Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars

Prepare the Oven and Pan:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a medium bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, and powdered sugar for the crust.

Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Press the crumbs into a well-greased 9×13 inch baking pan.

Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.

Mix the Filling:

While the crust is baking, in another bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, flour, and salt for the filling.

Gently stir in the diced rhubarb.

Bake the Filling:

Pour the rhubarb mixture over the hot crust.

Return the bars to the oven, reduce the temperature to 325°F (163°C), and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly.

Cool and Serve:

Cool the bars on the counter for 30 minutes.

Refrigerate to chill completely before cutting into bars.

Prepare the Oven and Pan:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix the flour and powdered sugar for the crust.
3. Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press the crumbs into a well-greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
5. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.

Mix the Filling:

1. While the crust is baking, in another bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, flour, and salt for the filling.
2. Gently stir in the diced rhubarb.

Bake the Filling:

1. Pour the rhubarb mixture over the hot crust.
2. Return the bars to the oven, reduce the temperature to 325°F (163°C), and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly.

Cool and Serve:

1. Cool the bars on the counter for 30 minutes.
2. Refrigerate to chill completely before cutting into bars.

• Sugar Adjustment: The amount of sugar can be reduced to 1½ cups if you prefer a more tart flavor.
• Butter Alternative: For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the butter in the crust with unsweetened applesauce.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour mix if you wish to make this dessert gluten-free.

Can I use frozen rhubarb? Yes, frozen rhubarb works well in this recipe. Thaw and drain it well before using to avoid adding extra moisture.

How do I store Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars? Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I add other fruits to the filling? Absolutely! Consider adding strawberries or raspberries for a berry-rhubarb version that’s equally delicious.

Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars are a wonderful dessert that showcases the unique flavor of rhubarb. Whether you’re serving them at a casual gathering, enjoying them as a sweet treat after a meal, or simply indulging in a mid-afternoon snack, these bars are sure to please. Enjoy the blend of textures and flavors that make this recipe a seasonal favorite.