When spring and summer fruits are at their peak, there's nothing quite like baking a treat that highlights their natural sweetness and tang. These Cherry Rhubarb Coffee Bars with Cardamom and Anise are a perfect example, combining seasonal produce with an aromatic spice blend that will captivate your taste buds. Imagine a buttery shortbread crust, a vibrant, bubbly cherry-rhubarb filling, and a crumbly streusel topping kissed with the exotic flavors of cardamom and anise. It’s a delightful fusion of classic comfort and gourmet flair, making it an ideal companion to your morning coffee or a standout dessert.
We all love a good coffee bar, but this recipe takes it a step further with its sophisticated spice combination. The subtle warmth of cardamom and the unique sweetness of anise perfectly balance the tartness of fresh rhubarb and the juicy burst of cherries. It’s a dessert that feels both familiar and exciting, sure to impress anyone lucky enough to take a bite.
The Magic of Cherry and Rhubarb
Rhubarb, with its striking pink stalks and signature tartness, pairs exquisitely with the sweet-tart profile of cherries. This dynamic duo creates a filling that is bright, refreshing, and incredibly flavorful. When cooked down with a touch of sugar and cornstarch, it transforms into a luscious, jam-like layer that forms the heart of these bars.
For another exquisite cherry-based dessert, consider trying our Cherry Chocolate Mousse Cups – they offer a different, yet equally delightful, way to enjoy this wonderful fruit!
A Symphony of Spices: Cardamom and Anise
What truly sets these coffee bars apart is the inspired use of cardamom and anise in the streusel topping. Cardamom, often referred to as the 'Queen of Spices,' lends a complex, citrusy-floral note, while anise seeds contribute a distinct, sweet licorice-like flavor. These spices don't overpower; instead, they elevate the fruit, adding a layer of sophisticated warmth that makes each bite memorable. The combination creates an aroma that will fill your kitchen with an inviting scent as they bake.
Crafting Your Perfect Coffee Bars: Tips for Success
Making these bars is a straightforward process, broken down into three main components: the shortbread crust, the fruit filling, and the spiced streusel. Here are a few tips to ensure your coffee bars turn out perfectly:
Achieving the Ideal Shortbread Crust
- Cold Butter is Key: Just like with pie crusts, using very cold, cubed butter for your shortbread ensures a tender, flaky texture. It prevents the butter from fully incorporating too quickly, leading to a more delicate crumb.
- Don't Overmix: Pulse the ingredients in a food processor until just combined and crumbly. Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in a tougher crust.
Developing a Flavorful Fruit Filling
- Fresh vs. Frozen: While fresh is always wonderful, frozen cherries and rhubarb work beautifully too. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid to avoid a watery filling.
- Thickening: The cornstarch helps thicken the filling to a perfect consistency. Cook until it visibly thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Mastering the Spiced Streusel
- Coarse Crumbs: Use your fingertips or a fork to mix the streusel ingredients until they form coarse, irregular crumbs. This variation in size creates lovely textural contrast when baked.
- Even Distribution: Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the filling to ensure every piece of the bar gets a crunchy, spiced topping.
For more fresh and creamy ideas that perfectly complement any meal, check out our recipe for Fresh & Creamy Apple Salad.
Variations and Personal Touches
While the cardamom and anise are a star pairing, feel free to experiment:
- Spice Swaps: If anise isn't your preference, try a pinch of ground ginger, cinnamon, or even a hint of nutmeg with the cardamom.
- Fruit Combinations: Peaches, blueberries, or mixed berries could also be used in place of, or in addition to, the cherry and rhubarb.
- Add Zest: A little lemon or orange zest in the fruit filling can brighten the flavors even further.
These Cherry Rhubarb Coffee Bars with Cardamom and Anise are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. They bring together the best of seasonal produce with a unique spice blend, creating a treat that's both comforting and exciting. Whether you're making them for a special gathering or simply to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, they're sure to become a beloved recipe in your repertoire. Happy baking!
FAQs
Can I use frozen fruit for the cherry rhubarb filling?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen rhubarb and cherries. Thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to prevent the filling from becoming too watery. You might need to cook the filling a minute or two longer to achieve the desired thickness.
What do cardamom and anise add to the flavor profile?
Cardamom offers a sweet, floral, and slightly citrusy note, while anise provides a distinct licorice-like sweetness. Together, they create a warm, aromatic, and sophisticated spice blend that beautifully complements the tartness of the cherry and rhubarb, elevating these coffee bars beyond the ordinary.
How should I store these Cherry Rhubarb Coffee Bars?
Once cooled, store the coffee bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I make these coffee bars gluten-free?
Yes, to make them gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour in both the crust and the streusel topping with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free as well.
Cherry Rhubarb Coffee Bars with Cardamom and Anise
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert bar featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a tangy cherry-rhubarb filling, and a fragrant streusel topping infused with exotic cardamom and sweet anise.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/4 tsp salt
For the Cherry Rhubarb Filling:
2 cups fresh rhubarb, diced
1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup water
For the Streusel Topping:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 tsp ground cardamom
1/2 tsp ground anise
For the Assembly:
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Fresh cherries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
Step 2: Prepare the Shortbread Crust: In a food processor, combine 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup cold cubed unsalted butter, and 1/4 tsp salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a firm, flat layer.
Step 4: Bake the crust for about 15 minutes, or until it's lightly golden around the edges. Allow the baked crust to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 5: Prepare the Cherry Rhubarb Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the 2 cups diced rhubarb, 1 cup pitted and chopped cherries, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
Step 6: Bring the fruit mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the filling has thickened to a jam-like consistency. Let the filling cool slightly.
Step 7: Spread the slightly cooled cherry rhubarb filling evenly over the partially cooled shortbread crust in the baking dish.
Step 8: Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup cold cubed unsalted butter, 1 tsp ground cardamom, and 1/2 tsp ground anise. Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to mix until the mixture resembles coarse, irregular crumbs.
Step 9: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cherry rhubarb filling, covering the entire surface.
Step 10: Bake the Coffee Bars: Return the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Step 11: Let the coffee bars cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack before attempting to cut them. This is crucial for clean squares.
Step 12: Optional: Once completely cool, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh cherries before cutting. Cut the coffee bars into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious and aromatic Cherry Rhubarb Coffee Bars!
Notes
For the best flavor, use fresh, in-season rhubarb and cherries. If using frozen, thaw and drain well. Ensure butter is very cold for both the crust and streusel for optimal texture. Let the bars cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
