Indulge in the tangy and sweet flavors of rhubarb with these mouthwatering Rhubarb Dream Bars. This recipe takes the classic dessert to a new level with a buttery crust, luscious rhubarb filling, and a crunchy oat topping. They are perfect for any occasion and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with these heavenly treats.
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- - 1 cup all-purpose flour
- - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- - 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the rhubarb filling:
- - 2 cups chopped rhubarb
- - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- - 1/4 cup water
- - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- - 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- For the oat topping:
- - 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- - 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt for the crust. Mix until the dough forms. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the rhubarb filling. In a saucepan, combine the chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, water, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the rhubarb is soft and the mixture thickens.
- Remove the baked crust from the oven and pour the rhubarb filling over it. Spread the filling evenly with a spatula.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the oats, flour, melted butter, brown sugar, and salt for the oat topping. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the rhubarb filling.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before cutting into bars.
- Serve the Rhubarb Dream Bars as a delightful dessert or snack. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Rhubarb is often referred to as the 'pie plant' due to its frequent use in pie recipes.
Rhubarb is a vegetable, but it is commonly used in sweet dishes, giving them a unique tart flavor.
In the United States, rhubarb is in season during spring and early summer, making it the perfect time to try this recipe.