Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you're a fan of simple yet flavorful desserts, these Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. The combination of a crunchy oat crust, tangy rhubarb filling, and a buttery crumb topping offers the perfect texture and flavor contrast. It's not overly sweet, making it a great treat for those who enjoy desserts with a bit of tartness. Plus, with minimal ingredients and easy preparation, you can have these bars ready to serve in under an hour!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup rhubarb, diced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.

3. Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and blend until the mixture becomes crumbly. Set aside about 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.

4. In a separate bowl, combine the diced rhubarb, lemon juice, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Toss until the rhubarb is well coated.

5. Spread the remaining oat mixture into the greased baking dish, pressing it down firmly to form an even crust.

6. Pour the rhubarb mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly across the surface.

7. Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the rhubarb layer, covering it as much as possible.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the rhubarb filling is bubbly.

9. Allow the bars to cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting them into squares.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

• Servings: 12 bars

Variations

1. Berry Addition: For a twist, try adding fresh strawberries or blueberries to the rhubarb filling. The sweetness of the berries will complement the tartness of the rhubarb.

2. Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats as well.

3. Nuts: For a bit of crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the oat mixture before baking.

4. Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and use a flax egg or other egg replacement.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the bars in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or microwave them for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?

Yes, frozen rhubarb works well in this recipe. Be sure to thaw it and drain any excess liquid before using it.

2. How can I tell when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the top is golden brown and the rhubarb filling is bubbly. A toothpick inserted into the crust should come out clean.

3. Can I use other fruits instead of rhubarb?

Yes, you can swap rhubarb for other fruits like apples, pears, or even a mix of berries. Just make sure to adjust the sugar levels based on the sweetness of the fruit.

4. Can I make the crust ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crust mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before pressing it into the baking dish.

5. Is it necessary to add lemon juice to the rhubarb filling?

Lemon juice helps balance the tartness of the rhubarb and enhances its flavor. However, you can omit it if you prefer.

6. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be substituted for butter, but it may alter the texture and flavor slightly.

7. How do I prevent the crust from becoming too hard?

Be sure not to overwork the dough when mixing in the butter, as this can make the crust too firm. It should be crumbly and soft before baking.

8. Can I make these bars without vanilla extract?

If you're out of vanilla extract, you can substitute it with almond extract or even a dash of cinnamon for a different flavor profile.

9. Can I freeze these oatmeal rhubarb bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

10. How can I make the topping more crunchy?

For a crunchier topping, you can add a handful of chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the reserved oat mixture before sprinkling it over the rhubarb filling.

Conclusion

Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars are a wonderful combination of sweet and tart flavors, perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon snack or as a dessert at the end of a meal, these bars are sure to become a beloved recipe in your collection. With their simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy the comforting taste of homemade bars in no time!

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