Imagine waking up to the delightful aroma of freshly baked 5-Ingredient Rhubarb Crumble Breakfast Bars. The warm, tangy rhubarb combined with a sweet, crumbly topping creates a treat that is both satisfying and indulgent. These bars are the perfect balance of flavors and textures—every bite is a little piece of breakfast heaven! I love this recipe because it’s so simple yet so delicious, making it easy to whip up even on the busiest mornings.
I’ll never forget the first time I made these bars. I had a bunch of rhubarb from my garden and didn’t know what to do with it. As I mixed the ingredients, the anticipation built, and when I took that first bite, I was hooked! Now, they’re a staple in my kitchen, and my neighbors often ask for a taste. It’s amazing how a handful of ingredients can create such joy!
Why You’ll Love This 5-Ingredient Rhubarb Crumble Breakfast Bars
This 5-Ingredient Rhubarb Crumble Breakfast Bars recipe stands out for its ease and delightful flavor profile. With just five simple ingredients, you can have a delicious breakfast ready in no time. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up that rhubarb from your garden or the farmer’s market. You’ll find yourself making these bars over and over again.
- Quick to Make: You can whip these up in just 10 minutes of prep time!
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with oats and rhubarb, they make for a nutritious treat.
- Versatile: Enjoy them as a breakfast on-the-go or a sweet afternoon snack.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings, you can share the love (or keep them all to yourself)!
- Deliciously Tangy: The rhubarb adds a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Using quality ingredients makes all the difference in this recipe. Here’s a quick rundown of the key ingredients you’ll need:
- Rolled Oats: They provide a hearty base. Look for whole grain oats for the best texture. You can substitute with quick oats if needed, but the texture will be slightly different.
- All-Purpose Flour: This helps to bind the ingredients together. You can swap it with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or a gluten-free blend if you’re avoiding gluten.
- Brown Sugar: It adds moisture and a rich sweetness. If you’re out, you can use granulated sugar, but it won’t give the same depth of flavor.
- Chopped Rhubarb: The star of the show! Fresh rhubarb is best, but you can use frozen rhubarb if fresh isn’t available—just thaw it first.
- Unsalted Butter: This enriches the crumble. You can replace it with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for a vegan option.
How to Make The Perfect 5-Ingredient Rhubarb Crumble Breakfast Bars
Let’s get baking! Follow these steps for perfect 5-Ingredient Rhubarb Crumble Breakfast Bars:
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake.
- Grease Your Dish: Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish and give it a good greasing—this helps the bars come out easily.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, and brown sugar. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Add Butter: Pour the melted butter into your oat mixture and stir until it reaches a crumbly texture. This is where the magic begins!
- Press the Crust: Take about half of your mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your greased dish. This forms the delicious crust.
- Add the Rhubarb: Spread the chopped rhubarb evenly over your crust. This adds that lovely tangy flavor.
- Top It Off: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the rhubarb. This will bake into a beautiful crumble topping.
- Bake Away: Pop your dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the rhubarb is tender.
- Cool and Slice: Once baked, let it cool a bit before slicing into bars. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Expert Tips for Success
- Check Your Rhubarb: Make sure the rhubarb is fresh; it should be firm and bright in color.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until combined to keep your bars light and crumbly.
- Let Them Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to make clean cuts.
- Add Nuts: For extra texture, feel free to add chopped nuts into the crumble mix!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make these bars ahead of time and store them for a quick breakfast all week!
Variations and Substitutions
- Berry Boost: Mix in some fresh or frozen berries with the rhubarb for added sweetness and color!
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spicy flavor in the crumble.
- Coconut Flakes: Toss in some shredded coconut for a tropical touch!
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free oats and flour to make this a gluten-free breakfast treat!
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store your bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- Refrigeration: These bars can last up to a week in the fridge if stored properly.
- Freezing: You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap!
- Thawing & Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat in the oven for a few minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
What to Serve with 5-Ingredient Rhubarb Crumble Breakfast Bars?
- Greek Yogurt: Serve with a dollop of yogurt for a creamy contrast that complements the bars perfectly.
- Fresh Fruit: Enjoy with a side of fresh berries for a refreshing burst of flavor.
- Coffee: A warm cup of coffee pairs beautifully with these bars for a cozy breakfast.
- Honey Drizzle: A touch of honey on top can enhance the sweetness and elevate your experience!
FAQs About 5-Ingredient Rhubarb Crumble Breakfast Bars
Can I make this gluten-free?Can I use frozen rhubarb?How do I know when the bars are done?Can I add other fruits?How do I store leftovers?

5-Ingredient Rhubarb Crumble Breakfast Bars
This recipe gives you a simple way to enjoy a tasty breakfast. The combination of tangy rhubarb and a crumbly topping makes for a satisfying morning treat. You can easily grab a bar as you head out the door or enjoy it with a cup of coffee at home.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 pieces
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups chopped rhubarb
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- First, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget to grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine your rolled oats, flour, and brown sugar. Mix them until they are well combined. Now, pour in the melted butter and stir everything together until you have a crumbly texture. Take about half of this mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your greased dish to form the crust.
- Next, spread the chopped rhubarb evenly over the crust. Then, sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the rhubarb is tender. Once it’s done, let it cool for a bit before you slice it into bars.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American