Ah, let me tell you about these **Delicious Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars**—they’re simply divine! I first stumbled upon this recipe years ago when I was gifted a massive bundle of rhubarb from a friend’s garden. I loved the idea of turning that tart, vibrant stalk into something sweet and chewy, and let me tell you, these bars quickly became a staple in my kitchen. They’re perfect for everything from lazy Sunday breakfasts to post-dinner snacks while binge-watching my latest obsession on Netflix.
What I adore about these bars is how they combine the delightful chewiness of oats with the tangy zing of rhubarb, creating a unique flavor sensation that’s both sweet and tart. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up, which is always a win in my book! So, if you’re looking for a fun way to enjoy this versatile ingredient, let’s dive in!
What’s in Delicious Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars?
Oats: The star player in these bars! Whole rolled oats give them a hearty texture and incredible chewiness. They’re also high in fiber, which makes them great for keeping you feeling full.
Rhubarb: This gorgeous pink stalk is the real hero here. It brings a lovely tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the bars. If you can get it fresh—fantastic! But frozen works just as well and is super convenient.
Brown Sugar: A touch of brown sugar adds rich sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor. It also helps in achieving that wonderful moist texture.
Butter: I go for unsalted butter because I love being in control of the salt levels in my baking. The butter brings richness and depth to the bars that you just can’t replicate with oil.
Flour: All-purpose flour is used here to bind everything together, giving the bars the stability they need while still keeping that lovely crumb.
Baking Powder: This little ingredient helps give the bars a bit of lift, so they’re not too dense.
Cinnamon: Just a sprinkle elevates the flavor! It adds warmth and coziness, making these bars feel even more comforting.
Is Delicious Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars Good for You?
Oh, absolutely! Let’s chat about those health benefits:
Oats: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and tons of fiber, oats can help lower cholesterol and support heart health. They’re the perfect wholesome base for our bars.
Rhubarb: This tart stalk is low in calories and high in nutrients. It’s particularly rich in vitamin K and calcium. However, be mindful if you have kidney issues, as rhubarb contains oxalic acid, which can be a concern in excess.
Brown Sugar: While it does add sweetness, it’s still sugar, so moderation is key!
These bars are not overtly unhealthy, especially when you consider the wholesome ingredients, but they’re definitely a treat, so I’d recommend enjoying them in moderation!
Ingredients List
– 1 ¾ cups old-fashioned oats
– 1 ½ cups chopped rhubarb (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– ½ tsp ground cinnamon
– ½ tsp salt
– 1 egg (optional, for binding)
*Serves: 12 bars*
How to Make Delicious Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars?
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. **Prepare the Oat Mixture**: In a large bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, melted butter, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. If you’re using an egg, throw that in too—it adds a bit of extra structure!
3. **Add the Rhubarb**: Carefully fold in your chopped rhubarb. Make sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the oat mixture.
4. **Spread & Bake**: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Press it down gently into an even layer.
5. **Bake**: Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown.
6. **Cool & Cut**: Once it’s baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, slice it into bars and enjoy!
A Little Something Extra: Tips and Variations
– **Add Some Nuts**: If you’re a nut lover, throw in some chopped walnuts or almonds for an extra crunch!
– **Sweeten the Deal**: For a sweeter bar, consider adding white chocolate chips or a drizzle of icing on top post-baking.
– **Storage**: These bars store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or you can freeze them for longer enjoyment; just make sure to wrap them tightly!
I can’t wait for you to try these bars! They bring back so many sweet memories, and I’m sure they’ll become a favorite in your kitchen just like they did in mine. After you bake a batch, let me know how it turned out—I’d love to hear your stories and tweaks! Happy baking!
