I have a soft spot for Rhubarb Crumble Bars, and I can’t wait to share this delightful recipe with you. There’s just something so nostalgic about the combination of sweet and tangy rhubarb with a buttery, crumbly crust. Every time I make these bars, I get whisked back to summer afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where she taught me the magic of baking. She always said, “A little bit of rhubarb makes everything better!”
So, if you’re looking for a treat that showcases that unique tartness and feels like a warm hug, then you’ve just found it! Let’s dive into making these scrumptious bars that are perfect for dessert or even an afternoon snack.
What’s in Rhubarb Crumble Bars?
Flour: This is the base of our crust. I usually go for all-purpose flour because it gives the best texture, but whole wheat flour can add a nice nutty flavor if you’re feeling adventurous.
Oats: Rolled oats bring a chewy texture and help create that delightful crumble topping. They also provide some health benefits.
Brown Sugar: The key to achieving that rich, caramel-like flavor! I prefer using light brown sugar for its mild sweetness, but dark brown sugar works just as wonderfully.
Butter: This is the glue that holds our crust and crumble together, adding a rich and creamy flavor. I like to use unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness.
Rhubarb: The star of the show! The tangy flavor of the rhubarb gives a good balance to the sweetness. If you can’t find fresh rhubarb, frozen works just fine.
Sugar: Just enough to sweeten the rhubarb filling without losing that characteristic tartness.
Is Rhubarb Crumble Bars Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about the health benefits. While these bars are a delightful indulgence, they do have some redeeming qualities:
Rhubarb: This vibrant vegetable (yes, it’s a vegetable!) is low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin K, and antioxidants. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to boost your vitamin intake!
Oats: They provide health benefits too! Oats are a wonderful source of fiber, which can aid in digestion. However, keep in mind that these bars do have sugar and butter, so moderation is key!
While one or two of these bad boys won’t hurt, if you’re watching your sugar intake, you might want to enjoy them as an occasional treat.
Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cups chopped rhubarb
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
This recipe makes about 12 delicious bars, perfect for sharing…or not!
How to Make Rhubarb Crumble Bars?
1. **Preheat your oven** to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. **Prepare the crust:** In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly, but be sure to leave some larger pieces for texture.
3. **Set aside half of the mixture** for topping, then press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
4. **Prepare the filling:** In another bowl, mix together the chopped rhubarb and granulated sugar until the rhubarb is well coated. Spread the rhubarb mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.
5. **Crumble on the topping:** Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture evenly over the rhubarb layer.
6. **Bake:** Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the rhubarb is bubbling.
7. **Cool:** Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares (if you can resist the temptation!).
Savory Suggestions for These Sweet Bars!
If you’re looking to spice things up a bit, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the filling or topping—it’s a delightful twist! You could also serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. I promise it’ll take them over the top.
In conclusion, I hope you give these Rhubarb Crumble Bars a try! Each bite is like a sweet invitation to summer, blending warm flavors and memories—and I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your stories or any fun twists you try out with this recipe!
