Golden, buttery, and bursting with local flavor—these bars are the perfect way to welcome the first harvest of the season

In Bangor, Maine, the arrival of spring brings a delightful fusion of flavors, notably in the form of strawberry rhubarb crumb bars. This classic dessert combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of rhubarb, all nestled between a buttery crust and a crumbly oat topping.

Creating these bars is straightforward. The crust and topping are crafted from the same mixture, simplifying the process. Fresh or frozen strawberries and rhubarb are mixed with sugar and cornstarch to form a jam-like filling. Once assembled, the bars are baked until golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

A perfect balance of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb with a buttery, golden crumble.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 45 minutes | Yield: 18-24 squares

Ingredients

The Crust & Crumble:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar + 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1 large egg, 1/4 cup milk, and 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (for the topping)

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The Filling:

• 2.5 cups chopped strawberries

• 2.5 cups sliced rhubarb (1/2 inch pieces)

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 Tbsp cornstarch + 1 tsp orange zest

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Quick Instructions

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper.

2. The Base: Whisk dry ingredients, cut in cold butter until pea-sized, then stir in egg, milk, and vanilla. Press 4 cups of this mixture into the pan to form the crust.

3. The Middle: Toss filling ingredients together and spread over the crust.

4. The Top: Add oats to the remaining crumble mixture and sprinkle over the fruit.

5. Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes until the top is lightly browned. Let cool completely before slicing.