If you’ve ever wished for a treat that’s both delightfully comforting and packed with a touch of tart fruitiness, then the Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking repertoire. These bars marvelously blend the hearty texture of old-fashioned oats with the tangy brightness of rhubarb, all wrapped up in a golden, buttery crust that’s just begging to be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s a nostalgic dessert that feels like a warm hug from a friend and a beautiful way to celebrate seasonal produce in a simple yet satisfying form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, coming together with simplicity that results in deep, layered flavors—from the naturally tart rhubarb to the cozy, crumbly oat crust.
- Old-fashioned oats: Provide that chewy texture and wholesome goodness that makes these bars so satisfying.
- All-purpose flour: Helps give structure to the bars, balancing the softness of the filling with a sturdy base.
- Brown sugar (packed): Adds rich caramel notes and moisture to the oat mixture.
- Baking soda: Works subtly to lighten the oats and flour mixture for perfect crumbliness.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, particularly balancing the sweetness and tartness in the filling.
- Unsalted butter (melted): The key to that golden, buttery crust everyone dreams of.
- Chopped fresh or frozen rhubarb: The star ingredient whose tangy zing wakes up your taste buds.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the rhubarb filling, taming its natural sharpness.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the rhubarb mixture to a luscious, jam-like consistency.
- Water: Helps cook down the rhubarb filling to just the right texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the fruit filling.
How to Make Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing an 8×8-inch baking dish. Combine your oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly—think buttery sand. Press about two-thirds of this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This layer will form the sturdy, golden crust that holds everything together and offers that irresistible crunch with every bite.
Step 2: Cook the Rhubarb Filling
In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together the chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, stirring consistently to prevent sticking. Within about 5 to 7 minutes, the rhubarb should soften and the mixture will thicken into a vibrant and glossy filling. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to elevate the flavor with a sweet aromatic finish.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour your luscious rhubarb filling evenly over the crust you pressed into your baking dish. Then, sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the top like a crumbly blanket. Bake the bars for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is a gorgeous golden brown and the filling bubbles gently around the sides. Once baked, let the bars cool completely—this step is crucial to let the filling set nicely so your bars cut clean and hold their shape.
How to Serve Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars Recipe even more inviting, dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar or scatter a handful of toasted almonds on top right after baking for an extra crunch and nutty aroma. A dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of vanilla ice cream also pairs beautifully, lending a creamy contrast to the tart filling and crumbly crust.
Side Dishes
These bars shine on their own, but pairing them with a simple side like fresh berries or a crisp green salad with a citrusy dressing highlights the rhubarb’s bright flavor. You could also enjoy them alongside a warm cup of chai or black coffee, which balances the sweetness with slightly bitter notes, creating a harmonious tasting experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a platter as part of a dessert board alongside other cookies and fruits. You can also sandwich a bit of mascarpone cheese or cream cheese frosting between two bars for rich, decadent rhubarb oatmeal bites that’ll surprise and delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers after enjoying these bars (which happens surprisingly quickly), simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and delicious for up to four days, making them convenient for a sweet snack or quick breakfast treat.
Freezing
You can freeze the bars for longer storage by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge. This way, you can savor your Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars Recipe anytime the craving strikes without losing texture or flavor.
Reheating
To warm up the bars, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, just until gently heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as reheating in the oven helps maintain the crisp topping and prevents the filling from becoming too runny.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh rhubarb with frozen?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain the excess liquid from frozen rhubarb before cooking to avoid a watery filling. This keeps your bars perfectly textured and not soggy.
Is it possible to make the crust gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend with similar baking properties. Just keep in mind the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
How tart are these rhubarb bars?
The rhubarb gives a lovely tang that balances the sweetness from both brown and granulated sugars. It’s bright, not overly sour, and pleasantly refreshing in every bite.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To veganize the Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars Recipe, substitute the butter with a plant-based spread or coconut oil. Everything else remains the same, and you’ll still have that buttery, crumbly crust you love.
What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?
Make sure the bars have cooled completely before slicing. Using a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped dry between cuts helps achieve clean, neat squares without crumbling or sticking.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say once you try the Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars Recipe, it will quickly become a treasured staple in your baking rotation. It’s that perfect combination of rustic charm and irresistible flavors that brings comfort and joy with every bite. So gather your ingredients, embrace the simple steps, and prepare to fall in love with this delightful dessert that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
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Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars combine a buttery oat crust with a tangy rhubarb filling, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and tart in a delightful fruit crumble bar. Easy to prepare and bake, these bars make a wonderful dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Rhubarb Filling
- 2 cups chopped fresh or frozen rhubarb
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press two-thirds of this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust layer.
- Cook the Rhubarb Filling: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly. Cook until the rhubarb softens and the filling thickens, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the cooked rhubarb filling evenly over the oat crust in the pan. Sprinkle the remaining one-third of the oat mixture evenly over the rhubarb layer to form the topping.
- Bake: Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 bars. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- If using frozen rhubarb, be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking to prevent a watery filling.
- These bars taste great chilled or at room temperature.
- Store leftover bars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
