Strawberry Rhubarb Oat Bars

The perfect balance of tart rhubarb and sweet strawberries, these oat crumble bars are a delightful treat for any time of day. The buttery crust and crunchy topping make them completely irresistible.

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a dessert for a summer picnic, or something to pair with your afternoon coffee, these strawberry rhubarb bars deliver on flavor and texture. With simple ingredients and an easy baking process, they’re bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup rolled oats

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, diced

• 1 cup rhubarb, chopped

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.

3. Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.

4. In another bowl, toss the strawberries and rhubarb with granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and cinnamon.

5. Spread the fruit mixture evenly over the oat crust.

6. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the top.

7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.

8. Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes

Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 9 bars

Strawberry Rhubarb Oat Bars – A Perfectly Balanced Sweet and Tart Treat

Strawberry rhubarb oat bars are a delightful dessert that perfectly combines the tartness of rhubarb with the natural sweetness of strawberries. With a buttery oat crust and crumble topping, these bars offer a perfect balance of textures—crisp, chewy, and fruity all at once. Whether you’re looking for a light dessert, an afternoon snack, or something special to bring to a summer gathering, these bars are a fantastic option.

The Classic Combination of Strawberries and Rhubarb

Strawberries and rhubarb have been a classic pairing in baking for generations. The natural tartness of rhubarb complements the sweetness of strawberries, creating a depth of flavor that is both refreshing and indulgent. This combination is often used in pies, crisps, and jams, but in bar form, it becomes an easy, portable treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Rhubarb itself is a unique ingredient, often mistaken for a fruit but actually a vegetable. It has a naturally sour taste, which is why it’s commonly paired with sweet fruits like strawberries or apples. The vibrant red and green stalks of rhubarb add a beautiful color contrast to these bars, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

• Easy to Make: This recipe doesn’t require any special equipment or baking skills. It’s simple enough for beginners but delicious enough to impress seasoned bakers.

• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart: The combination of strawberries and rhubarb creates a well-rounded flavor profile that isn’t overly sweet.

• Crunchy and Buttery Texture: The oat crumble gives these bars a crisp and buttery bite, making them even more irresistible.

• Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving these for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack, they’re always a crowd-pleaser.

• Versatile Recipe: You can easily customize these bars by swapping strawberries for other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches.

The Secret to a Perfect Crumble

One of the standout elements of this recipe is the oat crumble. Made with simple pantry staples like flour, oats, sugar, and butter, the crumble serves both as the base and the topping. The key to achieving a perfect crumble is using melted butter, which ensures that every bite has a rich, buttery flavor. Adding oats gives the bars a rustic texture, making them feel hearty and satisfying.

If you prefer a softer, more cake-like bar, you can slightly increase the amount of flour in the crumble. For a crunchier texture, using cold butter instead of melted butter can create larger crumble pieces. This simple tweak allows you to customize the texture based on your preference.

Health Benefits of Strawberries and Rhubarb

Not only are these bars delicious, but they also contain some nutritious ingredients.

• Strawberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. They are known for supporting heart health and boosting the immune system.

• Rhubarb is an excellent source of vitamin K, which helps with bone health, and is also low in calories, making it a great addition to a balanced diet.

• Oats are rich in fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. They also help maintain steady blood sugar levels.

How to Pick the Best Strawberries and Rhubarb

For the best flavor, it’s important to choose high-quality ingredients:

• Strawberries: Look for bright red, plump strawberries without any white or green areas. The riper the strawberry, the sweeter it will be, which helps balance the tartness of the rhubarb.

• Rhubarb: Fresh rhubarb stalks should be firm and brightly colored. Avoid stalks that are limp or woody, as they can be too tough to eat. While red rhubarb is often preferred for its vibrant color, green rhubarb can be just as delicious.

Ways to Customize These Bars

While this recipe is perfect as is, there are several ways to switch it up and make it your own:

• Add Nuts: Chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans can add a crunchy texture to the crumble topping.

• Try Different Sweeteners: Swap white sugar for coconut sugar or honey for a more natural sweetness.

• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free.

• Add Spices: A pinch of nutmeg or ginger can enhance the flavors of the fruit filling.

• Make It Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute to make the recipe completely vegan.

How to Serve and Store Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

These bars taste amazing whether they’re served warm, at room temperature, or chilled. If you want a more decadent dessert, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

To store these bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well—just wrap individual bars in parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

Conclusion

Strawberry rhubarb oat bars are a delightful, easy-to-make treat that highlights the best of both worlds—tart rhubarb and sweet strawberries, held together by a buttery oat crumble. Whether you’re baking for a summer picnic, a holiday gathering, or just to satisfy a dessert craving, these bars are sure to be a hit. With endless customization options, they’re a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit any dietary needs or flavor preferences.

If you’ve never tried baking with rhubarb before, this is the perfect introduction. Give these strawberry rhubarb oat bars a try, and you might just find yourself making them over and over again!