Strawberry Rhubarb Oat Bars are sweet, delicious, and a perfect addition to any barbecue, picnic or party! They have a delicious oatmeal crust layered with an easy homemade strawberry rhubarb jam. A perfect treat for any occasion!
Combine the rhubarb, sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until rhubarb is somewhat soft and par cooked.
Stir in lemon juice and strawberries and simmer another 8-10 minutes on low heat until the strawberries are soft and the jam has thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in almond extract. Set aside to cool while you prepare the oatmeal crust.
Oatmeal Crust
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Grease a 9x13 baking dish or line with parchment paper leaving an inch overhang on the long sides.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar and baking powder.
Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the cold cubed butter until the mix resembles course crumbs.
Add half of the oatmeal crust into the prepared dish and press the mix down firmly and evenly. You want the mix to be packed down very firmly so the bars don't fall apart.
Spread the filling evenly over the crust.
Top the filling evenly with the remaining oat mix and pat down gently but firmly.
Bake for 45-55 minutes until the edges and top are nice and golden brown.