Name: Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups rolled oats; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 4 cups chopped fresh rhubarb; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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These Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart. A buttery oatmeal crust forms the base, topped with a tangy rhubarb filling, and finished off with a crumbly oat topping. Ideal for spring, these bars bring out the best of fresh rhubarb, making them a treat even for those who might not be regular rhubarb fans. They're simple to make, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

For the crust and topping:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups rolled oats

1 cup brown sugar, packed

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the rhubarb filling:

¼ cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons cornstarch

4 cups chopped fresh rhubarb

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Prepare the crust and topping: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly.

Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a firm, even layer.

Make the rhubarb filling: In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cornstarch. Add the chopped rhubarb and vanilla extract, tossing the mixture to coat. Spread the rhubarb mixture evenly over the crust.

Add the topping: Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the rhubarb layer.

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Allow the bars to cool completely in the dish on a wire rack before slicing them into bars.

Serve and enjoy these tangy, sweet rhubarb oatmeal bars!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 24 bars

Calories: 230 kcal per bar

Variations

Add nuts: I sometimes like to add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crust for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.

Use a different fruit: While rhubarb is the star here, you could swap it out for fresh strawberries, blueberries, or even apples.

Spices: For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling to enhance the flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

I store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, so the topping stays nice and crispy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?

Yes! I’ve used frozen rhubarb before, and it works just fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain the rhubarb to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

You can make a gluten-free version by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensuring the oats are certified gluten-free.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the topping is golden brown, and the rhubarb filling is bubbling up around the edges. If you’re unsure, you can check with a toothpick to see if it comes out clean from the crust.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! You can easily double the ingredients and bake them in a 13x18 inch baking dish or two 9x13 inch dishes.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well! I like to cut them into squares and place parchment paper between the bars for easy separation. Then, I store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw before serving.

Conclusion

These Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars are a delicious, easy-to-make treat that showcases the best of spring flavors. The combination of a buttery oatmeal crust, a sweet yet tangy rhubarb filling, and a crisp topping makes them irresistible. Whether I’m making them for a casual snack or a special dessert, they always hit the spot. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do!

Recipe:

Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 24 bars
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Prepare the crust and topping: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a firm, even layer.
Make the rhubarb filling: In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cornstarch. Add the chopped rhubarb and vanilla extract, tossing the mixture to coat. Spread the rhubarb mixture evenly over the crust.
Add the topping: Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the rhubarb layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the dish on a wire rack before slicing them into bars.