Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars

If you’ve ever wanted to try a dessert that perfectly balances tart and sweet, these Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars are exactly what you need in your life. Picture this: a buttery oatmeal crust topped with a tart rhubarb filling, then finished with a sweet, crunchy oatmeal crumble on top. It’s the kind of dessert that’s comforting and familiar, yet still exciting and unique. The flavors work together in a way that feels both refreshing and indulgent—like the kind of treat you’d find on a cozy kitchen table in the heart of Amish country.

These bars are perfect for when you want something that’s both a little nostalgic and totally satisfying. Trust me, they’re going to become your go-to for all things rhubarb season!

Why You’ll Love Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars

Tart Meets Sweet: The tartness of the rhubarb filling plays beautifully with the sweetness of the oatmeal crust and topping. It’s the perfect combination of flavors!
Simple to Make: The best part about these bars is how easy they are to put together. With a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a homemade dessert ready to enjoy in no time.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a picnic, or just a weeknight treat, these bars are a crowd-pleaser.
Texture Magic: The oatmeal base gives the bars a delicious chew, while the crumble topping adds a sweet, crisp finish. It’s a texture dream!
Versatile: If you love the tartness of rhubarb, feel free to adjust the sweetness of the filling. Plus, you can add extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a handful of nuts to the crumble topping to customize it just the way you like.

Ingredients in Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars

These bars use simple, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s the breakdown:

Rhubarb

The star ingredient! Fresh rhubarb gives the filling that beautiful tartness and bright flavor that really makes these bars shine.

Granulated Sugar

Sugar is the magic that balances the tart rhubarb. It sweetens up the filling and helps it set as it bakes.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch thickens the rhubarb filling, giving it the perfect texture without being runny. It helps to hold everything together in those delicious layers.

Oats

Old-fashioned rolled oats create the base and crumble topping for the bars. The oats give them a hearty texture that pairs beautifully with the tart rhubarb.

Flour

Flour provides structure for the crust and topping. It gives the bars that satisfying “bar” consistency that’s not too cakey.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar adds depth and richness to both the crust and crumble topping. It also adds a subtle molasses flavor that’s a perfect complement to the rhubarb.

Butter

Butter is the secret to a rich, melt-in-your-mouth oatmeal crust and crumble. It helps everything come together beautifully.

Baking Powder

Baking powder helps the crust and topping rise slightly, giving the bars a light, airy texture.

Salt

Just a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances out the sweetness.

Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make these Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars:

Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal once the bars are done.

Make the Rhubarb Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped rhubarb, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir it all together until the rhubarb is coated, and then cook over medium heat until it starts to thicken and bubble. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s thickened, remove it from the heat and set aside to cool.

Prepare the Oatmeal Crust and Topping

In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and baking powder. Add the softened butter and mix everything together until it forms a crumbly texture. You can do this with a pastry cutter, a fork, or even your hands. Set aside about 1 cup of this mixture for the crumble topping.

Press the Crust Into the Pan

Press the remaining oatmeal mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, making sure it’s evenly spread out. This will form the base of your bars.

Assemble the Bars

Spread the rhubarb filling evenly over the oatmeal crust. Then, sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the top of the rhubarb filling. This will create that perfect crunchy topping.

Bake

Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. The bars should look set, and the crumble should have a slight crispiness to it.

Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. This helps the filling set and makes the bars easier to cut.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: ~250 (depending on portion size)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes

How to Serve Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars

These bars are delicious all on their own, but if you’re looking to elevate the experience a bit, here are some serving suggestions:

Serve Warm with Whipped Cream: Freshly baked, these bars are amazing on their own, but a dollop of whipped cream on top never hurt anyone.
Vanilla Ice Cream: For a decadent treat, top the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm, tart filling pairs perfectly with the creamy ice cream.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a simple, elegant touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top of the bars just before serving. It adds a light sweetness and makes the presentation even prettier.

Additional Tips

Fresh or Frozen Rhubarb: If you can’t get fresh rhubarb, don’t worry—frozen rhubarb works just as well! Just be sure to thaw and drain it before using it in the filling.
Make It Gluten-Free: To make these bars gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
Spice It Up: For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the oatmeal crumble topping. It gives the bars a warm, cozy aroma as they bake.
Store Leftovers: These bars keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for longer shelf life. They can be frozen too—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use other fruits instead of rhubarb?
A1: Yes! While rhubarb is traditional, you can substitute with other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or apples. Just adjust the sugar to match the sweetness of the fruit you’re using.

Q2: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A2: Definitely! You can prepare them the day before and store them in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve overnight!

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q4: Can I double the recipe?
A4: Yes! You can easily double this recipe and bake it in a larger pan (like a 10×15-inch pan). Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q5: How can I make these bars more festive?
A5: Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts to the crumble topping for a little extra flair.

Conclusion

These Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars are the perfect mix of tart and sweet, with a comforting oatmeal crust and crumble topping that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re a rhubarb lover or a dessert enthusiast looking to try something new, these bars will become a go-to in your baking rotation. They’re simple, delicious, and sure to make any gathering feel a little bit cozier. Give them a try—you’ll fall in love with the flavor!

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