Rhubarb is such a delightful vegetable that often gets overlooked in the world of baking. Its unique tartness adds a refreshing twist to desserts, perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Rhubarb squares are a wonderful way to showcase this underrated ingredient, creating a treat that is both comforting and bright. In this recipe, we will guide you through creating these delicious rhubarb squares that are sure to become a favorite in your home.
**Rhubarb Squares**
**Ingredients:**
– 3 cups diced rhubarb
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced rhubarb, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the crust.
3. In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well combined.
4. Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredients and stir until a crumbly dough forms.
5. Take half of the crumbly dough mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
6. Spread the rhubarb mixture evenly over the crust layer.
7. Sprinkle the remaining crumbly dough over the top of the rhubarb layer, creating a streusel-like topping.
8. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the rhubarb filling is bubbly.
9. Once baked, remove the rhubarb squares from the oven and let them cool in the dish for about 15 minutes.
10. Cut into squares and serve either warm or at room temperature. These squares pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat!
Enjoy these rhubarb squares as a lovely addition to your dessert table, a sweet treat to share with loved ones, or simply as a delightful snack to enjoy with a cup of tea. The combination of the tangy rhubarb filling and the buttery oat crumble crust creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated. Don’t be surprised if these rhubarb squares become a staple in your baking repertoire – they are just that delicious!
