Rhubarb and Oat Bars

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted)
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon)
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed)
• Rolled oats (2 cups)
• All-purpose flour (1 cup)
• Lemon juice (2 tablespoons)
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup)
• Fresh rhubarb (4 cups, chopped)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Let it sit for 10 minutes to macerate, allowing the rhubarb to release its juices and soften.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
4. Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly mixed. The mixture should be crumbly yet hold together when pressed.
5. Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust, ensuring it's evenly distributed and compacted.
6. Spread the macerated rhubarb mixture evenly over the crust, making sure to cover it fully for maximum flavor.
7. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the rhubarb filling, distributing it as evenly as possible to create a topping.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the rhubarb is bubbling at the edges.
9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into bars. This cooling step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
10. Serve and enjoy! These bars can be enjoyed warm or chilled and are delightful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.