Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars (Printable)

Tangy strawberry and rhubarb filling sandwiched in buttery oat crumble—perfect for spring gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Crumble base & topping

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
03 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
05 - 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ Strawberry rhubarb filling

08 - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
09 - 2 cups fresh rhubarb, diced
10 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
11 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
12 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
13 - 2 teaspoons lemon juice

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to lift the bars after baking.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, rolled oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon until evenly distributed.
03 - Pour the melted butter into the dry mixture and stir with a spatula until the mixture becomes cohesive and crumbly, resembling coarse sand.
04 - Set aside 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining crumbs firmly and evenly into the prepared pan to create a compact base.
05 - In a separate bowl, combine strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla and lemon juice; toss gently until all fruit is evenly coated and the cornstarch is fully incorporated.
06 - Spread the fruit mixture in an even layer over the pressed base, then sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly across the top.
07 - Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
08 - Allow the pan to cool completely on a wire rack, then lift the bars using the parchment overhang and cut into 12 even bars.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • When you slice into them, the contrast of crunchy oat top and gooey fruit center is divine.
  • They’re just rustic enough that nobody expects perfection – perfect for parties or picnics where fussiness isn’t invited.
02 -
  • Rushing slicing before the bars fully cool leads to fruit oozing out everywhere—best to wait, no matter how tempting.
  • The bars actually taste deeper and more cohesive on the second day; don’t hesitate to make ahead.
03 -
  • Don’t skip pressing the base firmly; a loose base crumbles in your hands.
  • A sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before baking is the secret to a grown-up finish.
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