These Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars are a delightful combination of a crumbly, buttery crust and a sweet-tart rhubarb filling. Perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even dessert, these bars are easy to make and packed with flavor. The crunchy oatmeal topping pairs beautifully with the soft, juicy rhubarb, making these bars a favorite for any occasion. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
For the Crust/Topping:
- 2 cups (240 g) flour
- 2 cups (180 g) oatmeal (quick-cook or regular)
- 1 1/3 cups (270 g) brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup (225 g) butter, chilled and cut into chunks
For the Rhubarb Filling:
- 4 cups (480 g) rhubarb, chopped
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 tablespoons (30 g) flour
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray and set it aside.
2. Create the Crust/Topping
- Mix the dry ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 2 cups of oatmeal, 1 1/3 cups of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Stir to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. - Cut in the butter:
Add the 1 cup of chilled butter chunks to the dry mixture. Using a pastry blender, two knives, or your hands, work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The mixture should hold together slightly when pressed. - Reserve and press the crust:
Reserve 1 cup of this crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust layer.
3. Prepare the Rhubarb Filling
- Cook the rhubarb:
In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups of chopped rhubarb, 1/4 cup of water, and 1 cup of sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the rhubarb begins to soften and release its juices, about 5-7 minutes. - Thicken the filling:
In a small bowl, whisk together 4 tablespoons of flour with 2/3 cup of the rhubarb juice from the saucepan. Stir this mixture back into the saucepan with the rhubarb. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Once thickened, remove the pan from the heat.
4. Assemble and Bake
- Spread the filling:
Pour the rhubarb filling evenly over the pressed crust in the baking dish. - Add the topping:
Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top of the rhubarb filling. - Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and the rhubarb filling is bubbly.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Cool completely:
Allow the rhubarb oatmeal bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting them into squares. This will help the bars set and make them easier to cut cleanly. - Serve:
Serve the bars as a sweet breakfast treat, a midday snack, or a delicious dessert. They can be enjoyed as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. - Store leftovers:
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to several days, though they’re so tasty, they might not last that long!
Nutritional Information
- Servings: Approximately 16 bars
- Calories per serving: 230 kcal
- Total Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 21 g
- Protein: 3 g
Conclusion
These Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars are a delightful mix of sweet and tart flavors, with a satisfying crumbly texture. They’re easy to make and perfect for using up fresh rhubarb when it’s in season. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, as a snack, or a dessert, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Enjoy the delicious combination of oats, brown sugar, and tangy rhubarb in every bite!
