Rhubarb Crumble Bars

Introduction

Rhubarb Crumble Bars are a delightful dessert that showcases the tartness of rhubarb, balanced perfectly with a sweet crumble topping. These bars are easy to make and are perfect for springtime when rhubarb is in season. Whether you enjoy them as a sweet treat after dinner or as a snack with your afternoon tea, Rhubarb Crumble Bars are sure to please your taste buds.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Rhubarb Crumble Bars is a wonderful way to enjoy the unique flavor of rhubarb. This recipe is simple, quick, and requires only a few ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. They are not just delicious, but they also offer a great way to use up excess rhubarb if you have it growing in your garden. The bars are perfect for sharing at gatherings, potlucks, and picnics, making them a versatile addition to your dessert repertoire.

How to Make Rhubarb Crumble Bars

Making Rhubarb Crumble Bars is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can create this delicious treat in just a few simple steps:

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cups rhubarb, chopped
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix until well combined and crumbly.
Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Mix well to coat the rhubarb evenly.
Spread the rhubarb filling evenly over the crust in the baking pan.
Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the top of the rhubarb filling.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
Once cooled, cut into bars and serve. Enjoy!

How to Serve Rhubarb Crumble Bars

Rhubarb Crumble Bars can be enjoyed warm or cold. They are best served at room temperature. You can also top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. These bars are great for a dessert plate at a family gathering or just a sweet snack at home.

How to Store Rhubarb Crumble Bars

To store Rhubarb Crumble Bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Make sure they are well covered to prevent them from drying out. You can also freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Just place them in a freezer-safe container, and when you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

Tips to Make Rhubarb Crumble Bars

Make sure you chop the rhubarb into small pieces for even distribution in the filling.
You can adjust the sugar based on how tart your rhubarb is; add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter filling.
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the crumble mixture for added flavor.

Variation

If you want to switch things up, you can mix in other fruits with the rhubarb, such as strawberries or raspberries. This adds more sweetness and flavor, creating a delicious berry-rhubarb combination!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb. Just thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the filling.

2. Is rhubarb safe to eat raw?
Rhubarb stalks are safe to eat raw in small amounts, but they are quite tart and may not be enjoyable for everyone. Cooking them helps mellow the flavor.

3. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure to use gluten-free oats.