Refreshing Strawberry-Rhubarb Oat Bars: A Healthy Crumble in Bar Form

Discover the delightful combination of sweet and tart with these Refreshing Strawberry-Rhubarb Oat Bars. Crafted with a wholesome oat base and a luscious fruit filling, these bars are like a berry crumble transformed into a convenient, portable treat. The addition of rhubarb intensifies the flavors, creating a perfect balance that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This: These bars are not only delicious but also offer a healthier alternative to traditional desserts. Made with natural sweeteners and whole grains, they provide a good source of fiber while still satisfying your sweet tooth. The strawberry and rhubarb filling, enhanced with a hint of lemon, adds a bright, fruity flavor that makes these bars irresistible.

Perfect Occasion: Ideal for picnics, afternoon snacks, or as a light dessert, these oat bars are versatile and perfect for any occasion. They’re great for sharing at gatherings, packing in lunchboxes, or enjoying as a post-workout snack. Their crumble-like texture and fruity taste also make them a hit at brunches or coffee breaks.

Decoration Tips: For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle the bars with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice before serving. Garnishing with fresh strawberry slices or a few mint leaves can add a touch of elegance and freshness.

Ingredients:

• Oat Base/Crumble Topping:
  • 1 1/4 cups rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup oat flour
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • Coconut oil (enough to form a dough)
  • 1/4 cup honey
• Filling:
  • 2 cups strawberries, fresh or thawed if frozen
  • Optional: additional rhubarb for extra flavor
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp corn starch

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Oat Base and Topping:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, oat flour, and brown sugar. Add enough coconut oil to the mixture until it forms a dough-like consistency. Stir in the honey.
   • Reserve about 1/3 of the oat mixture for the topping and press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base.
2. Make the Filling:
   • In a medium mixing bowl, mash the strawberries (and rhubarb, if using) with brown sugar, lemon juice, and corn starch until well combined.
   • Spread this filling evenly over the oat base in the baking dish.
3. Assemble and Bake:
   • Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the strawberry filling to create a crumble topping.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
   • Remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 30-60 minutes to set before cutting into bars.
4. Serving Suggestions:
   • Serve the bars on their own or enhance them with a dollop of yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Enjoy these delightful Strawberry-Rhubarb Oat Bars, a perfect treat that combines healthiness and deliciousness in every bite!