Description: Deliciously Sweet and Tart Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars – a delightful combination of a buttery, crumbly oat crust and a tangy-sweet rhubarb filling. These bars are a perfect treat for spring and summer, showcasing the vibrant flavor of fresh rhubarb. This simple recipe is perfect for novice and experienced bakers alike, and these bars are guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup rhubarb, chopped (about ¼-inch pieces)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. This is a crucial step for ensuring the bars release easily. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for even easier removal – this is especially helpful if your pan isn’t non-stick.
Step 2: Prepare the Oatmeal Crust: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure even distribution. This is important so that the baking soda is evenly incorporated, helping the crust to rise properly.
Step 3: Add the melted butter to the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture is crumbly and well combined. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and make the crust tough.
Step 4: Press half of the oatmeal mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan to create the bottom crust. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to create an even layer. A well-packed crust will prevent the rhubarb filling from seeping through and creating a soggy bottom.
Step 5: Prepare the Rhubarb Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until the rhubarb is evenly coated with the sugar and cornstarch mixture.
Step 6: Spread the rhubarb filling evenly over the pressed oatmeal crust. Make sure to distribute the rhubarb evenly across the crust, ensuring every bite is filled with tangy goodness.
Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining oatmeal mixture evenly over the rhubarb filling. This will create the top crumb layer.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the rhubarb filling is bubbly. The bake time might vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the bars towards the end of the baking time.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. Cooling completely is essential for the filling to set properly and for the bars to be easy to cut without falling apart.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
These Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars are a delightful treat for so many reasons. The combination of the crumbly, buttery oat crust and the sweet-tart rhubarb filling is simply irresistible. The recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and simple steps. The bars are perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a simple afternoon snack. Plus, they are a great way to use fresh rhubarb during its peak season. The rustic charm of this recipe evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort, making it a perfect treat to share with family and friends. It’s a simple, heartwarming recipe that delivers big on flavor and satisfaction.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Pair with fresh berries for a colorful and flavorful presentation.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality rhubarb for the best flavor. If using frozen rhubarb, thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before using.
- For a richer flavor, use salted butter instead of unsalted butter, and omit the salt in the crust mixture.
- If you don’t have brown sugar, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses.
- To make the bars gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Experiment with adding nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts to the crust for added texture and flavor.
- Enhance the flavour profile by incorporating a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust mixture.
- Don’t be afraid to substitute other fruits for rhubarb! Apples, berries, or even peaches can work wonderfully.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
30-35 minutes
Total Time:
45-50 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate, per bar – depends on serving size)
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 3-4g
- Sodium: 100-150mg
Conclusion:
These Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars are a simple, yet incredibly satisfying treat that captures the essence of home baking. With their perfect balance of sweet and tart, and their comforting crumbly texture, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. The ease of preparation makes them perfect for busy weeknights or weekend baking projects. The versatility of the recipe allows for endless customization based on personal preferences and available ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a delightful way to showcase the vibrant flavor of rhubarb and create a memorable dessert. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe? Yes, you can definitely use frozen rhubarb! Thaw it completely and make sure to drain any excess liquid before using it in the filling. Too much moisture can make the bars soggy.
- Can I substitute the brown sugar for white sugar? While you can substitute white sugar, the brown sugar adds a wonderful depth of flavor and a slightly chewy texture to the crust. If you do substitute, consider adding a tablespoon of molasses to the white sugar to mimic the flavor of brown sugar.
- How do I prevent the crust from becoming too dry? Be careful not to overbake the bars. The crust should be golden brown but still slightly soft. Also, make sure you have enough melted butter to properly moisten the dry ingredients. If the crust seems dry before baking, add a tablespoon or two more of melted butter.
- Can I add nuts to this recipe? Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds would be a delicious addition to the crust. Simply mix about ½ cup of chopped nuts into the oat mixture before pressing it into the pan.
- How long do these bars last? These bars will last for up to 3 days at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. They are also freezer-friendly! Wrap them individually or in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before serving.
