Ah, Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars! Just the thought of them brings back memories of sunny afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the sweet-tart aroma of baked rhubarb would fill the air. She had this magical way of turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary. I remember helping her mix the crumbly topping while sneaking bites of the tart rhubarb filling when she wasn’t looking! These bars are a delightful combination of chewy oats and tangy rhubarb, making them the perfect treat for any time of day—whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or dessert.
What I love most about these bars is how they manage to be both comforting and refreshing at the same time. The oats provide a warm, hearty base, while the rhubarb gives it that zing that wakes up your taste buds. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make and can be stored for a week (if they last that long!) for a quick grab-and-go snack. Let’s dive into what you need to whip up this delicious treat!
What’s in Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars?
Rhubarb: The star of the show! Rhubarb is tart and packs a punch. You can use fresh rhubarb when it’s in season, or frozen works just as well. Just be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture if you use frozen.
Rolled Oats: These are the backbone of the bars, giving them a wonderful chewy texture. I prefer old-fashioned rolled oats for their rustic feel, but quick oats will work too if you’re in a pinch.
Brown Sugar: This adds a rich, caramel depth to the bars. Don’t skimp; the deeper flavor really complements the tartness of the rhubarb. I usually go for light brown sugar, but dark brown is fantastic for a more intense flavor.
Butter: Ah, yes—the magical ingredient that brings everything together and gives a lovely richness to the bars. You can use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness.
Flour: All-purpose flour helps bind everything together and creates that perfect structure. If you want to make these gluten-free, feel free to substitute with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
Baking Powder: A little leavening agent helps give the bars a nice lift, making them light and airy, rather than dense.
Salt: Just a pinch is all you need to balance the sweetness of the brown sugar and the tartness of the rhubarb.
Is Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars Good for You?
Let’s talk about the health benefits of this delightful treat!
Rhubarb: This vegetable (yes, you read that right) is low in calories but high in vitamins C and K, plus plenty of fiber to keep your digestive system happy. It can even help manage blood sugar, which is a bonus if you’re looking to keep things balanced.
Oats: These little gems are packed with whole grains, which are great for heart health. They’re a fantastic source of fiber, keeping you feeling full and satisfied for longer.
However, keep in mind that these bars do contain sugar and butter, so they’re still a treat, and moderation is key! If you’d like, you can try substituting some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup, or use coconut oil in place of butter for a lighter version.
Ingredients for Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars (Serves 12)
– 2 cups diced rhubarb (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for a flavor lift)
How to Make Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the diced rhubarb and lemon juice. Set aside while you prepare the crust and topping.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. Pour in the melted butter and mix until crumbly. It should resemble wet sand.
5. Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan and create an even layer.
6. Spread the rhubarb mixture over the layer of oats. Top with the remaining oat mixture, crumbling it over the rhubarb.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Tweaks and Tips for Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars
– Feel free to add some nuts or seeds—walnuts or slivered almonds add a lovely crunch and nutrition boost.
– You can switch up the fruit! If rhubarb isn’t available, you can substitute with strawberries, apples, or cherries.
– These bars are great served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of yogurt for a delicious dessert or breakfast.
– Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for a little more longevity.
I hope you give these Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars a try! I promise they’ll bring a smile to your face just like they do for me. And if you do, please share your thoughts or your own twists on the recipe! Happy baking, my friend!
