Ingredients
Pantry Staples:
The ingredients for the Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars recipe are a combination of common pantry staples and fresh produce.
Pantry Staples:
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All-purpose flour:
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Brown sugar:
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Granulated sugar:
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Ground cinnamon:
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Salt:
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Unsalted butter, melted:
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Oat flour:
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Vegetable oil:
The fresh produce required for the recipe are strawberries and rhubarb. It is essential to note that rhubarb has a tart flavor, so it’s balanced by the sweetness of the strawberries.
Fresh Produce:
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Strawberries:
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Rhubarb:
The other essential ingredient is egg, which helps bind the mixture together.
Optional Ingredients:
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Confectioners’ sugar:
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Nutmeg:
The confectioners’ sugar is used to dust the top of the bars before baking, while nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
2 1/4 cups allpurpose flour
All-purpose flour serves as a fundamental ingredient in numerous baked goods and desserts, including our featured recipe for Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars. The quantity specified, 2 1/4 cups, represents an essential component of this sweet treat’s texture and structure.
When it comes to baking with all-purpose flour, understanding its characteristics is crucial. It is a type of wheat flour that has been processed to have a neutral flavor, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of recipes. All-purpose flour contains a mix of different types of gluten, which provides elasticity and structure to baked goods.
In the context of Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars, the 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour is used to create a crumbly mixture that will provide texture contrast to the sweet strawberry-rhubarb filling. The flour’s ability to absorb liquid and hold its shape makes it an essential component of this crumb topping.
It’s worth noting that the specific type or brand of all-purpose flour used may affect the final result. Some flours, such as bread flour or pastry flour, have different protein contents that can impact texture and structure. However, in this recipe, using a standard all-purpose flour is recommended for achieving the desired crumbly texture.
When measuring 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, it’s essential to use a dry measuring cup to ensure accuracy. Packing the flour down into the cup can also help to ensure that you’re getting the correct amount. This will be crucial in achieving the perfect balance between crumb topping and filling.
In summary, the 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour in our Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars recipe is a vital component that provides texture and structure to this sweet treat. Understanding the characteristics of all-purpose flour and how it’s used in baking can help you achieve success with this recipe.
1 tsp baking powder
In the Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe, 1 teaspoon of baking powder serves as an essential ingredient to ensure the texture and structure of the bars.
Baking powder is a type of leavening agent that helps baked goods rise by releasing carbon dioxide gas during the mixing process. In this recipe, it plays a crucial role in giving the crumb topping and crust a light and airy texture.
The inclusion of 1 teaspoon of baking powder allows for even distribution and controlled release of the gas bubbles within the dough, thereby preventing the mixture from becoming too dense or heavy.
This amount is sufficient to create a tender and flaky texture in the bars while maintaining their overall stability. Too little baking powder may result in an under-leavened crumb, whereas excessive use could lead to over-aeration and collapse of the structure during baking.
The versatility of baking powder lies in its ability to balance flavors and enhance textures within various baked goods. Its mild yet subtle effect on the strawberry rhubarb filling helps prevent overpowering sweetness or flavor imbalances in the final product.
1 tsp salt
Salt plays a crucial role in bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients in the Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars recipe. When it comes to salt, 1 teaspoon is a standard measurement that can be used as a guide for many recipes.
However, it’s worth noting that the type of salt used can also impact the flavor of the dish. For this recipe, you may want to use a finer grain salt like kosher salt or sea salt to help distribute evenly and prevent any gritty texture in the finished bars.
The role of salt in baking is multifaceted. It not only enhances flavors but also helps control yeast growth in leavening agents, balances sweetness levels, and even contributes to the overall texture of baked goods. In this recipe, 1 tsp of salt serves as a subtle counterpoint to the sweet-tart flavors of strawberries and rhubarb.
When measuring out 1 tsp of salt, it’s essential to use a digital kitchen scale or a standard measuring spoon to ensure accuracy. Using too much salt can throw off the entire balance of flavors in the dish, leading to an overly salty taste that might be unpleasant.
In this recipe, 1 tsp of salt is just one component of a larger mix of ingredients that come together to create the Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars. From the sweetness of sugar and honey to the tartness of lemon juice and zest, each ingredient plays its part in crafting a delightful balance of flavors.
Overall, understanding the importance of salt – including the amount (1 tsp), type, and measurement method – is essential for achieving the perfect flavor balance in baked goods like these Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars.
1 cup granulated sugar
The first ingredient we will be using in our Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars recipe is 1 cup granulated sugar. This type of sugar is a refined sugar that has been processed to remove any impurities and give it a fine texture.
Granulated sugar, also known as white sugar or table sugar, is the most commonly used type of sugar in baking. It’s called “granulated” because of its granular texture, which makes it easy to measure and dissolve.
The reason we use granulated sugar in our Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars recipe is that it provides sweetness without any flavor or color. This allows the natural flavors of the strawberries and rhubarb to shine through.
When using granulated sugar, it’s essential to note that the type and quality of sugar can affect the final texture and flavor of our Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars. For example, superfine or castor sugar can make a finer crumb, while brown sugar can add a richer flavor.
In our recipe, we will be using 1 cup of granulated sugar in combination with other ingredients to create the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. This is especially important when working with strawberries and rhubarb, as they are both relatively tart fruits.
The amount of granulated sugar we use also plays a crucial role in balancing out the natural sweetness of the fruit. Using too little sugar may result in an under-sweetened product, while using too much sugar can make it overly sweet and unbalanced.
Tangy Strawberry Rhubarb Filling
Fresh Fruits:
When it comes to creating the perfect filling for our Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars, we recommend using a tangy strawberry rhubarb filling made with fresh fruits.
This filling is the star of the show in these delicious bars, and its tartness perfectly complements the sweetness of the sugar and crumble topping.
To make this filling, you will need:
- 1 cup of sliced strawberries
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh rhubarb (about 2 stalks)
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 cup of water
The fresh strawberries should be hulled and sliced into thin pieces, while the rhubarb should be chopped into bite-sized pieces.
In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the filling has thickened and the strawberries have broken down into a sauce-like consistency.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the water. Let it cool slightly before using it as the filling for our Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars.
This tangy strawberry rhubarb filling will add a burst of flavor to your bars, making them a perfect dessert or snack for any time of year.
2 cups sliced fresh rhubarb
The Tangy Strawberry Rhubarb Filling is a crucial component of our Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars recipe, providing a sweet and tangy contrast to the crunchy oat topping.
To make this delightful filling, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups sliced fresh rhubarb (about 4-5 stalks)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves (optional)
Let’s start with the rhubarb preparation. Choose fresh, firm stalks of rhubarb and slice them into 1-inch pieces. Make sure to only use the tender, fleshy part of the stalks, as the leaves are toxic.
In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the rhubarb is tender and the filling has thickened. You can help the process along by occasionally mashing the rhubarb with a potato masher or the back of a spoon.
After the filling has cooled slightly, you can add the strawberry jam or preserves if desired. This will give your bars an extra boost of strawberry flavor and color.
The Tangy Strawberry Rhubarb Filling is now ready to be used in our Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars recipe. Simply spread it evenly over a bed of crumb mixture in a 9×9-inch baking dish, followed by another layer of crumb topping and bake until golden brown.
2 cups sliced strawberries
This luscious and tangy strawberry rhubarb filling is a key component to our delectable Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors, with the sliced strawberries adding natural sweetness while the rhubarb contributes its signature tartness.
To make this filling, you’ll need 2 cups of sliced strawberries, fresh or frozen, as long as they’re free from any debris and thoroughly cleaned. If using frozen strawberries, be sure to thaw them first before proceeding with the recipe. For an authentic taste experience, it’s recommended to use fresh strawberries whenever possible.
Next, you’ll need 2 cups of sliced rhubarb stalks, again, fresh or frozen will work, as long as they’re free from any impurities and properly cleaned. Like the strawberries, frozen rhubarb should be thawed beforehand for optimal results. Ensure to remove the leaves from the stalks, as they contain high concentrations of oxalic acid, which can be toxic if ingested.
Once you have your ingredients ready, combine them in a large mixing bowl. You’ll want to make sure that both the strawberries and rhubarb are evenly distributed throughout the mixture for an authentic flavor experience. If necessary, use a pastry blender or even your hands to break down any clumps and ensure everything is fully incorporated.
Now it’s time to add in some sugar. For this recipe, we’ll be using 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to balance out the tartness from the rhubarb and bring forth a subtle sweetness from the strawberries. If you prefer your filling on the sweeter side or want to cater to individual tastes, feel free to adjust the amount of sugar accordingly.
With the mixture well combined and sugar added, it’s time to set aside this luscious strawberry rhubarb filling for later use in our Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe. This filling will provide a delightful balance of flavors and textures when combined with the crumbly oat topping and flaky pastry crust.
As you prepare this filling, be sure to save any leftover mixture for future recipes or as a topping for yogurt or ice cream. Enjoy experimenting and finding unique ways to utilize this incredible combination of strawberries and rhubarb in your own creations!
Other Essential Ingredients:
The success of a delicious and tangy Strawberry Rhubarb Filling depends on a combination of essential ingredients that work together in perfect harmony.
Here are some key components to consider:
- Tart Rhubarb**: Fresh or frozen rhubarb is an essential component of this filling, providing a natural tartness and sweetness balance. Choose fresh rhubarb with firm stalks, as it will hold its shape better during baking.
- Strawberries**: Sweet and juicy strawberries add natural sweetness and flavor to the filling. Opt for fresh or frozen strawberries, depending on what’s in season and available locally.
- Sugar**: Granulated sugar adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering the tartness of the rhubarb. Adjust the amount according to personal taste preferences.
- Cornstarch**: This starchy ingredient helps thicken the filling, preventing it from becoming too runny or loose during baking. Mix cornstarch with sugar for an even more effective thickening agent.
Omitting any of these essential ingredients can affect the flavor, texture, and overall quality of the Strawberry Rhubarb Filling in your delicious crumb bars.
1/4 cup granulated sugar
The tangy and sweet Tangy Strawberry Rhubarb Filling is the star of the show in this Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe.
This delicious filling is made with a combination of fresh strawberries, tart rhubarb, and just the right amount of sweetness from granulated sugar. In fact, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar is added to balance out the flavors of this tangy mixture.
The beauty of this recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients: fresh strawberries, fresh rhubarb, and a hint of granulated sugar. No artificial flavorings or preservatives are needed to enhance the natural sweetness and tartness of these two fruits.
To make this scrumptious filling, simply combine 2 cups of sliced strawberries and 1 cup of diced fresh rhubarb in a medium saucepan. Add the
You’ll know that the filling is ready when the strawberries have broken down and the rhubarb has softened into a beautiful jam-like consistency. This tangy strawberry rhubarb filling will be perfect to top your crumb bars with.
Ingredients:
* 2 cups sliced strawberries
* 1 cup diced fresh rhubarb
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* Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine strawberries and rhubarb in a medium saucepan.
2. Add the
3. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly before using as topping for crumb bars.
2 tbsp cornstarch
This delicious Tangy Strawberry Rhubarb Filling is a crucial component of the Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe, adding a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors to each bar.
Comprising primarily of strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, and a hint of lemon zest, this filling is designed to be tangy yet not overpowering, making it an excellent complement to the crunchy oat crumble topping.
The key to achieving the ideal balance of sweet and tart in this filling lies in using a combination of fresh strawberries and rhubarb. Fresh strawberries provide natural sweetness, while rhubarb adds its signature tartness.
As the recipe calls for 2 tbsp cornstarch, it’s essential to note that this ingredient plays a crucial role in thickening the filling without altering its flavor or texture. Cornstarch helps to prevent excessive juicing of the mixture and ensures it holds together properly.
To prepare the Tangy Strawberry Rhubarb Filling, start by combining sliced strawberries and diced rhubarb in a large bowl. Add granulated sugar to taste, as well as a pinch of salt and lemon zest for added depth of flavor.
Mix until the fruit is evenly coated with sugar, then let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to allow the juices to release. Stir in the cornstarch, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
Transfer the filling mixture into the prepared crumble crust and spread it out evenly, leaving a small border around the edges. This will prevent the filling from oozing over during baking.
The combination of sweet strawberries, tart rhubarb, crunchy oat topping, and perfectly balanced filling creates a delicious harmony that is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Crumbly Biscuit Topping
Oat Flour Magic:
The perfect accompaniment to any dessert, crumbly biscuit topping can elevate a dish from ordinary to extraordinary. In the case of the Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe, this delectable topping brings together a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
One of the secrets behind an exceptional crumbly biscuit topping is using oat flour instead of regular all-purpose flour. Oat flour provides a nuttier, slightly sweet flavor that complements the tartness of the strawberries and rhubarb perfectly.
Here are some key reasons why oat flour magic happens in this recipe:
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Oat flour adds depth and complexity to the crumbly biscuit topping
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Its nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberries and the tartness of the rhubarb
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Oat flour helps to create a delicate balance between crunch and softness in the finished bars
The process of making crumbly biscuit topping is quite simple:
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In a bowl, whisk together oat flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt until well combined.
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Add cold butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to work it into a crumbly mixture.
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Press the mixture into small clumps, then break them up into larger pieces to achieve the perfect crumble texture.
When you add this crumbly biscuit topping to your Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars Recipe, you’ll be rewarded with a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave everyone wanting more!
1 cup rolled oats
To make a delicious **Crumbly Biscuit Topping**, you’ll need 1 cup of rolled oats, which will serve as the foundation of this tasty mixture.
In a mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup of rolled oats with ½ cup of all-purpose flour. The flour adds structure and texture to the crumb topping, while the oats provide a delightful crunch.
Add in ½ cup of packed brown sugar. This will contribute to the sweetness and depth of flavor in the topping.
Melt ¼ cup of melted butter and pour it over the oat mixture. The butter is essential for bringing all the ingredients together and creating a cohesive crumbly texture.
Use your fingers or a pastry blender to work the melted butter into the dry ingredients until you have a coarse, crumbly mixture with some larger chunks of oats and brown sugar. This crumb topping is ready to be sprinkled over your Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars before baking.
When you sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the filling, it will create a beautifully golden-brown crust that complements the flavors of the strawberries and rhubarb perfectly.
Other Ingredients to Watch For:
Crumbly biscuit topping is an essential component of many baked goods, including the strawberry rhubarb crumb bars recipe.
The key to creating a delicious and crunchy biscuit topping lies in the right balance of ingredients, particularly flour, butter or shortening, and sugar.
When it comes to other ingredients to watch for, there are a few things to consider:
Firstly, make sure you’re using the right type of sugar. Granulated sugar is often used in crumbly biscuit toppings because it adds texture and sweetness without melting or dissolving during baking.
Secondly, be mindful of the amount of liquid in your dough. Too much liquid can cause the biscuit topping to become soggy rather than crunchy, so make sure you’re not adding too many wet ingredients.
Thirdly, pay attention to the ratio of butter or shortening to dry ingredients. If there’s too little fat in the mixture, the biscuit topping may be dense and hard; if there’s too much, it may be greasy and crumbly.
Lastly, don’t overlook the importance of using cold ingredients, particularly butter or shortening. Cold fats help to create a flaky texture in the biscuit topping by preventing the butter from melting into the dry ingredients during mixing.
By paying attention to these details and carefully balancing your ingredients, you can create a delicious crumbly biscuit topping that adds a delightful crunch and flavor to your strawberry rhubarb crumb bars.
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
The crumbly biscuit topping is a crucial component of our Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars recipe, adding texture and flavor to each bite. To make this delicious topping, we’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
To begin making the crumbly biscuit topping, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the packed light brown sugar until well combined. The mixture should still be crumbly, but it’s okay if it holds together slightly.
Press half of the crumb mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. This will form the crust for our Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars.
The remaining crumb mixture can be reserved for topping our bars after they’ve baked and cooled. Simply sprinkle it over the top, ensuring an even layer covers the entire surface.
Now that we have our crumbly biscuit topping ready to go, we can move on to assembling and baking our Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars!
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Crumbly Biscuit Topping plays a crucial role in many desserts, adding a delightful textural element and flavor contrast to sweet treats like the Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars.
For the Crumbly Biscuit Topping in this recipe, start by preparing 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter. This is essential to achieving the perfect crumb texture – it’s imperative that the butter remains cool and firm throughout the process.
First, cut the 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter into small pieces. This can be done using a pastry blender or by simply cutting it with a knife until you have small, even crumbs. The goal here is to break down the butter into fine particles that will easily mix with other ingredients and help form the crumbly texture.
When cutting the cold butter, make sure to keep your workspace cool – ideally, refrigerate it for about 10-15 minutes before proceeding to ensure that it remains firm. This is a crucial step in preventing the butter from softening and losing its structure during the mixing process.
Once you have your cold, crumbly butter pieces, combine them with 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. You can simply sift or whisk together both ingredients in a large bowl to ensure they’re evenly distributed and well-combined.
Mixing the flour and butter is relatively easy – it’s more about maintaining control over their texture. Think of this step as creating an initial crumbly foundation that will set the stage for further additions like sugar, salt, or other flavor enhancers.
When combining these ingredients, make sure to gently mix them until they’re evenly distributed. The key here is not to overmix – you want to maintain some texture and keep the mixture slightly rough around the edges.
This Crumbly Biscuit Topping serves as a vital element in many recipes, such as the Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars. By carefully combining these simple ingredients, you’ll be able to create the perfect crunchy contrast that will balance out sweet flavors and textures within your baked goods.
Cinnamon or nutmeg for added depth (optional)
To create a crumbly biscuit topping, you’ll need to mix together a combination of dry ingredients with cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Making the crumb mixture ahead of time allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set properly.
For added depth, consider adding a pinch of _**cinnamon**_ or _**nutmeg**_ to the biscuit topping. These warm spices complement the sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb perfectly.
When combining the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients for the biscuit topping, be gentle as to not overmix.
The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs when it’s ready. If it still appears too wet, add a bit more _**flour**_ and mix until it reaches the desired consistency.
As an alternative to cinnamon or nutmeg, consider adding a pinch of _**allspice**_ for added warmth and depth.
Once the biscuit topping is ready, sprinkle it evenly over the strawberry rhubarb filling before baking.
The crumbly texture will provide a delightful contrast in texture to the smooth filling, making each bite a perfect combination of flavors and textures.
This crumb topping adds an extra layer of complexity and interest to the classic _**strawberry rhubarb crumble**_ dessert.
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