Rhubarb Tray Bake with Oat and Walnut Topping

Ever on the hunt for rhubarb recipes, I spotted this in Tesco's Real Food magazine, and just had to try it!  It had its first test at a TA weekend, and it was a great success.   You could also try using pieces of ginger, as they go so well with rhubarb.   The oat and walnut topping gives a fabulous crunch, and then there is a layer of tart rhubarb and a cake base.   Use the lovely pink winter rhubarb, and it makes the crumble top look bright and pretty.   I made this with rice flour instead of wheat, so it was also gluten-free.   If you substituted the butter for a dairy-free spread, it could also be dairy free.   I've found it is best to keep this uncovered until it is completely cold, as it will absorb any remaining steam from the cooking rhubarb and go a bit soft.

Rhubarb Tray Bake

Rhubarb Tray Bake with Oat and Walnut Topping

Base:

3.5oz/100g plain flour

½ tsp baking powder

pinch of salt

4oz/110g butter at room temperature (or spread)

3.5oz/100g caster sugar

2 eggs

1tsp vanilla extract

Rhubarb Mix:

8oz/250g rhubarb, cut into small pieces

1tbsp soft brown sugar

1tbsp flour

Topping:

3oz/75g butter (or spread), melted

3oz/75g plain flour  

4oz/110g soft brown sugar

2oz/50g walnuts, chopped roughly

2oz/50g oats

Preheat the oven to 190 deg C, and line an 8” square tin with parchment.    First, make the topping by forking together the butter, flour and sugar into big crumbs, then mix in the walnuts and oats.  Put this in the fridge to chill.

Next, sift together the flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt.   In a separate bowl, mix the rhubarb, 1tbsp flour and the soft brown sugar so that the rhubarb is evenly coated.   Then, in another bowl, beat the caster sugar and butter until fluffy, then add the eggs one at a time, and carry on beating.  Add the vanilla and then mix in the flour. 

Pour the beaten mix into the tin and cover with half of the oat and walnut topping.  Put the rhubarb on top, and finish with the remaining topping.  Bake for 45 minutes or until it a hot knife blade or skewer pushed into the middle comes out clean.