Discover the ultimate treat with our incredible Rhubarb Crumble Bars! These delectable dessert bars strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart, crowned with an irresistible streusel crumble that adds a delightful texture to every bite. Ideal for a cozy afternoon with a cup of coffee or tea, these easy-to-make bars are also wonderfully portable, making them a fantastic choice for lunchboxes, picnics, or any on-the-go snack. Get ready to elevate your baking game with a recipe that promises pure rhubarb bliss!
The Best Rhubarb Crumble Bars You’ll Ever Bake
As a lifelong enthusiast of rhubarb desserts, I can confidently say that these particular Rhubarb Crumble Bars surpass any other rhubarb recipe I’ve ever encountered or created. Yes, they are truly the best. This cherished recipe comes from an old cookbook, a treasured gift from my dear friend, Gail. Every single recipe I’ve tried from its pages has been nothing short of spectacular, consistently delivering outstanding results.
The only minor challenge with this vintage cookbook is its rather vague instructions. Perhaps home cooks in the 1960s possessed a certain intuition that modern recipes often provide in explicit detail! Nevertheless, I’ve always enjoyed putting my own contemporary spin on these classic recipes, which, to be honest, usually means just a few minor adjustments to bring them up to date with today’s baking standards and preferences. The essence, however, remains timeless.
A Lifetime Love Affair with Rhubarb
My connection to rhubarb runs deep, rooted in my childhood memories. Both of my grandmothers lovingly cultivated rhubarb in their backyards, and I distinctly recall eating it freshly picked. You might consider me an unusual child for enjoying raw rhubarb, as its intense tartness is certainly enough to make anyone pucker!
Grandma’s Rhubarb Pie was always a standout favorite during my upbringing, right alongside her incredible rhubarb jam. I’m still on a quest to find that elusive jam recipe, a sweet and tangy masterpiece that remains one of my most cherished culinary memories. Some more diligent investigating is definitely in order!
Effortless Elegance: Simple Rhubarb Crumble Bars
These simple rhubarb crumble bars are a testament to how effortless baking can be without compromising on flavor or appeal. They rank exceptionally high on the ease-of-preparation scale for any dessert-style snack. You can whip them up quickly and bake them to golden perfection without any unnecessary fuss or complicated steps, making them perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
What makes these truly special is that they are pure rhubarb oat crumble bars – notice the deliberate absence of strawberries. While rhubarb and strawberry is a classic pairing, rhubarb doesn’t always need a co-star to shine. These good ‘ol fashioned rhubarb crunch bars put the spotlight squarely on the tart, vibrant rhubarb, allowing its unique flavor to truly dominate. No other fruit is necessary to achieve this wonderfully balanced and deeply satisfying treat.
I understand many rhubarb recipes do incorporate other fruits, but sometimes, an unadulterated oatmeal rhubarb crisp or bar is exactly what you need to fully appreciate that lovely, distinctive sourness that rhubarb brings to the table. It’s a celebration of rhubarb in its purest, most delicious form.
Understanding Rhubarb: A Quick Guide
Rhubarb, often mistaken for a fruit due to its common use in sweet dishes, is botanically a dark green leafy vegetable. Its surprising tartness, which can even surpass that of lemons or limes, often baffles those unfamiliar with it. For centuries, this unique flavor profile has been the secret ingredient in many successful pies and desserts, providing a vibrant, tangy contrast to sweetness.
If you’re new to using fresh rhubarb, there are a few crucial things to know to ensure a safe and delicious baking experience. The most important rule pertains to the leaves: always discard the dark green leaves. You can toss them into your compost or trash. While they might look tempting for a salad, they are extremely high in oxalic acid, which can be harmful if consumed in large quantities.
Is Rhubarb Poisonous?
To clarify, the stalks of rhubarb are absolutely safe and nutritious, but the leaves contain high levels of oxalic acid. While not strictly “poisonous” in the sense of being immediately lethal from a small bite, consuming too much oxalic acid should be avoided. In excessive amounts, oxalic acid is known to contribute to the formation of kidney stones and can cause digestive upset.
Therefore, it’s always best practice to meticulously remove the green leaves from the rhubarb stalks and dispose of them properly. The vibrant red or green stalks are the only part of the plant safe and intended for culinary use. If you’re using canned or pre-prepared rhubarb, rest assured that the leafy parts have already been removed, saving you this step.
What Does Rhubarb Taste Like?
Imagine if a strawberry and a super-sour lemon underwent a delightful mutation, transforming from fruits into a vegetable – that’s roughly the unique taste of rhubarb! Its complex flavor profile is a delightful blend of sweet and intensely tart, with earthy undertones. This distinct taste is precisely why rhubarb so frequently acts as a co-star in strawberry recipes; the sweetness of strawberries beautifully balances rhubarb’s acidity, creating a harmonious flavor combination.
Is Rhubarb Good For You?
Don’t let the caution regarding rhubarb leaves deter you from enjoying its many benefits. The edible stalks are incredibly good for you! They are packed with essential nutrients, including a significant amount of dietary fiber, which aids digestion. Rhubarb is also a rich source of Vitamin C, vital for immune health, and contains important minerals such as manganese, potassium, calcium, and Vitamin K, which is crucial for bone health and blood clotting.
The Irresistible Streusel Crumble Topping
The crowning glory of these Rhubarb Crumble Bars is undoubtedly the streusel crumble on top. “Streusel” is a German word describing that amazing, often nutty and sweet, crumbly topping typically found on coffee cakes, muffins, and cobblers. A classic streusel topping is usually a simple yet effective mix of brown sugar, flour, and butter. Sometimes, oats or nuts are added to enhance texture and flavor, providing a wonderful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling.
You can also elevate your streusel by seasoning it with warm spices like cinnamon or allspice, adding another layer of aromatic deliciousness. I have a particular fondness for any recipe that features a streusel topping – it must be ingrained in my culinary DNA! If you enjoy the streusel in these rhubarb bars, I highly recommend exploring some of my other favorite streusel recipes, such as my blueberry streusel pizza, a delightful cherry-filled coffee cake, or my comforting cinnamon streusel banana bread. Each offers a unique way to savor that incredible crumbly goodness.
How to Make Rhubarb Crumble Bars: A Simple Guide
One of the many appealing aspects of these Rhubarb Crumble Bars is the simplicity of the ingredients. While fresh rhubarb might not always be a pantry staple, the remaining components are typical items you likely already have on hand: butter, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cornstarch, baking soda, vanilla extract, and wholesome rolled oats. This straightforward list ensures that you can easily whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes.
To begin, combine your freshly chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and a touch of water in a saucepan. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. As it heats, the rhubarb will soften, and the cornstarch will work its magic, creating a wonderfully thick and glossy filling that bursts with sweet and tart flavor.
While your delicious rhubarb filling is simmering on the stovetop, turn your attention to preparing the essential crust and crumble mixture. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s light and creamy. Next, incorporate the brown sugar, mixing until it’s fully combined and the mixture is smooth and cohesive. This combination forms the rich, buttery base and the irresistible streusel topping.
Now, gently mix in the flour and baking soda into your butter and sugar mixture. Follow this by folding in the rolled oats. This combination will result in a beautifully crumbly texture that forms both the bottom crust and the streusel topping. Take half of this mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This creates the sturdy, flavorful foundation for your bars.
Once the crust is perfectly set in the pan, carefully pour your luscious, thickened rhubarb filling evenly over the top. The vibrant red of the rhubarb will create a stunning contrast with the golden crust. Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture generously over the rhubarb filling. This top layer will bake into a golden, crunchy streusel, completing the classic Rhubarb Crumble Bar structure. Pop it into the oven and bake until golden brown and bubbling.
The Best Part About Rhubarb Crumble Bars
While the absolutely delicious taste is undeniably the best aspect of these rhubarb crumble bars, a very close second is just how incredibly easy they are to prepare. This isn’t one of those recipes that requires you to delve into a complex culinary chemistry book or spend hours in the kitchen. It’s a straightforward process of mixing a few simple ingredients, layering them, adding your delightful streusel to the top, and then letting your oven do the rest.
Perhaps the only truly challenging part of making these bars is the agonizing wait for them to finish baking. The moment those enticing aromas begin to waft through your kitchen, your mouth will undoubtedly start to water, building anticipation for the first bite. However, patience is key here! Make sure to allow the bars to cool down sufficiently after you pull them from the oven. That fruit filling, while heavenly, can be as hot as molten lava if you attempt to dive in too soon – trust me, a burnt tongue is not the ideal way to savor this treat!
Love Them? Pin Them!
Don’t forget to save this incredible Rhubarb Crumble Bar recipe for later! Pin these delicious bars to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily find them whenever you’re ready to bake a batch of pure rhubarb perfection!
More Rhubarb Recipes to Love…
Let’s get baking and create some truly unforgettable Rhubarb Crumble Bars!
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Print Recipe
Rhubarb Crumble Bars
The buttery oatmeal crust and crumble are sweetened with brown sugar and complement the sweet-tart rhubarb center perfectly. These are the best rhubarb bars I have ever eaten!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Bars
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bars, crumble, crunch, easy, how to make bars with rhubarb, old fashioned, rhubarb, streusel, what is rhubarb?, without strawberries
Servings: 9×13 pan
Calories: 124 kcal
Author: Michaela Kenkel
Equipment
- 9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish with a Lid
Ingredients
CRUST/CRUMBLE
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups oatmeal
- 1 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
FILLING
- 3 cups rhubarb, diced
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 Tablespoons corn starch
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, set aside.
- FILLING: In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, stir together rhubarb, sugar, vanilla, water, and corn starch. Cook until it thickens, about 20 minutes or so, stirring regularly so it doesn’t stick.
- CRUST/CRUMBLE: In a bowl, using a mixer or a wooden spoon, cream the butter until it’s smooth. Add in brown sugar and combine well. Mix in baking soda and oatmeal. Fold in flour. The mixture will be crumbly.
- Press half of the crust/crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread thickened filling over the top. Add remaining crust/crumble mixture to the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. It can be served warm with ice cream. Store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving: 1 bar | Calories: 124 kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 30mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 20g