Rhubarb Dream Bars
Categories of dessert at potlucks can be predictable, but these Rhubarb Dream Bars will surprise and delight your guests. With a buttery, crumbly topping and a sweet-tart rhubarb filling, this recipe is a comforting blend of flavors that pays homage to my mother-in-law's bountiful rhubarb harvest. The perfect balance of sweetness and tang is complemented by a hint of cinnamon in the oat topping, making every bite a treat. Serve these bars warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent finish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. A must-try recipe for any dessert lover!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rhubarb
4 cups (cut up)
Granulated Sugar
1 cup (for coating rhubarb)
Brown Sugar
1 cup (for crumb topping)
Oatmeal
1 cup (old-fashioned or quick oats)
Butter
1/2 cup (softened)
Shortening
1/2 cup (softened)
All-Purpose Flour
1 1/2 cups
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with butter or cooking spray.
3
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped rhubarb and sugar. Toss to ensure the rhubarb is evenly coated in sugar, then spread it evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, oatmeal, softened butter, shortening, and flour. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the ingredients together until you achieve a crumbly, pebble-like texture.
5
Evenly sprinkle the crumbly mixture over the rhubarb layer, ensuring it’s well covered.
6
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the rhubarb is bubbling.
7
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before cutting into bars.
8
For added indulgence, serve warm with Cool Whip or a scoop of ice cream on top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Rhubarb Dream Bars?
Rhubarb Dream Bars are a dessert featuring a sweet-tart rhubarb filling and a buttery, crumbly oat topping, often served at potlucks.
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
You should use a 9x13-inch baking dish.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How much rhubarb do I need?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of cut-up rhubarb.
Do I need to grease the pan?
Yes, grease the baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray before adding the ingredients.
How do I prepare the rhubarb layer?
Combine the chopped rhubarb with 1 cup of granulated sugar and spread it evenly in the prepared baking dish.
What ingredients are in the crumb topping?
The topping consists of 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 cup of oatmeal, 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup of shortening, and 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
What kind of oats should I use?
You can use either old-fashioned or quick oats for the crumb topping.
How do I achieve the right texture for the topping?
Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the topping ingredients until they reach a crumbly, pebble-like texture.
How long do Rhubarb Dream Bars bake?
Bake the bars uncovered for 40 minutes.
How do I know when the bars are finished baking?
The bars are done when the top is golden brown and the rhubarb layer is bubbling.
Should the bars be served warm or cold?
They can be served warm for added indulgence, though they should cool slightly before cutting.
What are the best serving suggestions?
Serve the bars with a dollop of whipped cream, Cool Whip, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Can I use frozen rhubarb?
Yes, but it is best to thaw and drain it slightly to avoid making the bars too watery.
What type of sugar goes in the rhubarb mixture?
Use granulated sugar to coat the rhubarb.
What type of sugar goes in the oat topping?
Use brown sugar for the crumbly oat topping.
Does the recipe include shortening?
Yes, the topping uses 1/2 cup of softened shortening along with 1/2 cup of butter.
Is there cinnamon in Rhubarb Dream Bars?
While not listed in the main ingredients, the description mentions a hint of cinnamon in the oat topping adds a treat to every bite.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 primary ingredients required.
Do I need a mixer for the topping?
No, a pastry cutter or your hands are preferred to maintain the crumbly texture.
Can these be made for a potluck?
Yes, they are described as a perfect, surprising dessert choice for potlucks.
What texture should the rhubarb be?
The rhubarb should be cut into bite-sized pieces so it softens and bubbles during baking.
Is the baking dish covered during the process?
No, the bars should be baked uncovered.
What is the origin of this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by the creator's mother-in-law and her rhubarb harvest.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter is recommended for flavor, margarine can be used as a substitute if necessary.
How many servings does this recipe make?
A 9x13-inch pan typically yields 12 to 15 bar-sized servings depending on how they are cut.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy dessert' and involves simple layering and baking.
What category of food is this?
It falls under the categories of dessert, fruit bars, and comfort food.
Should the butter and shortening be melted?
No, they should be softened so they can be crumbled with the flour and oats.
Can I add nuts to the topping?
While not in the original recipe, chopped pecans or walnuts would pair well with the oat topping.