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Home » Recipes » Courses » Desserts » Bars and Squares

Rhubarb Squares

Published: Apr 11, 2022 by Terri Gilson · Modified: Jul 3, 2022 · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links · 5 Comments

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rhubarb square, with whipped cream and cinnamon on a white plate

If you love rhubarb and date bars/matrimonial squares you'll LOVE these Rhubarb Squares. And even if you're not a rhubarb lover, you won't be able to get enough of these squares- they are totally addictive. Spring is here and that means rhubarb reason!

rhubarb square on a white plate, with glass dish of more rhubarb squares in the background

Although I freeze fresh rhubarb and use it all year round, I can never seem to get enough and can't wait for it to come up in the spring. These Rhubarb Oatmeal bars were inspired by my date squares, which I have yet to post, but also makes a great dessert after a lovely spring meal. Try it with my Spring Salad with Fiddleheads & Blackberry Vinaigrette. This is the best rhubarb dessert!

Jump to:
  • 🥘Ingredients
  • 🔪Instructions
  • 📖Variations & Substitutions
  • 👪 Serving Size
  • 🍽Equipment
  • 🌡️Storage
  • 💭Top tip
  • ❔ Frequently Asked Questions
  • ⭐ Reviews
  • 📋 Rhubarb Square Recipe
  • ⬜ More Squares and Bar Recipes

These Rhubarb Squares, also known as Rhubarb Crumble Bars or Rhubarb Matrimonial Bars have a delicious rhubarb compote filling that's the perfect balance of tart and sweet, nestled between a scrumptious oatmeal base and topping. They are ideal for using up an abundance of rhubarb and make a perfect spring dessert or snack!

l only started growing my own rhubarb a couple of years ago so I get really excited when it starts to come in!

rhubarb stalks in a pile on a white faux wooden surface

And I can't wait to think of what to bake next. So far, I only have a few rhubarb recipes: my No Bake Light Red & White Chocolate Rhubarb Cheesecake, Rhubarb Compote Recipe, Sticky Rhubarb Pudding, my No Bake Rhubarb Dessert and my Healthy Rhubarb Muffins (Weight Watchers Friendly) but I'm working on more!

🥘Ingredients

For this rhubarb oatmeal bar recipe, you'll need:

rhubarb square ingredients labelled in bowls
  • all-purpose flour
  • brown sugar
  • quick rolled oats
  • butter
  • baking soda
  • rhubarb
  • lemon zest
  • white granulated sugar
  • cornstarch
  • red food coloring (optional) (affiliate link)

*See recipe card for quantities.

🔪Instructions

How to make rhubarb squares

Although they are easy to make, there are several steps:

  1. Filling: Cut rhubarb into ½ inch pieces. In a medium saucepan, combine rhubarb with 1 ½ cup sugar and lemon zest, on stovetop on medium heat. Cook until tender, (about 15 minutes).
  2. Combine ½ cup sugar and with cornstarch, stir into cooked rhubarb
  3. Continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes (approximately) until rhubarb is completely broken down (as shown). Cool.
rhubarb with sugar and lemon
Step 1
partially cooked rhubarb with sugar and cornstarch
Step 2
rhubarb without food coloring
Step 3
  1. To achieve a pink color, add food coloring, if desired.
  2. Base & Topping: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F/ 190 degrees C. Spray a 9X13 pan with non-stick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, stir flour, baking soda, brown sugar and oats together. Cut in cold butter into dry ingredients using a pastry cutter (or see my top tip below for an easier way to cut in butter)
  3. Assembly: Pat ½ the mixture into prepared baking pan.
rhubarb with food coloring added
Step 4
Oats, flour and brown sugar in bowl, with butter cut in
Step 5
oat mixture (base) pressed into bottom of baking pan
Step 6
  1. Then add rhubarb mixture on the bottom crust. Spread evenly with a rubber spatula.
  2. Add remaining flour/oat crumb topping mixture over rhubarb layer.
  3. Bake in preheated oven for 35 - 40 minutes or until lightly browned on top. Cool and cut into squares. Garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon sprinkles, if desired.
rhubarb mixture put on oat base
Step 7
Oat crumble topping put on rhubarb mixture
Step 8
baked rhubarb squares
Step 9

Hint: It's important to wait until rhubarb squares are completely cooled before cutting, otherwise they will fall apart. You can put them in the freezer to speed up the process!

📖Variations & Substitutions

  • Lemon zest - you can use 2 teaspoons of lemon juice instead or use orange zest
  • Color - add a little food coloring to your rhubarb compote so it looks more appetizing (red and not brown). I like to use Americolor super red (affiliate link) so I use less food coloring.

👪 Serving Size

This rhubarb bars recipe makes 16 square servings. However, you can cut them in half (into triangles) and get 32 servings. You can also half, double or triple the recipe by clicking on the blue serving number and selecting the number of servings you'd like. The ingredient quantities will automatically adjust. If you half the recipe, you'll need a 9-inch pan (square) and if you double it, you'll need an additional 9X13 pan.

Rhubarb bars cut into triangles on parchment paper

🍽Equipment

For these rhubarb squares you need a 9X13 baking pan (affiliate link). I like to use a pan that comes with lid so once it cools, I can pop it into the fridge in the same container.

🌡️Storage

Store these rhubarb oatmeal bars in the fridge in a airtight container for up to 4 days (if they last that long!) and freeze them for up to 3 months in a sealed container.

rhubarb crumble bars on a piece of parchment paper

💭Top tip

Keep your butter frozen (or at least very cold) and grate it into recipe. It's easier and less messy!

butter being cut (for pastry) with a cheese grater

❔ Frequently Asked Questions

How to freeze rhubarb

To freeze rhubarb, cut off bottom of rhubarb stalks, wash and chop stalks into approximately ½ inch pieces. Add 3-4 cups to a large Ziplock freezer bag. Before you using it in a recipe, thaw it completely, drain off excess water and measure it at that point.


Do you have to peel rhubarb before you cook it?

There is no need to peel rhubarb before you cook it. Rhubarb will break down when cooked, so it's no longer stringy.

rhubarb square on a white plate, with glass dish of more rhubarb squares in the background

If you are looking for a rhubarb square recipe or simply a way to use up your rhubarb harvest, you'll love this one!
And be sure to try my Microwave Rhubarb Crisp (in a mug)!

⭐ Reviews

Did you make this recipe? Please RATE THE RECIPE below

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rhubarb square on a white plate, with glass dish of more rhubarb squares in the background
Food Meandering Logo

📋 Rhubarb Square Recipe

These Rhubarb Squares, also known as Rhubarb Crumble Bars, have a delicious rhubarb compote filling that's the perfect balance between sweet and tart, nestled between a scrumptious oatmeal base and topping. They are ideal for using up an abundance of rhubarb and make a perfect spring dessert or snack!
5 from 5 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Canadian
Keyword: bar, rhubarb, squares
Special Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 338kcal
Author: Terri Gilson
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 36 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

Filling

  • 4 cups rhubarb
  • 2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 ¾ tablespoon cornstarch
  • Drop red food colouring optional

Base & Topping

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 ¾ cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup cold unsalted butter
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Filling

  • Cut rhubarb into ½ inch pieces. In a medium saucepan, cook rhubarb with 1 ½ cup sugar and lemon zest, on stovetop on medium heat, until tender, (about 15 minutes).
    rhubarb with sugar and lemon
  • Combine ½ cup sugar and with cornstarch, stir into cooked rhubarb.
    partially cooked rhubarb with sugar and cornstarch
  • Continue cooking for about 5-10 additional minutes, until rhubarb has broken down. Cool
    rhubarb without food coloring
  • To achieve a pink color, add food colouring, if desired
    rhubarb with food coloring added
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F/190 degrees C. Spray a 9X13 pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Base

  • In a large mixing bowl, stir flour, baking soda, brown sugar and oats together. Cut in cold butter.
    Oats, flour and brown sugar in bowl, with butter cut in
  • Pat ½ the mixture into the bottom of the pan.
    oat mixture (base) pressed into bottom of baking pan
  • Then add rhubarb filling mixture on top. Spread evenly with a rubber spatula.
    rhubarb mixture put on oat base
  • Add remaining flour/oat crumb topping mixture over rhubarb layer.
    Oat crumble topping put on rhubarb mixture
  • Bake in preheated oven for 35 - 45 minutes or unti lightly browned.
    baked rhubarb squares
  • Cool and cut into squares. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired. Hint: It's important to wait until rhubarb squares are completely cooled before cutting, otherwise they will fall apart. You can put them in the freezer to speed up the process!
    rhubarb square on a white plate, with glass dish of more rhubarb squares in the background

Notes

*See post contents for important recipe information and tips!
Nutrition Facts
📋 Rhubarb Square Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 bar)
Calories 338 Calories from Fat 108
% Daily Value*
Fat 12g18%
Saturated Fat 7g44%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 3g
Cholesterol 31mg10%
Sodium 25mg1%
Potassium 155mg4%
Carbohydrates 56g19%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 39g43%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 386IU8%
Vitamin C 3mg4%
Calcium 49mg5%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar | Calories: 338kcal (17%) | Carbohydrates: 56g (19%) | Protein: 3g (6%) | Fat: 12g (18%) | Saturated Fat: 7g (44%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 31mg (10%) | Sodium: 25mg (1%) | Potassium: 155mg (4%) | Fiber: 2g (8%) | Sugar: 39g (43%) | Vitamin A: 386IU (8%) | Vitamin C: 3mg (4%) | Calcium: 49mg (5%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review below!
Rate this Recipe

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Vanessa

    April 12, 2022 at 4:29 pm

    I'm adding this to the list of things that I need to make with my rhubarb this year! I can't wait! Thanks for the easy to follow directions and the tip on grating the butter.

    Reply
  2. Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady

    April 12, 2022 at 5:24 pm

    These squares remind me of the ones my Mom use to make for us growing up. They were always so yummy. I am so excited to see my rhubarb sprouting in the garden!

    Reply
  3. Bernice

    April 12, 2022 at 6:30 pm

    These squares look delightful! Would you believe I still have rhubarb in the freezer and my rhubarb plant is already up. Bring on rhubarb season!

    Reply
  4. Asha

    April 12, 2022 at 8:58 pm

    These are scrumptious! And sure didn't last long. Such a great way to use up my remaining frozen rhubarb before restocking this summer.

    Reply
  5. Fouzia Husainy

    April 20, 2022 at 7:07 am

    The rhubarb crumble looks tempting. Just waiting for the rhubarb season to come to make this recipe. Thank you for sharing

    Reply

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I'm Terri, a passionate home cook and baker, an award-winning recipe developer and a busy working mom that is trying to eat healthy and fit everything into not enough hours in a day! My mission is to share not only my recipes, cooking hacks and tips with you, but also my secrets to successful weight maintenance.

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