combine the rhubarb with sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. The lemon adds a refreshing twist to the filling and balances the sweetness of the sugar.
3. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the rhubarb becomes soft and juicy. This process helps release the natural flavors of the rhubarb and ensures the filling is perfectly cooked.
4. Add cornstarch to the saucepan and stir well. This will thicken the filling, giving it a luscious consistency and preventing it from being too runny.
5. Continue cooking the rhubarb filling until it reaches a thick and glossy texture. This ensures that the filling will hold together when the bars are cut and served, making each bite a delight.

Once the rhubarb filling is ready, pour it over the crust and spread it evenly. This step is crucial for achieving the best balance of flavors and textures in the bars. The sweet and tangy rhubarb filling creates a delightful contrast to the buttery crust and the crispy crumble topping.

Creating the Crumble Crust

The crust for the Rhubarb Crumble Bars is made with a combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and butter. The softened butter is mixed with the dry ingredients using your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs. This crust is then pressed into the bottom of the baking pan and baked until it is set and slightly golden. The crust provides a base for the rhubarb filling and adds a buttery flavor to the bars.

If you’re wondering how to achieve the perfect crumble crust, follow these simple steps:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ cup of sugar.
2. Cut ½ cup of softened butter into small pieces and add it to the dry ingredients.
3. Using your fingertips, gently rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Continue to mix until you have a uniform texture with no large chunks of butter remaining.
5. Transfer the crumble mixture to a square baking pan lined with parchment paper.
6. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to create an even crust.
7. Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until it is set and slightly golden.

Once the crust is ready, you can proceed with adding the delicious rhubarb filling and the crumble topping to complete your mouthwatering Rhubarb Crumble Bars.

Adding the Crumble Topping

Once the sweet and tart rhubarb filling is spread over the buttery crust, it’s time to add the finishing touch to these homemade rhubarb bars – the irresistible crumble topping. Made with a delightful combination of oats, sugar, and melted butter, the crumble topping adds a crispy and chunky texture to each bite.

As the bars bake in the oven, the crumble topping browns slightly, intensifying the flavors and adding an additional layer of texture to the dessert. The contrast between the soft rhubarb filling, the buttery crust, and the crunchy crumble topping creates a truly delectable treat.

To make the crumble topping, lightly mix together oats, sugar, and melted butter until they form coarse crumbs. These crumbs are then evenly sprinkled over the rhubarb filling, covering it entirely. This step ensures that every bite of these delicious rhubarb bars offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

The crumble topping plays a crucial role in making these homemade rhubarb bars a crowd favorite. Its combination of sweetness, crunch, and buttery goodness enhances the overall taste experience, making these bars a delightful choice for any occasion.

These homemade rhubarb bars are simply irresistible with their flavorful rhubarb filling, buttery crust, and crispy crumble topping. Every bite is a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving for more.

Baking Tips and Variations

When baking the Rhubarb Crumble Bars, there are a few tips and variations you can try to make the recipe even more delicious and versatile.

Choose the Right Pan

Depending on your preference, you can use either a square pan or a regular pie dish to make the Rhubarb Crumble Bars. Both options work well and will yield equally tasty results. The square pan will give you perfectly shaped bars, while using a pie dish gives you a more rustic presentation.

Get Creative with Fruit Combinations

While rhubarb is the star of these bars, you can experiment with different fruit combinations by adding strawberries or apples to the rhubarb filling. This adds complexity to the flavor profile and brings a touch of natural sweetness to balance out the tartness of the rhubarb. The combination possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative with your favorite fruits.

Serve with a Delicious Topping

To enhance the flavor and presentation of the Rhubarb Crumble Bars, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy and sweet elements of these toppings complement the sweet and tangy rhubarb bars perfectly, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Storage and Freezing

If you have any leftovers, these Rhubarb Crumble Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They make a great make-ahead dessert for easy snacking or entertaining. Additionally, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag. To thaw, simply leave them in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

Get creative with your baking and enjoy the endless possibilities of these sweet and tangy Rhubarb Crumble Bars!

What to Do with Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of delicious recipes. In addition to making Rhubarb Crumble Bars, there are many other creative and tasty ways to incorporate this vibrant stalk into your culinary adventures. Here are some healthy rhubarb recipes to try:

1. Rhubarb Bread: This moist and flavorful bread combines the tangy taste of rhubarb with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon treat.
2. Old-Fashioned Rhubarb Crunch: This classic dessert features a sweet and tangy rhubarb filling topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar crumble. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful rhubarb dessert.
3. Rhubarb Crumble Tart: A twist on the traditional pie, this rhubarb crumble tart combines a buttery crust, a sweet rhubarb filling, and a crispy crumble topping. It’s a beautiful and delicious centerpiece for any table.
4. Easy Rhubarb Cake: This tender and moist cake is made with fresh rhubarb and a hint of vanilla. It’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion.
5. Rhubarb Vanilla Bean Jelly: This unique jelly combines the tartness of rhubarb with the rich flavor of vanilla beans. Spread it on toast or use it as a filling for pastries.
6. Perfect Rhubarb Muffins: These fluffy and moist muffins are packed with juicy rhubarb pieces and have a delightful crumb topped with a sprinkle of sugar. They make a great grab-and-go breakfast or a tasty snack.

Rhubarb also pairs well with other fruits like strawberries and apples, making it a great addition to pies, jams, and desserts. Get creative in the kitchen and explore the endless possibilities of rhubarb in your cooking.

Storing and Freezing Rhubarb Crumble Bars

Once you have made a batch of delicious homemade rhubarb bars, you may find yourself wondering about the best way to store and preserve them. With a few simple tips, you can ensure that your rhubarb crumble bars stay fresh and delightful for longer periods.

Rhubarb Crumble Bars can be stored in an airtight container or a ziploc bag in the refrigerator for up to a week. This will help to maintain their freshness and prevent them from drying out. The airtight seal will also protect the bars from absorbing any unwanted odors from other foods in the refrigerator. When storing the bars, make sure to place them in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together.

To extend the shelf life of your homemade rhubarb bars, you can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Freezing is a great option if you want to enjoy these tasty treats at a later time or if you have made a large batch and want to save some for future enjoyment.

To freeze the Rhubarb Crumble Bars, follow these simple steps:

1. Allow the bars to cool completely after baking.
2. Individually wrap each bar or place them in a freezer-safe container.
3. Label the container with the date and contents for easy identification.
4. Place the bars in the freezer, making sure they are stored in a flat position to maintain their shape.

When you are ready to enjoy the frozen bars, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours. This gradual thawing process will help maintain the texture and flavor of the bars.

Whether you choose to store your rhubarb crumble bars in the refrigerator or freeze them for later, you can be sure that these delightful treats will bring joy to your taste buds whenever you choose to enjoy them.

Benefits of Storing and Freezing Rhubarb Crumble Bars

By storing and freezing your homemade rhubarb bars, you can:

• Enjoy the bars over an extended period of time
• Minimize food waste by preserving leftover bars
• Have a delicious dessert option on hand for unexpected guests or special occasions
• Save time by making a larger batch and storing the extras

Storing and freezing rhubarb crumble bars is a simple and convenient way to ensure that you always have a quick rhubarb dessert on hand whenever the craving strikes. So go ahead and make a big batch of these delightful treats and savor them whenever you desire!

Conclusion

Rhubarb Crumble Bars are the perfect dessert to showcase the unique and delicious flavor of rhubarb. With their sweet and tart taste, crispy crust, and crumble topping, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself.

Whether you have a surplus of rhubarb from your garden or simply want to try a new and delectable dessert, this recipe for rhubarb crumble bars is a must-try. The combination of flavors and textures in these bars creates a delightful and satisfying dessert experience.

From the rich and buttery crust to the sweet and tangy rhubarb filling, every bite of these bars is pure bliss. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed on their own or paired with your favorite scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

So, gather your ingredients and give this best rhubarb crumble bar recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed with the mouthwatering results. Rhubarb dessert bars are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of summer and create lasting memories with your loved ones.