MORE RHUBARB IS GROWN IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST than in any other region of the country, meaning you’ll often see rhubarb on dessert menus in local restaurants from April through September. Although rhubarb is technically a vegetable, its tart flavor lends itself to being treated like a fruit. Adding sugar and cooking the thick stalks softens the flavor. Strawberries and rhubarb are a classic combination, and they’re even better accented with a little orange zest. These bars are a perfect portable dessert for lunchboxes and picnic baskets.
The bars are delicious served warm, but the filling won't be completely set and may be a little runny.
Recipe information
Yield
makes 16 bars
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of the flour and the powdered sugar and salt. Cut the butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or fork. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs and clump together when squeezed lightly in your hand. (This can also be done in a food processor.) Scoop 2 cups of the mixture into an 8-inch baking dish and press evenly into the pan with your fingers. Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 25 minutes, or until golden brown on the edges and light golden in the middle.
Step 3
While the crust is baking, add 1/3 cup of the granulated sugar to the remaining butter-flour mixture and toss to combine. Set aside.
Step 4
In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup granulated sugar and the ground cloves. Stir in 3 to 4 tablespoons flour (adding more flour will make the filling firmer when cool), the orange zest, and vanilla. Add the rhubarb and strawberries, mixing well to coat the fruit. Pour the mixture onto the hot crust, spreading the filling to the edges of the dish. Sprinkle the reserved sugar mixture over the fruit. Bake for 50 minutes or until bubbling around the edges and light brown on top.
Step 5
Let the bars cool to room temperature before cutting and serving.
Make Ahead
Step 6
The bars can be stored, covered, at room temperature for up to 5 days.
