Description
Rhubarb Oat Bars deliver a perfect balance of tangy fruit and sweet crumble that brings your summer dessert game to the next level. Fresh rhubarb nestled between buttery oat layers creates a simple yet satisfying treat your family will absolutely adore.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust and Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup butter
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Filling:
- 2 cups rhubarb
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare your oven by heating it precisely to 350°F and coat an 8×8 inch baking pan with butter or parchment paper.
- Combine 1 cup flour, 1 cup rolled oats, ¾ cup brown sugar, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a medium mixing bowl.
- Pour ½ cup melted butter into the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture forms coarse crumbs that hold together when pressed.
- Transfer ⅔ of the crumb mixture into the prepared pan, pressing firmly to create an even bottom crust.
- In a small saucepan, mix 2 cups chopped rhubarb, ½ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ cup water.
- Cook the rhubarb mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly for 5-7 minutes until it thickens and becomes glossy.
- Allow the rhubarb filling to cool for 5 minutes, then spread it evenly across the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the rhubarb layer, creating a rustic, uneven topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the filling bubbles slightly.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature for approximately 2 hours.
- Slice into 9 even squares and store in the refrigerator for a crisp, clean cut.
Notes
- Check rhubarb for freshness by selecting firm, bright red stalks without blemishes or soft spots.
- Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid base that holds together when sliced.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
- Cool the bars completely before cutting to help them set and prevent crumbling, giving you clean, neat slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 42 minutes
- Category: Dessert Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg