Are you looking for a scrumptious dessert that perfectly marries sweet and tart flavors? Look no further than Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars! These delightful treats are not only easy to make, but they also offer a burst of freshness from rhubarb, a vegetable often mistaken for fruit. The chewy oatmeal crust complements the tangy rhubarb filling beautifully, creating a dessert that will leave your taste buds singing. Whether you want to impress guests at a gathering or simply enjoy a homemade treat with your afternoon cup of tea, these bars are sure to hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s Simple to Make: The steps are straightforward, making it perfect even for novice bakers.
- Seasonal Ingredients: If you have fresh rhubarb growing in your garden or available at your local market, this recipe is a fantastic way to use it.
- Makes for Great Leftovers: These bars store well in the fridge, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert.
- Versatile: While the base is rhubarb, you can also experiment by adding other fruits or spices to the mix.
- Healthier Option: Made with oats and fresh rhubarb, this dessert gives a nod to wholesome ingredients while being decadently delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up these fantastic Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars, gather the following ingredients:
1. For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
2. For the Filling:
- 3 cups rhubarb, chopped (fresh or frozen)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars will bake evenly.
2. Prepare Your Baking Pan
Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. Alternatively, you could line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
3. Make the Oatmeal Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir this mixture until well combined.
Next, pour the melted butter over the oat mixture and stir until the dough starts to come together. It should appear crumbly but hold when pressed together.
4. Press Down the Crust
Take about two-thirds of the oat mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Use the back of a measuring cup or your fingers to create an even layer.
5. Prepare the Rhubarb Filling
In another bowl, combine the chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Toss everything gently until the rhubarb is fully coated.
6. Assemble the Bars
Evenly spread the rhubarb mixture over the pressed oatmeal crust in your baking pan. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top of the rhubarb filling.
7. Bake
Place the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the rhubarb filling is bubbly.
8. Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This will make slicing much easier. After cooling, cut into bars and serve.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving Suggestion: These bars are delightful on their own, but try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to wrap them tightly.
Helpful Tips
- Select the Right Rhubarb: Choose bright pink stalks that are firm to the touch. Avoid any that look wilted or have a dull color.
- Add Spices for Flavor: Consider adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the oat mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter filling, feel free to add a couple more tablespoons of sugar to the rhubarb mixture.
- Make Ahead: Feel free to make the bars a day ahead and store them in the fridge. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use frozen rhubarb?
Absolutely! Frozen rhubarb works great in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before using it.
2. What can I substitute for oats?
If you want to switch things up, you can use quick oats or even ground oats (oat flour). However, keeping some texture with rolled oats is recommended for a pleasant bite.
3. How can I adjust the recipe for allergies?
For gluten-free options, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free if necessary.
4. Can I add other fruits to the filling?
Yes! Strawberries, blueberries, or even apples can be great additions. Just keep an eye on the amount of sugar you add as other fruits can vary in sweetness.
5. How can I ensure my bars are not too dry?
Make sure to watch the baking time. Start checking for doneness a couple of minutes early to avoid overbaking. The bars should feel set but still a bit soft in the center.
Conclusion
There you have it—your complete guide to creating delicious Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars! These tasty treats will quickly become a favorite in your household. With their perfect balance of sweet oats and zesty rhubarb, they cater to both dessert lovers and those who appreciate a healthier snack option. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a regular day at home, this recipe is sure to please. So, grab your ingredients, make some memories in the kitchen, and enjoy the delightful flavors of freshly baked Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars. Happy baking!
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Delicious Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars Recipe for Dessert Lovers
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
Delight in these Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars, featuring a perfect blend of tart rhubarb and hearty oats, ideal for a tasty snack or dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups rhubarb, chopped (fresh or frozen)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the melted butter over the oat mixture and stir until the dough is crumbly but holds together when pressed.
- Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- In another bowl, combine the chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the rhubarb.
- Spread the rhubarb mixture over the pressed oatmeal crust. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g