Cherry Rhubarb Coffee Bars with Cardamom and Anise

These Cherry Rhubarb Coffee Bars with Cardamom and Anise are exactly that—a delightful and fruity treat that’s perfect for any gathering or a sweet indulgence. The combination of a tender shortbread crust, a tangy fruit filling, and a spiced streusel topping creates a symphony of flavors that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

The key to these coffee bars is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The shortbread crust is buttery and crumbly, while the cherry-rhubarb filling adds a sweet, tangy note. The spiced streusel topping provides a warm, aromatic finish that ties all the flavors together beautifully. Whether you serve them as a fun dessert or a comforting treat, these Cherry Rhubarb Coffee Bars with Cardamom and Anise are sure to be a hit.

These Cherry Rhubarb Coffee Bars with Cardamom and Anise are not only delicious but also visually appealing. The golden-brown crust with a vibrant fruit filling and a spiced streusel topping make for a stunning presentation. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. You can customize the flavors with a hint of vanilla, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of indulgence.

So, grab your ingredients and let’s get baking! These Cherry Rhubarb Coffee Bars with Cardamom and Anise are going to be a hit, and they’re sure to become a favorite in your household.

Cherry Rhubarb Coffee Bars with Cardamom and Anise are a delightful and fruity dessert that combines a buttery shortbread crust, a tangy fruit filling, and a spiced streusel topping. Perfect for any gathering or a sweet treat, these coffee bars are surprisingly easy to make. The unique selling points are the crumbly crust, the sweet filling, and the aromatic topping, making them a showstopper for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a fun dessert or a comforting treat, these Cherry Rhubarb Coffee Bars with Cardamom and Anise are sure to impress. They’re a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

My family absolutely loves these Cherry Rhubarb Coffee Bars with Cardamom and Anise. Every time I make them, it’s like a little celebration in our kitchen. The kids love helping me layer the crust, filling, and topping, and my husband can’t get enough of the sweet, spiced flavors. It’s become a staple in our household, especially for holiday gatherings and family dinners.

One evening, we had some friends over for a dinner party, and I decided to make these coffee bars as the grand finale. As soon as I brought them out, everyone’s eyes lit up. The golden-brown crust with a vibrant fruit filling and a spiced streusel topping looked so inviting. The first bite was met with a chorus of “mmms” and “wows.” The combination of the buttery crust, the tangy filling, and the aromatic topping was a hit. Our friends couldn’t stop talking about how delicious and comforting they were.

Now, whenever we have a gathering, these Cherry Rhubarb Coffee Bars with Cardamom and Anise are always on the menu. They’ve become a favorite not just in our household, but among our extended family as well. And the best part? They’re so easy to make that I never stress about preparing them.

Why This Cherry Rhubarb Coffee Bars with Cardamom and Anise Recipe Is a Must-Try

This recipe is a must-try for several reasons. First, it combines a buttery shortbread crust, a tangy cherry-rhubarb filling, and a spiced streusel topping, creating a delightful and fruity dessert. The balance of flavors—the crumbly crust, the sweet filling, and the aromatic topping—makes for a perfect bite every time.

Second, these coffee bars are incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a stunning and delicious dessert ready in no time. Plus, they’re visually stunning, making them a great option for entertaining.

Another selling point is the versatility of the flavors. You can customize the bars with a hint of vanilla, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a fun dessert or a comforting treat, these Cherry Rhubarb Coffee Bars with Cardamom and Anise are sure to impress.

What You Need For Cherry Rhubarb Coffee Bars with Cardamom and Anise

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)

How to Make Cherry Rhubarb Coffee Bars with Cardamom and Anise

Prepare the Shortbread Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, combine the flour, granulated sugar, cold cubed butter, and salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
5. Let the crust cool slightly.

Prepare the Cherry Rhubarb Filling:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced rhubarb, chopped cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water. Mix well until fully combined.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the filling has thickened.
4. Let the filling cool slightly, then spread it evenly over the slightly cooled crust.

Prepare the Streusel Topping:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cold cubed butter, ground cardamom, and ground anise. Mix well until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cherry rhubarb filling.

Bake the Coffee Bars:

1. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown.
2. Let the coffee bars cool completely in the baking dish.

Assemble the Coffee Bars:

1. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh cherries.
2. Cut the coffee bars into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious and aromatic Cherry Rhubarb Coffee Bars with Cardamom and Anise!

Tips For Cherry Rhubarb Coffee Bars with Cardamom and Anise:

To ensure the crust is crumbly, make sure the butter is cold and cubed before pulsing in the food processor.

For easier spreading, use a spatula to evenly spread the cherry rhubarb filling and the streusel topping over the crust.

Substitutions and Variations:

Feel free to customize the flavors with a hint of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added depth.

For a different fruit filling, you can use blueberry filling or even peach filling instead of cherry rhubarb filling.

If you prefer a different type of spice, you can use cinnamon or even nutmeg instead of cardamom and anise.

Make a Healthier Version:

To make this recipe healthier, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and reduce the amount of sugar in the crust, filling, and topping.

For a lower-calorie version, use low-fat butter and reduce the amount of brown sugar in the streusel topping.

Closing For Cherry Rhubarb Coffee Bars with Cardamom and Anise:

And there you have it! A delicious, aromatic dessert that’s perfect for any gathering. Don’t forget to let us know how your Cherry Rhubarb Coffee Bars with Cardamom and Anise turn out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more culinary inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions For Cherry Rhubarb Coffee Bars with Cardamom and Anise:

1. Can I use a different type of fruit filling?
   • Yes, you can use blueberry filling or peach filling instead of cherry rhubarb filling.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Store the coffee bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
3. Can I use a different type of spice?
   • Yes, you can use cinnamon or nutmeg instead of cardamom and anise.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   • Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.
5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   • Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by using dairy-free butter and ensuring all other ingredients are dairy-free.
6. Can I add more flavors to the filling?
   • Yes, you can add a pinch of vanilla extract, a hint of cinnamon, or even a bit of lemon zest for added flavor.
7. Can I make this recipe in the oven?
   • This recipe is designed to be made in the oven for baking the coffee bars. Simply follow the instructions for baking the bars.
8. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
   • This recipe is not suitable for a slow cooker, as the coffee bars need to be baked in the oven.
9. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
   • This recipe is not suitable for an Instant Pot, as the coffee bars need to be baked in the oven.
10. Can I double this recipe?
    • Yes, you can double this recipe. Simply use a larger baking dish or make two batches.
11. Can I halve this recipe?
    • Yes, you can halve this recipe. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and use a smaller baking dish.
12. Can I add a different type of garnish?
    • Yes, you can use a different type of garnish, such as a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey.