Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars

Moist and chewy, Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balances the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of strawberry jam. These bars are ideal for any occasion, whether you need a snack for a picnic or a dessert to impress guests. Not only are they delicious, but they also make great use of fresh rhubarb, offering a unique twist that is sure to stand out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these bars can be whipped up in no time.
• Flavorful Combination: The blend of tart rhubarb and sweet strawberry jam creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
• Versatile Snack: Perfect for breakfast on the go, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a sweet ending to any meal.
• Great for Sharing: Cut them into squares to easily share with friends and family, making them great for gatherings.
• Healthy Twist: Packed with oats and fruit, they can be a more nutritious dessert option compared to standard sweets.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these delicious bars, gather your essential tools. Each tool plays a critical role in achieving the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor or pastry cutter
• 8×8 baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: This tool helps blend ingredients quickly, ensuring a smooth crust without overworking the dough.
• 8×8 baking dish: The perfect size for these bars; it allows even baking and easy slicing after cooling.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess, helping keep everything organized.
• Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down sides and ensuring all ingredients are mixed thoroughly.

Ingredients

To make your delicious Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars, gather the following ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, (spooned and leveled)
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, (lightly packed)
• 1 tsp coarse Kosher salt (if using table salt, use half the amount)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold, unsalted butter, (diced)

For the Filling:

• 12 oz rhubarb, diced into 1/4 – 1/2 inch cubes (about 2 1/2 cups diced)
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, (spooned and leveled)
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8×8 baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In your food processor or using a pastry cutter:
* Combine all crust ingredients until pea-sized pieces of butter remain.
* Reserve 1½ cups of this mixture for topping later.
* Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking dish.
* Bake the crust for about 20 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While the crust bakes:
* Toss diced rhubarb with baking soda, sugar, and flour in a bowl until well-coated.
* Stir in strawberry jam, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

After removing the crust from the oven:
* Spread the rhubarb mixture evenly over the hot crust.
* Bake for an additional 30 minutes until filling is bubbly.

Step 5: Add Topping

Once baked:
* Sprinkle reserved crust mixture over the rhubarb layer.
* Return to oven and bake for another 20–25 minutes until topping is golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let cool on the counter for at least two hours before slicing into squares. Enjoy your homemade Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars!

How to Serve Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars

Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars are delightful as a snack or dessert. They offer a perfect balance of tartness from rhubarb and sweetness from strawberry jam. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Fresh Fruits

• Serve with a side of fresh strawberries or raspberries for an added burst of flavor. The sweet-tart fruits complement the bars nicely.

A Dollop of Yogurt

• Top each bar with a spoonful of plain yogurt or a dairy-free alternative. This adds creaminess and balances the sweetness.

Drizzled with Honey

• For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle honey over the bars just before serving. This adds a lovely gloss and enhances the overall flavor.

Paired with Ice Cream

• Enjoy these bars warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between hot and cold is simply irresistible.

Coffee or Tea Companion

• Serve these bars with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. The rich flavors pair beautifully, making it a perfect afternoon treat.

How to Perfect Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars

To achieve the best results with your Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars, consider these tips that will elevate your baking skills.

• Use cold butter: Start with cold, unsalted butter for the crust to ensure it remains crumbly and flaky.
• Chill the topping: Always chill the reserved crumb topping before adding it on top; this helps create a nice texture after baking.
• Adjust sugar levels: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the granulated sugar in the rhubarb mixture slightly without affecting texture.
• Slice after cooling: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing them into squares for cleaner cuts.
• Experiment with fruits: Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries or apples for different flavor profiles while keeping rhubarb as the star ingredient.

Best Side Dishes for Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars

Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars can be enjoyed alongside various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness, enhancing your dessert experience.
2. Cheese Platter
   Pairing with mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese provides a savory contrast that works well with sweet oatmeal bars.
3. Granola Parfait
   Layer yogurt, granola, and fresh fruits for a delightful parfait that complements the chewy texture of the bars.
4. Nut Mix
   A small bowl of assorted nuts offers crunch and healthy fats, making it an excellent snack alongside your dessert.
5. Smoothie Bowl
   A refreshing smoothie bowl topped with seeds and nuts can make for a light yet satisfying accompaniment.
6. Chia Seed Pudding
   Serve chia seed pudding as a creamy side dish that pairs well with the tartness of rhubarb in your oatmeal bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes you should avoid to ensure your bars turn out perfectly.

• Boldly measure ingredients – Not measuring correctly can lead to dry or soggy bars. Always use the spoon and level method for flour and sugar.
• Boldly ignore chilling time – Skipping the chilling of the topping can result in a crumbly texture. Always refrigerate reserved crumbs before adding them on top.
• Boldly rush cooling – Cutting into the bars too soon will cause them to fall apart. Allow them to cool for at least two hours before slicing.
• Boldly skip the baking sheet prep – Not greasing the baking dish properly may cause your bars to stick. Use non-stick spray generously on your baking dish.
• Boldly overlook ingredient quality – Using low-quality strawberries or jam can affect the flavor of your bars. Opt for fresh or high-quality preserves for better taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
• These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the bars for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat one bar at a time for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Place bars in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars, here are some common questions and answers.

Can I use frozen rhubarb in my Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars?

Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb. Just thaw it and drain any excess moisture before using it in the recipe.

How do I customize my Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars?

You can add nuts, seeds, or different fruit preserves for unique flavors. Try replacing strawberry jam with raspberry or apricot!

What if my Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars are too sweet?

To balance sweetness, consider adding a pinch of salt or serving with plain yogurt.

How should I cut Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars?

Use a sharp knife that has been warmed (by running under hot water) for clean cuts without crumbling.

Final Thoughts

Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars are not only delicious but also versatile! You can easily customize them with different fruits or nuts based on what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these moist and chewy treats as a satisfying dessert or snack!

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Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 16 1x

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Description

Indulge in the perfect blend of flavors with these delightful Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars. The tartness of fresh rhubarb pairs beautifully with the sweetness of strawberry jam, creating a mouthwatering treat that’s both chewy and satisfying. These bars are versatile enough to be enjoyed at breakfast, as a snack, or as a sweet dessert. With easy-to-follow instructions and wholesome ingredients, you’ll have a delicious batch ready to share with friends and family in no time. Whether served warm or chilled, these Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars are sure to impress!

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Ingredients

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• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp coarse kosher salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup cold, unsalted butter, diced
• 12 oz rhubarb, diced
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8 baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. In a food processor, combine flour, oats, dark brown sugar, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and cold butter until crumbly. Reserve 1½ cups for topping.
3. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the baking dish and bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden.
4. In a bowl, mix diced rhubarb with baking soda, granulated sugar, flour, strawberry jam, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
5. Spread the rhubarb mixture over the baked crust and return to the oven for an additional 30 minutes until bubbly.
6. Sprinkle reserved topping over the filling and bake for another 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
7. Allow to cool for at least two hours before slicing into squares.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 70 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 95mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 15mg