As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, the vibrant flavors of strawberries and rhubarb emerge, signaling the joyous arrival of summer. Among the many delightful ways to celebrate this seasonal pairing, our highly popular Strawberry Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars stand out as an absolute must-try. These scrumptious bars are wonderfully versatile, making them an ideal choice for summer picnics, family gatherings, or simply as a comforting treat with your afternoon tea.

If you’re a fan of succulent strawberries, you’ll also adore these 20 Irresistible Strawberry Desserts That Are Sure To Impress. And for another fantastic rhubarb creation, don’t miss our Rhubarb Berry Crisp!

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Delicious Strawberry Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars: Your Go-To Summer Dessert

Legend has it that these exquisite Strawberry Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars once clinched a prize at the prestigious Pennsylvania State Fair Butter Cookie Contest. It’s easy to see why they earned such acclaim. Each bar delivers an explosion of mouth-watering sweet and tart flavors, reminiscent of a classic strawberry rhubarb pie, all encased in a perfectly tender and crumbly oatmeal crust. The harmonious blend of textures and tastes ensures that you simply won’t be able to stop at just one slice.

The unbeatable flavor combination truly sets these bars apart. While I cannot definitively credit the original creator, their legacy lives on in every delicious bite. The delicate balance of fruity tang and comforting sweetness, combined with the wholesome chewiness of oats, creates a dessert experience that is both sophisticated and deeply satisfying.

The Magic Behind Strawberry and Rhubarb: A Perfect Pairing

Some might initially shy away from rhubarb, perhaps due to its notoriously tart and fibrous nature when raw. Indeed, eaten on its own, it can be quite sour! However, the true magic happens when rhubarb is gently cooked down with sugar and its ideal companion, strawberries. This culinary transformation mellows its intensity, turning it into a wonderfully flavorful and tender fruit that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of strawberries.

This careful cooking process is precisely why these are not just “strawberry rhubarb bars,” but truly Awesome Strawberry Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars! The strawberries provide a luscious sweetness and vibrant color, while the rhubarb offers a delightful tang that prevents the dessert from being overly sweet. Together, they create a filling that is both bright and deeply flavorful, a taste sensation that captures the essence of summer.

Nestled within a tender, golden-brown oatmeal crust, this mouth-watering dessert is remarkably easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress even the most discerning sweet tooth. The combination of simple ingredients and minimal prep time means you can whip up a batch of these delectable bars in just a few steps. Get ready to create a snack or dessert that will undoubtedly be a huge hit with your family and friends!

Essential Ingredients for Your Strawberry Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars

Crafting these sensational bars begins with selecting quality ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on fresh flavors and pantry staples to create something truly extraordinary. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

For the Irresistible Strawberry Rhubarb Filling

Fresh or Frozen Unsweetened Rhubarb: Cut into ½-inch pieces. Whether you opt for fresh, seasonal rhubarb or the convenience of frozen (like Dole frozen rhubarb), both work beautifully. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw beforehand.
Fresh Strawberries: Sliced to complement the rhubarb pieces. Choose ripe, fragrant berries for the best flavor.
Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens the fruit flavors and helps balance the sweetness.
Granulated Sugar: Essential for taming rhubarb’s tartness and creating a perfectly sweet filling.
Cornstarch: This acts as a thickener, ensuring your fruit filling is wonderfully jammy and holds its shape when baked.

For the Cozy Oatmeal Crust

The foundation of these bars is a rich, buttery oatmeal crust that offers a delightful chewiness and crumbly texture.

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the crust.
Uncooked Quick-Cooking Oats: These give the crust its signature texture. You can also use old-fashioned rolled oats for a chewier bar, or a combination of both if preferred.
Firmly Packed Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness and contributes to the crust’s tender crumb.
Butter: Softened butter is key for creating a uniform, crumbly mixture. Use unsalted butter to control the salt content.
Baking Soda: Helps with the slight lift and tender texture of the crust.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors in the crust, balancing the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake Strawberry Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars

Baking these delightful bars is a straightforward process, designed for ease and enjoyment. Follow these simple steps to achieve perfect results every time:

Prepare the Fruit Filling: In a 2-quart saucepan, combine the fresh or frozen rhubarb, sliced strawberries, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 8-12 minutes, or until the fruit becomes tender. The rhubarb should start to soften and break down, and the strawberries will release their juices.
Thicken the Filling: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ½ cup of granulated sugar and the cornstarch. Gradually stir this mixture into the tender fruit in the saucepan. This ensures the cornstarch dissolves smoothly without lumps.
Cook to Thicken: Continue cooking the fruit mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 1 minute until it comes to a boil. Allow it to boil for another minute, stirring continuously, until the mixture visibly thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This crucial step prevents a watery filling in your finished bars. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set the filling aside to cool slightly.
Preheat Oven: While the filling cools, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
Prepare the Oatmeal Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the oatmeal crust: all-purpose flour, quick-cooking oats, brown sugar, softened butter, baking soda, and salt. Using an electric mixer on low speed, beat the ingredients together, scraping down the sides of the bowl often, until the mixture resembles coarse, moist crumbs. This should be a fairly loose mixture, not a smooth dough.
Reserve Crumb Topping: Measure out and reserve 1½ cups of this crumb mixture. This will be used as the delicious crumble topping later.
Form the Base Crust: Press the remaining crumb mixture evenly onto the bottom of a greased 13×9-inch baking pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to create a firm, compact base.
Add the Filling: Carefully spread the prepared strawberry rhubarb filling evenly over the pressed oatmeal crust. Ensure the fruit is distributed from edge to edge.
Sprinkle Crumb Topping: Generously sprinkle the reserved 1½ cups of crumb mixture over the strawberry rhubarb filling. This creates a beautiful, golden, and crunchy topping.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly around the edges.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting them into squares. Cooling completely is essential for the bars to set properly and prevent crumbling.

Expert Tips for Flawless Strawberry Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars

Achieving bakery-quality strawberry rhubarb oatmeal bars is easy with a few insider tips:

Choosing Your Fruit: If using fresh rhubarb, ensure it’s firm and vibrant. For strawberries, opt for ripe, sweet berries. If using frozen fruit, there’s no need to thaw it before cooking for the filling, which saves time.
Don’t Overcook the Filling: Cook the fruit just until tender. It will continue to cook in the oven, so you don’t want it to become mushy beforehand. The cornstarch addition is key for a perfectly set filling.
Perfecting the Crust: Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, for the best crumbly texture. When pressing the base crust, aim for an even layer to ensure uniform baking. Don’t overmix the crust ingredients once combined, as this can make the bars tough.
Cooling is Crucial: Patience is a virtue when it comes to cooling. Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature before slicing. This allows the filling to fully set and prevents the bars from falling apart when cut. For cleaner cuts, you can even chill them in the refrigerator for an hour or two.
Storage Suggestions: Store any leftover strawberry rhubarb oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; simply thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions

While these strawberry rhubarb oatmeal bars are delightful on their own, don’t hesitate to experiment with variations or enhance them with delicious serving suggestions:

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a tiny dash of ginger to the fruit filling for an extra layer of warmth and flavor that beautifully complements the fruit.
Glaze Options: For an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled bars. Combine powdered sugar with a little lemon juice until you reach a pourable consistency.
Nutty Topping: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the reserved crumb topping for added crunch and nutty flavor.
Serve with Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, serve a warm (or room temperature) strawberry rhubarb oatmeal bar with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. The contrast of warm and cold, and the creamy texture, is heavenly.

These strawberry rhubarb oatmeal bars are truly a classic favorite that everyone should experience. Not only do they offer a delightful balance of sweetness, texture, and tartness, but they are also incredibly straightforward to prepare, making them perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and a simple recipe, you can easily create delicious, homemade bars in no time. So, why wait? Whip up a batch of these irresistible strawberry rhubarb oatmeal bars today and savor the taste of summer!

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More Delightful Fruity Desserts to Explore

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No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cream Pie
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Recipe Overview: Strawberry Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars

Here’s a quick summary of the recipe details:

Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Servings: 18 bars
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keywords: bars, oatmeal, rhubarb, strawberry, strawberry rhubarb, summer desserts