Rhubarb and Strawberry Crumble Squares

The arrival of spring brings with it the vibrant flavors of rhubarb and strawberries, making these Rhubarb and Strawberry Crumble Squares a seasonal delight. The tartness of rhubarb combined with the sweetness of strawberries creates a harmonious filling, nestled between a buttery base and a spiced, crumbly topping. These squares are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, with their rich red filling peeking through the golden crust. Perfect for picnics, brunches, or as an afternoon snack, they capture the essence of spring in every bite.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

Base:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs

Filling:

3 1/2 cups rhubarb, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced

Topping:

2 large eggs, whisked
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, brown sugar, and baking powder. Add the softened butter and eggs, mixing until a crumbly dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
Add the Filling: Evenly distribute the chopped rhubarb and sliced strawberries over the base layer.
Prepare the Topping: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, melted butter, flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth. Pour this mixture over the fruit layer, spreading it evenly to cover all the fruit.
Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the squares to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting them into squares. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Kcal: 280 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 squares

The Perfect Blend of Sweet and Tangy: Rhubarb and Strawberry Crumble Squares

Rhubarb and Strawberry Crumble Squares are the ultimate treat that brings together the best of seasonal spring flavors. These delightful squares are made with a buttery, crumbly base topped with a layer of sweet and tart rhubarb and strawberry filling. The whole thing is finished off with a spiced crumble topping that adds an irresistible texture and depth of flavor. Perfect for spring, these squares offer a unique twist on classic fruit desserts and are sure to impress your guests at any gathering.

A Timeless Combination: Rhubarb and Strawberry

The pairing of rhubarb and strawberry is a classic combination that dates back centuries. Rhubarb, often described as a vegetable but used as a fruit in culinary applications, has a tart flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet, juicy taste of strawberries. This unique contrast in flavors makes rhubarb and strawberry-based desserts a favorite in many cultures, particularly during spring and early summer when both fruits are in season. Rhubarb has been cultivated for centuries for its medicinal and culinary purposes. It is believed to have originated in Asia and made its way to Europe in the early Middle Ages. In North America, it became popular in the 19th century, and its tartness was soon paired with sweeter fruits, such as strawberries, to balance its acidity. This recipe draws inspiration from that rich history, offering a modern twist that is sure to delight your taste buds.

The Benefits of Rhubarb and Strawberries

Not only is this dessert delicious, but it also has some surprising health benefits, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

Rhubarb is a powerhouse when it comes to nutrition. It’s packed with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. A rich source of vitamin K, rhubarb helps support bone health and plays a key role in blood clotting. It also contains small amounts of vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system. The high fiber content in rhubarb promotes digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it a great addition to a balanced diet.
Strawberries, on the other hand, are low in calories and packed with vitamin C, which is crucial for skin health and boosting immunity. They are also high in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and protect against heart disease. Strawberries are known for their ability to support heart health by improving cholesterol levels and blood pressure. They are also rich in manganese, folate, and fiber, making them a great complement to the rhubarb in this recipe.

By combining these two fruits, you get a dessert that not only tastes great but also provides nutritional benefits that can support overall health.

Why Rhubarb and Strawberry Crumble Squares are the Best Choice

Seasonal Delight: Rhubarb and strawberries are in season during spring, so making these crumble squares is a perfect way to celebrate the arrival of warmer weather. Seasonal fruits are often at their peak in flavor and nutrition, so using them in your desserts ensures that you’re getting the best of what’s available.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: The ingredients for these crumble squares are straightforward, making them easy to prepare even for novice bakers. The combination of rhubarb and strawberries creates a depth of flavor that feels complex and satisfying without requiring any complicated steps. The spiced crumble topping adds a wonderful crunch and flavor contrast, elevating the dessert to something truly special.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These crumble squares are versatile and can be served in a variety of settings. Whether you’re hosting a spring picnic, enjoying an afternoon tea, or looking for the perfect dessert to bring to a potluck, these squares are sure to be a hit. They are portable, easy to cut into individual portions, and can be enjoyed both warm or at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Convenience: This recipe is great for meal prepping or making ahead. You can bake the squares a day or two in advance, store them in an airtight container, and enjoy them throughout the week. The flavors also deepen over time, making them even more delicious the next day. This makes it a fantastic option for busy families or anyone looking to prepare a dessert in advance for an upcoming gathering.
Crowd-Pleaser: With their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, these rhubarb and strawberry crumble squares are a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. They are a great dessert option for anyone who enjoys a combination of fruity flavors and crumbly textures. Plus, they are not overly sweet, so they appeal to those who prefer more subtle, balanced desserts.
Customizable: One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily modify it to suit your dietary preferences or taste. For example, you could substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative if you’re looking for a dairy-free version, or replace the sugar with a healthier sweetener such as maple syrup or coconut sugar. You could even add other fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries, for a mixed berry twist.

A Perfect Dessert for Every Season

While this dessert is a fantastic way to celebrate the spring season, it also holds up well throughout the year. The combination of rhubarb and strawberries can be swapped for other fruits depending on the season, making this a go-to recipe for any time of year. In the summer, try adding peaches or raspberries, and in the fall, apples and pears can be substituted for the rhubarb and strawberries. The crumble topping remains the same, allowing for endless possibilities.

Tips for the Best Rhubarb and Strawberry Crumble Squares

To make sure your crumble squares turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:

Use fresh rhubarb and strawberries: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, seasonal rhubarb and strawberries. If fresh rhubarb isn’t available, you can substitute with frozen rhubarb, but be sure to drain any excess liquid before using it in the filling.
Adjust the sweetness: Rhubarb is naturally tart, so you may need to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling depending on the sweetness of your fruit. If your strawberries are very sweet, you may want to use less sugar in the filling to balance the flavors.
Don’t skip the crumble topping: The crumble topping is what really elevates these squares. Make sure you mix it until it forms a crumbly texture, and be generous when adding it on top of the fruit. This will give your squares that signature crumbly, buttery finish.
Let the squares cool before cutting: After baking, it’s important to let the squares cool completely before slicing them. This will help the filling set and prevent it from spilling out when you cut the squares.

Conclusion

Rhubarb and Strawberry Crumble Squares are a delicious and nostalgic dessert that perfectly combines the tangy freshness of rhubarb with the sweetness of strawberries. This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also easy to make, nutritious, and adaptable to your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a dessert for a spring gathering or simply want to treat yourself to something sweet, this recipe is sure to be a favorite for years to come.