There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about baking with rhubarb. Every time I make these Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars, I’m transported back to my grandma’s kitchen, where the air was filled with the fond aromas of baked goods, and the bright pink stalks of rhubarb were always on hand, waiting to shine in a cobbler or pie. What I love about these bars is that they’re both a hearty snack and a delightful dessert. The combination of chewy oats and tart rhubarb creates a perfect balance that’s irresistibly comforting!
If you’ve never baked with rhubarb before, fear not! It’s a unique ingredient that adds a burst of tangy flavor to sweets, and these bars are a fantastic introduction. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion, be it a picnic in the park or a cozy evening in with a good book. So, let me walk you through how to whip up these delicious treats!
What’s in Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars?
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make these bars so special:
Rolled Oats: The star of the show! The oats give the bars a wonderful chewy texture. I prefer using old-fashioned rolled oats for that hearty bite.
All-Purpose Flour: This helps bind everything together, creating a sturdy base that holds up to the juicy rhubarb filling.
Brown Sugar: Packed with a slight caramel flavor, this sugar adds richness to the oat mixture.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
Baking Soda: This gives the bars a slight lift, helping them stay soft and chewy.
Unsalted Butter: Butter makes everything better! I love using unsalted to control the overall saltiness.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Either sweetener adds moisture and flavor. I have a soft spot for maple syrup for its unique taste!
Vanilla Extract: Because what’s a dessert without a hint of vanilla? It adds warmth and depth to the bars.
Rhubarb: The tangy hero of this recipe! Whether you use fresh or frozen, it’ll add a lovely pop of flavor and color.
Sugar (for rhubarb filling): This is necessary to balance the tartness of the rhubarb, creating a luscious filling.
Cornstarch: This helps thicken the rhubarb filling, giving it a nice consistency.
Lemon Juice: A splash of acidity brightens the flavor of the rhubarb and enhances its natural tartness.
Is Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars Good for You?
Absolutely! While we all know dessert is a treat, there are certainly some health benefits to these bars.
Rolled Oats: They’re an excellent source of fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and support digestive health. Plus, they provide a steady release of energy!
Rhubarb: This veggie-fruit hybrid is low in calories and provides a good dose of vitamins K and C. Just remember, it can be tart, so the sugar helps balance that out.
Honey/Maple Syrup: Both natural sweeteners offer antioxidants. Just be mindful of the quantity to maintain a balance!
Do keep in mind that these bars do contain sugar and butter, so moderation is key. But a little indulgence now and then never hurt anyone, right?
Ingredients List
– 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups rhubarb, chopped (fresh or frozen)
– 1/2 cup sugar (for rhubarb filling)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
*Servings: About 9 bars*
How to Make Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal later!
2. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and baking soda. Stir well to combine.
3. Add the melted butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is well combined and a crumbly dough forms.
4. Set aside about 1 cup of the mixture for topping, and press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
5. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the rhubarb is softened and the mixture thickens.
6. Pour the rhubarb filling over the crust in the baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
7. Crumble the reserved oat mixture on top of the rhubarb filling, covering it evenly.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
9. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and cutting them into squares.
10. Serve and enjoy your delicious oatmeal rhubarb bars!
Craving Rhubarb? Variations and Serving Suggestions
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily mix things up! Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the oat mixture for warming spice. Or, play around with different fruits, like strawberries or blueberries, if rhubarb’s not your jam.
These bars are delicious on their own, but they can also be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Imagine those luscious rhubarb flavors, paired with a refreshing ice cream melting into the bars – pure bliss!
So, whether you’re sharing them with friends, taking them as a picnic treat, or simply enjoying one (or two!) with a cup of tea, give these Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars a try! They’re a delightful way to celebrate the unique flavor of rhubarb, and I hope they become a staple in your baking repertoire too! Happy baking!
