Name: Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars (with crumb topping) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1 1/2 cups chopped rhubarb; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon heaping cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve never tasted Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars (with crumb topping), you’re in for a delightful treat that perfectly balances homey comfort and zesty freshness. Imagine a golden, buttery oatmeal crust, a layer of sweet-tart rhubarb compote just bursting with flavor, and a tender, crumbly topping to bring every bite together. This is the kind of recipe handed down through generations, hugged by nostalgia and perfect for making any occasion feel a little bit more special. Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars (with crumb topping) bring together all the best parts of summer baking—simple ingredients, irresistible taste, and a delightfully chewy-yet-crumbly texture that will have you sneaking “just one more” piece every time you pass the kitchen.

Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars (with crumb topping) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars (with crumb topping) shine with a short, honest list of ingredients, each one playing a key role in delivering that melt-in-your-mouth texture and vibrant flavor. Don’t be fooled by how unassuming they look—every item here is absolutely essential to making the bars unforgettable!

Old fashioned rolled oats: Adds hearty chew and the nutty base that makes the crumb topping absolutely addictive.
All purpose flour: Gives structure to both your base and crumb topping, ensuring your bars hold together in luscious, square perfection.
Butter (softened): The not-so-secret secret to lovely richness and that unmistakable homemade flavor.
Salt: Just a tiny pinch wakes up all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
Baking soda: A touch lends lift so your base and crumble topping are never too dense.
Brown sugar (packed): Infuses a deep, caramelized sweetness that harmonizes all the tartness from the rhubarb.
Chopped rhubarb: The star of the show, bringing unforgettable tang and a hint of rosy color to the filling.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the tart rhubarb just enough so you get a sweet-tart bite every time.
Cornstarch (heaping): Thickens the rhubarb filling to just the right consistency for slicing.
Water: Moistens and helps everything melt into a lovely, jammy layer.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and a whisper of sweet aroma that pulls all the flavors together.

How to Make Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars (with crumb topping)

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep Your Pan

Set your oven to 350 degrees so it’s plenty hot and ready for baking. Next, grease an 8 by 8 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper—this little step makes getting your bars out a total breeze and helps keep them neat when you cut them.

Step 2: Mix Up the Crumb Topping

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, softened butter, salt, baking soda, and brown sugar. Use a fork or your clean hands to gently rub everything together until it’s crumbly but cohesive—like pebbly, buttery sand. This simple crumb will become both your base and that irresistible topping for the Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars (with crumb topping).

Step 3: Make the Rhubarb Filling

Add the chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water to a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Stir frequently, watching as the rhubarb softens and the mixture thickens (about 5 to 10 minutes). The magic really happens when the filling goes from cloudy to beautifully clear—don’t forget to stir! Pull it off the heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and let it cool for about 10 minutes so it’s no longer piping hot.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Press all but about 2/3 cup of your crumb mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, making sure to press firmly and fill in any cracks or gaps. Layer that gorgeous warm rhubarb filling evenly over the oatmeal base. Finally, sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top, making sure some clusters are bigger and some are smaller for the best crumbly bites.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the top is beautifully golden and the filling is bubbling gently around the edges. Once out of the oven, let them cool completely in the pan; this patience ensures neat, tidy bars and an amazing crumb topping finish. Slice, serve, and enjoy every last bite of your Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars (with crumb topping)!

How to Serve Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars (with crumb topping)

Garnishes

These bars already look like a summer dream, but a little garnish can be a fun upgrade. A light dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of softly whipped cream, or a few thin slices of fresh rhubarb add just the right amount of flourish. If you have access to edible flowers (like violets or pansies), a couple on top make these bars truly stunning!

Side Dishes

As a snack or dessert, the tangy comfort of Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars (with crumb topping) pairs beautifully with simple sides. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a mug of hot tea transforms this treat into the highlight of your gathering. They’re also wonderful next to other fruit-forward desserts or alongside a platter of assorted cheeses for a playful sweet-salty experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For picnics and parties, cut the bars into small squares and arrange them on a rustic wooden board with parchment paper for a homespun look. Or, stack them in a glass jar tied with a ribbon for adorable edible gifts. For brunch, serve each bar on a small plate with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey for a little extra wow.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars (with crumb topping) as delicious as the day they were baked, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to stretch them out all week, just tuck the container into the fridge—they’ll stay delightfully chewy and the flavor will continue to develop.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Place completely cooled squares in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container with parchment sheets between layers. Pull out a bar or two whenever the craving strikes for a taste of sunshine, no matter the season.

Reheating

If you love your bars warm, pop one in the microwave for about 15 seconds or heat in a 300-degree oven for five minutes. This tiny bit of warming brings out the best aroma and makes the crumb topping extra inviting, especially if you top them with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream.

FAQs

Can I use frozen rhubarb for Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars (with crumb topping)?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain your rhubarb before using, as extra moisture could make the filling too runny. Frozen rhubarb still gives that lovely tart flavor!

What if I want to double the recipe for a crowd?

Easy—you can double all ingredients and bake in a 13 by 9 pan instead of 8 by 8. The baking time may be a bit longer, so watch for that beautiful golden crumb topping and bubbling filling as your cues.

Can I add other fruits to the filling?

Yes! Strawberries go beautifully with rhubarb for a classic spring combo, or try raspberries for extra berry zing. Just keep the total fruit amount to the same as called for in the recipe for the best consistency.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

You can swap in your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour and make sure to use gluten-free oats—it’s a simple swap that works beautifully in Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars (with crumb topping).

Do these bars work as a breakfast treat?

They absolutely do! With wholesome oats and fruit, these bars are a cozy option for a special weekend breakfast or brunch. Serve alongside yogurt or a hot cup of coffee and start the day with a sweet little celebration.

Final Thoughts

If homemade, nostalgic desserts make you smile, these Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars (with crumb topping) are the kind of treat you need to try at least once—though fair warning, you’ll want to make them again and again! Their perfect mix of crumbly, chewy, tangy, and sweet is just too good to resist. So gather your ingredients, embrace the simple joy of baking from scratch, and treat yourself and your loved ones to something deliciously memorable.

Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars (with crumb topping) Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 8 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 9 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Amish Oatmeal Rhubarb Bars with a crumb topping are a delightful treat that perfectly blends the sweetness of brown sugar with the tartness of rhubarb. The oatmeal base adds a comforting texture to these bars, making them a perfect dessert or snack.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine the ingredients for the crumb topping in a medium-sized mixing bowl, mixing until only coarse crumbs remain.

Combine the chopped rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, and water in a 2-quart saucepan.

Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat stirring frequently. Cook for 5-10 minutes until clear and rhubarb has softened. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and cool for 10 minutes.

Press most of the oatmeal crumbs into the bottom of a greased 8×8 inch baking dish.

Pour the rhubarb filling over the base, then sprinkle the remaining crumbs on top.

Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden and set.

Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Notes

You can adjust the sweetness of the rhubarb filling to suit your taste.
These bars are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American