Rhubarb Bars
Rhubarb Bars offer a delightful balance of tangy rhubarb and sweet oatmeal crust, creating a comforting dessert perfect for spring and summer gatherings. With a crisp topping and vibrant filling, this treat appeals to fruit lovers and is easy to prepare for family or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve cornstarch in water.
- Mix the rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch mixture, vanilla, and cook until thick.
- Combine oatmeal, brown sugar, flour, soda, and walnuts until crumbly.
- Press three-quarters of the crust mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Spread the cooked rhubarb filling over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture on top of the filling.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker rhubarb filling, increase the cornstarch to 3 tablespoons. If you want a nut-free version, substitute the walnuts with additional oatmeal or sunflower seeds. You can also use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free. For added flavor, consider mixing in a pinch of cinnamon with the crust ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
These rhubarb bars are delightful served warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. They also make a great addition to a picnic spread or as a sweet treat alongside a cup of tea. Try pairing them with a refreshing Quick Cranberry Salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rhubarb bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rhubarb Bars contains roughly 585 calories, with 11g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (30% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before using it in the recipe. This will help maintain the right consistency for the filling.
How can I make these bars vegan?
To make these rhubarb bars vegan, substitute the butter in the crust with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Also, ensure that the oats you use are certified vegan, as some brands may process with animal products.
What can I substitute for walnuts in this recipe?
If you're not a fan of walnuts or have allergies, you can replace them with pecans or almonds. Alternatively, you can omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version, and increase the oatmeal slightly for added texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).