Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars combine the wholesome texture of hearty oats with the tart brightness of rhubarb for a delightful treat that’s perfect any time of day. A buttery oat crust and crumbly topping sandwich a tangy rhubarb filling, creating a balance of sweet and tart that will keep you coming back for more. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these bars are simple to make and endlessly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars
Perfect harmony of tangy rhubarb and sweet oats.
Buttery, crumbly oat crust adds great texture.
Easy to bake and great for meal prep.
Versatile as breakfast, snack, or dessert.
A comforting treat with a fresh fruit twist.
Ingredients for Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars
Before we cook up something memorable, let’s stock your prep station.
Rolled oats: These provide the chewy base and heartiness. They’re a great source of fiber.
All-purpose flour: This helps bind everything together, giving the bars structure.
Brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the tangy rhubarb.
Baking soda: This leavening agent helps the bars rise slightly, creating a nice texture.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: A warm spice that adds depth and a hint of warmth to the bars.
Unsalted butter: Melting this creates a rich, buttery flavor and helps bind the ingredients.
Rhubarb: The star of the show! Fresh or frozen, it brings a delightful tartness.
Granulated sugar: This sweetens the rhubarb filling, balancing its natural tartness.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the rhubarb mixture, ensuring it holds together nicely.
Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds a lovely aroma and flavor to the bars.
Lemon juice: Brightens the rhubarb filling and enhances its flavor.
For those looking to mix things up, consider adding an extra tablespoon of sugar for a sweeter bar or swapping rhubarb for strawberries or apples for a different flavor profile. You can find the exact quantities for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making these delicious oatmeal rhubarb bars! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful treat in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars bake evenly. While the oven warms up, prepare your baking dish. Grease a 9×13-inch dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Prepare the Oat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients well. This step is crucial as it sets the foundation for your bars. The oats will give them that chewy texture we all love!
Step 3: Mix in the Butter
Next, pour in the melted unsalted butter. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly. Make sure to reserve about one cup of this mixture for the topping later. This crumbly goodness will create a delightful crust and topping for your bars.
Step 4: Prepare the Rhubarb Filling
In a separate bowl, mix the chopped rhubarb with granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the rhubarb is well coated. This filling is where the magic happens, bringing that tangy flavor to the forefront!
Step 5: Assemble the Bars
Now it’s time to assemble! Press the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will form the crust. Next, spread the rhubarb filling evenly over the crust. Finally, sprinkle the reserved oat mixture on top. This creates a beautiful layer of texture.
Step 6: Bake
Pop your assembled bars into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the rhubarb is bubbly. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. For the best results, chill them in the refrigerator for an hour before cutting into squares. This helps them set perfectly, making them easier to serve. Enjoy your homemade oatmeal rhubarb bars!
Tips for Success
Use fresh rhubarb for the best flavor, but frozen works just as well.
Don’t skip chilling the bars before cutting; it helps them hold their shape.
For a crunchier topping, bake a few extra minutes.
Experiment with spices like nutmeg for a unique twist.
Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Equipment Needed
9×13-inch baking dish: A standard size for even baking; a smaller dish works too, just adjust the baking time.
Mixing bowls: Use any size you have on hand; just make sure they’re large enough for mixing.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accuracy; a kitchen scale can also be handy.
Spatula: Perfect for mixing and spreading; a wooden spoon works just as well.
Variations
For a fruity twist, substitute rhubarb with fresh strawberries or diced apples.
Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
Incorporate a handful of chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in every bite.
Try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for a healthier option.
For a vegan version, replace butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of the traditional egg.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Pair with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
Top with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a beautiful presentation.
Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
FAQs about Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars
Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen rhubarb works just as well as fresh. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before mixing it into your filling.
How do I store leftover oatmeal rhubarb bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well.
What can I serve with oatmeal rhubarb bars?
These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A cup of coffee or tea makes for a perfect afternoon treat!
Can I add other fruits to the filling?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in strawberries, apples, or even blueberries for a delicious twist on the classic oatmeal rhubarb bars.
Final Thoughts
Creating these oatmeal rhubarb bars is more than just baking; it’s about reliving cherished memories and sharing joy with loved ones. The delightful blend of chewy oats and tangy rhubarb brings a smile to my face every time I take a bite. Whether you enjoy them warm with ice cream or chilled for a refreshing snack, these bars are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of baking fill your home. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this delicious adventure!
Delicious and tangy oatmeal rhubarb bars that are perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups rhubarb, chopped (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well.
Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly and well combined. Reserve about 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.
In a separate bowl, mix the chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until the rhubarb is well coated.
Press the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
Spread the rhubarb mixture evenly over the crust.
Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the top of the rhubarb layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the rhubarb is bubbly.
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting into squares. For best results, chill in the refrigerator for an hour before serving.
Notes
For a sweeter bar, add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the rhubarb mixture.
You can also substitute the rhubarb with strawberries or apples for a different flavor profile.
Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert!
