Zesty Rhubarb Oatmeal Dream Bars
Indulge in the delightful combination of tart rhubarb and hearty oats with these Zesty Rhubarb Oatmeal Dream Bars. Perfect for showcasing the fresh rhubarb that's in season or using up the last of your stash, these bars feature a buttery oatmeal crust and a luscious, tangy rhubarb filling. The addition of fruit juice such as orange or pineapple enhances the natural sweetness of the rhubarb, creating a balance of flavors that will make this treat a favorite among friends and family. Ideal for an afternoon snack or a dessert at gatherings, these bars are as versatile as they are tasty.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chopped nuts
1/2 cup (Chop finely, if necessary.)
Rolled oats
1 1/2 cups (Use regular or quick oats.)
Brown sugar
1 cup (Pack firmly.)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon ( )
All-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups ( )
Shortening
1 cup ( )
Vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ( )
Chopped rhubarb
3 cups (Chop into small pieces.)
Granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups ( )
Cornstarch
2 tablespoons ( )
Water
1/4 cup ( )
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ( )
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13x9-inch baking pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped nuts, brown sugar, salt, flour, shortening, and vanilla. Mix until the texture is crumbly.
3
Press half of this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
4
Bake the crust for about 20 minutes, or until it's lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
5
While the crust is baking, prepare the rhubarb filling. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Stir well until the mixture starts to thicken and becomes clear.
6
Once thickened, remove from heat and blend in the remaining vanilla extract.
7
Pour the rhubarb filling evenly over the baked crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.
8
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and set.
9
Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before slicing into 24 bars. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Rhubarb Oatmeal Dream Bars?
These are dessert bars featuring a buttery oatmeal crumb crust and a tangy, thickened rhubarb filling.
How many bars does this recipe make?
The recipe makes approximately 24 bars.
What is the required oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size baking pan is needed?
A 13x9-inch baking pan is required for this recipe.
Should the baking pan be greased?
Yes, you should grease the 13x9-inch baking pan before starting.
What ingredients make up the crumb mixture?
The crumb mixture consists of rolled oats, chopped nuts, brown sugar, salt, flour, shortening, and vanilla.
What should the texture of the crust mixture be?
The mixture should be combined until the texture is crumbly.
How much of the crumb mixture is used for the base?
Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
How long do you bake the initial crust?
Bake the crust for about 20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden.
What goes into the rhubarb filling?
The filling is made of chopped rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, water, and vanilla extract.
How do you cook the rhubarb filling?
Combine rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan over medium heat and stir until thickened.
How do you know when the rhubarb filling is finished cooking?
The mixture is ready once it starts to thicken and becomes clear.
When should I add the vanilla to the filling?
Blend in the vanilla extract after the filling has been removed from the heat.
How much rhubarb is required?
You will need 3 cups of chopped rhubarb, chopped into small pieces.
What type of oats are recommended?
You can use either regular or quick rolled oats.
How much flour is used in the crumb mixture?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
How should the brown sugar be measured?
The 1 cup of brown sugar should be packed firmly.
Can I use fruit juice in the filling?
Yes, orange or pineapple juice can be used to enhance the natural sweetness of the rhubarb.
How are the bars assembled before the second bake?
Pour the rhubarb filling over the baked crust and sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.
What is the final baking time?
Bake the assembled bars for an additional 20 minutes.
How do you know the bars are finished baking?
The bars are done when the top is lightly golden and set.
Should the bars be cooled before cutting?
Yes, allow the pan to cool completely before slicing into bars.
How much shortening is in the crust?
The crust requires 1 cup of shortening.
What type of sugar is used for the filling?
The filling uses 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in the filling?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent for the rhubarb mixture.
How many nuts are used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts.
Is salt included in the ingredient list?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is included in the crumb mixture.
How much total vanilla extract is used?
A total of 1 1/4 teaspoons of vanilla extract is used (1/4 tsp in the crust and 1 tsp in the filling).
Are these bars suitable for a snack?
Yes, they are ideal for an afternoon snack or as a dessert for gatherings.
What is the amount of water needed for the filling?
The filling requires 1/4 cup of water.