Recipe for the Best Rhubarb Bars with Oatmeal Crumble Topping

If you’re on the hunt for a delicious and unique dessert, look no further than this incredible recipe for rhubarb bars with an irresistible oatmeal crumble……

If you’re on the hunt for a delicious and unique dessert, look no further than this incredible recipe for rhubarb bars with an irresistible oatmeal crumble topping. This dessert is perfect for spring and summer when rhubarb is in season, but it can be enjoyed year-round if you have access to frozen rhubarb. The combination of tart rhubarb, sweet filling, and crunchy oatmeal topping makes these bars a hit at any gathering. Let’s dive into how to make these delectable treats.

### Ingredients

#### For the Crust and Topping:

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1 cup old-fashioned oatmeal

- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

#### For the Filling:

- 3 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 1/4 cup cornstarch

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1/4 cup water

### Instructions

#### Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Topping

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, old-fashioned oatmeal, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.

3. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for the topping and press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.

#### Step 2: Prepare the Rhubarb Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and water. Stir well to combine.

2. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the rhubarb is tender and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. The filling should be thick and glossy.

#### Step 3: Assemble the Bars

1. Pour the hot rhubarb filling over the crust in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

2. Sprinkle the reserved oatmeal mixture evenly over the top of the rhubarb filling, pressing it down gently with your hands.

#### Step 4: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

2. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares or bars.

### Serving Suggestions

These rhubarb bars with oatmeal crumble topping are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them even further by serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.

### Storage

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. If freezing, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

### Tips and Variations

- **Add Berries**: For an extra burst of flavor, try adding 1 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to the rhubarb filling.

- **Gluten-Free Option**: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.

- **Nutty Topping**: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the oatmeal topping for added crunch and flavor.

- **Citrus Twist**: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the rhubarb filling for a refreshing citrus twist.

This recipe for rhubarb bars with oatmeal crumble topping is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, and the bars are easy to make with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Enjoy!