Welcome to a culinary journey that combines the rustic charm of oatmeal with the tangy sweetness of rhubarb. Our Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars recipe is a delightful treat that marries wholesome ingredients with a burst of flavor. Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert, these bars are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 bar |
| Calories | 207 kcal |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 20mg |
| Sodium | 95mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 16g |
| Protein | 2g |
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
History of Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars
Rhubarb, with its vibrant pink stalks, has been a beloved ingredient in culinary traditions for centuries. Originally cultivated for its medicinal properties in ancient China, rhubarb eventually found its way into European kitchens, where it became a popular addition to pies, jams, and desserts.
Incorporating rhubarb into oatmeal bars is a modern twist on this classic ingredient, blending its tartness with the heartiness of oats to create a delectable treat that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings.
Ingredients
For the Crust/Topping:
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups oatmeal (quick cook or regular)
- 1 1/3 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup butter
For the Rhubarb Filling:
- 4 cups rhubarb, chopped
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 tbsp flour
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. Create the Crust/Topping:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oatmeal, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Next, cut the butter into chunks and add it to the dry mixture. Using a pastry blender, two knives, or your hands, blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
3. Prepare the Rhubarb Filling:
In a saucepan, combine the chopped rhubarb, water, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, allowing it to simmer until the rhubarb begins to soften and release its juices.
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to prevent scorching. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup of the rhubarb juice with the flour to create a thickening agent.
Pour the flour mixture back into the saucepan with the rhubarb and stir continuously until the filling thickens, usually within 1-2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.
4. Assemble and Bake
Spread the rhubarb filling evenly over the prepared crust in the baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top of the rhubarb layer.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and the rhubarb filling is bubbly.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the rhubarb oatmeal bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. This will ensure clean, neat slices and optimal flavor.
Serve the bars as a delightful breakfast treat, a midday snack, or a satisfying dessert. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to several days, although they’re likely to disappear quickly!
Conclusion
With their irresistible combination of hearty oatmeal and tangy rhubarb, these Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars are sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a sweet ending to a meal, these bars offer a perfect balance of texture and flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of homemade Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars!