She Strengthens

Sweet and Tart Rhubarb Bars: A Delicious Winter Treat

As the rhubarb season comes to a close, I’m grateful to have a stash of frozen rhubarb to get me through the winter months. And what better way to enjoy it than in a sweet and tangy dessert? These rhubarb bars are a perfect blend of tartness and sweetness, making them a delightful treat any time of the year.

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

Using fresh rhubarb yields the best results, but don’t worry if you only have frozen on hand – it’ll still work beautifully. The key to these bars is achieving the perfect balance of flavors. The tartness of the rhubarb is expertly offset by the sweetness of the brown sugar, creating a delightful harmony of tastes.

Easy to Make, Easy to Enjoy

With only 10 ingredients and a relatively short prep time, these bars are a breeze to make. Simply combine the rhubarb, brown sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan, bring to a boil, and cook until the rhubarb is tender. Then, mix in the cornstarch and remaining water to thicken the mixture.

A Crumbly Oat Crust

In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, coconut, salt, and remaining brown sugar. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is crumbly. Press half of the mixture into a greased baking dish, spread with the rhubarb mixture, and top with the remaining oat mixture.

Bake and Enjoy

Bake the bars at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack before cutting into squares. You’ll be rewarded with 16 delicious bars that are perfect for snacking or serving to friends and family.

Tips and Variations

If using frozen rhubarb, be sure to measure it while still frozen, then thaw and drain completely before using. Don’t press out the excess liquid, as it’s essential to the bars’ texture. Experiment with different spices, like cinnamon or nutmeg, to add an extra layer of flavor to your rhubarb bars.