I remember the first time I tasted rhubarb. My grandma, bless her heart, had a huge patch of it in her garden. She made the best rhubarb pie, a little tart, a little sweet, and always topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These Honey Rhubarb Bars with Walnut Topping are my attempt to capture that nostalgic flavor in an easier, more portable form. They're perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a sweet treat on a sunny afternoon. I even had a friend tell me she made it after a recent hiking trip, and they were absolutely delicious with some chamomile tea overlooking the views. What does this mean for you? You can bring them anywhere!
These bars are a delightful combination of a buttery oat crust, a tangy-sweet rhubarb filling sweetened with honey, and a crunchy walnut topping. The honey adds a subtle floral note that complements the tartness of the rhubarb perfectly. Plus, the walnut topping provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling. Trust me; it’s a flavor explosion in every bite. They’re so good, they might just become your new favorite spring dessert. What are you waiting for? Let's get started!
Required Equipments
- 9x13 inch Baking Pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Parchment Paper
- Food Processor or Pastry Blender
Honey Rhubarb Bars with Walnut Topping: Frequently Asked Questions
Honey Rhubarb Bars with Walnut Topping
These Honey Rhubarb Bars with Walnut Topping combine a buttery oat crust, a tangy-sweet rhubarb filling sweetened with honey, and a crunchy walnut topping for a perfect spring dessert. They're easy to make and perfect for any occasion!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 16 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy removal. This ensures the bars don’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Seriously, don't skip this step!
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and salt for the crust. Think of this as the foundation of your delicious creation.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The colder the butter, the flakier the crust will be. I sometimes even chill my flour for 15 minutes before starting!
- Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down. This creates a sturdy base for all that yummy rhubarb filling.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until it's lightly golden. This pre-baking step helps prevent a soggy bottom – nobody wants that!
- While the crust is baking, prepare the rhubarb filling. In a large bowl, gently toss the chopped rhubarb with honey, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Make sure every piece of rhubarb is coated in that sweet, tangy goodness.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the walnut topping. Combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, chopped walnuts, and melted butter. Mix until everything is well combined and crumbly. It should look like a yummy streusel topping. I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth.
- Remove the pre-baked crust from the oven and spread the rhubarb filling evenly over the crust. Don’t worry if it looks a little juicy – that’s normal!
- Sprinkle the walnut topping evenly over the rhubarb filling. Try to get an even layer so every bite has that perfect nutty crunch.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the rhubarb filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent the topping from burning. If it starts to get too dark, tent the pan with foil.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. This is the hardest part, I know, but it's important! The filling needs time to set up, otherwise you'll end up with a gooey mess (still delicious, but messy!).
- Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut them into squares. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, and serve. Enjoy every single bite! Don’t forget to share, or maybe don't – I won’t judge.
📝 Notes
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the topping.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the topping for extra warmth.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Calcium: 50 mg
