Gluten-Free Raspberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars
By Amanda Paa – Updated January 5, 2023
These tasty gluten-free rhubarb bars are filled with a sweet and tart raspberry rhubarb compote, making them the perfect spring treat! The delicious crust is made with oat flour and oats, and there's a crumble topping too.
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I don’t mind when terrific ingredients finally get their day in the spotlight, even becoming a little “trendy”, like kale or brussels sprouts!
And, rhubarb… for years known as the vegetable trying to being a fruit.
Too tart for some, not pretty enough for others.
But now it’s abundantly seen on dessert & bakery menus across the country, recipes and pretty photos plastered in food magazines.
Earlier this week I posted a Rhubarb Fig Jam that I’ve been eating on sourdough toast, and yesterday I made these Gluten-Free Raspberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars for my segment on Twin Cities Live. We talked about tips & tricks to eating gluten-free on a budget, like DIY ingredients such as the oat flour used to make this spring treat.
Making gluten-free rhubarb bars:
The combination of raspberries and rhubarb is one of my favorites! The tart rhubarb plays off the sweetness of the raspberries, and wow, does it create the most gorgeous magenta scene ever.
Oats are the main ingredient for the base of this recipe, and the crumble top. They have a natural salty sweet component that I love for baking, and make the texture of the top crumble just like the crunchy bits on those bakery muffins.
Main Ingredients for Gluten-Free Rhubarb Bars:
- Old fashioned oats
- Oat flour
- Brown Sugar
- Tapioca Starch
- Vegetable shortening or butter
- Raspberries
- Rhubarb
How to Store Gluten-Free Rhubarb Bars:
I like to store these tender and moist bars in the refrigerator in a covered container. They’ll last for five days when stored properly, and freeze well too. Wrap them tightly in foil if you want to freeze, then into a plastic bag.
More Gluten-Free Rhubarb Recipes:
Yield: 14 bars
Ingredients
Base:
- 3/4 cup gluten-free old fashioned oats (80 grams)
- 1 cup oat flour (100 grams)
- 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon tapioca starch (or cornstarch)
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup melted organic vegetable shortening like Nutiva coconut/palm oil spread, or butter
- 1 1/4 cups raspberry rhubarb compote
Compote:
- 2 cups diced rhubarb (frozen or fresh) (225 grams)
- 1 1/4 cups organic raspberries (frozen or fresh) (170 grams)
- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon raw cane sugar
- zest and juice of one lemon
- 3 teaspoons cornstarch or tapioca starch
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- For the compote, combine rhubarb, raspberries, sugar, lemon zest and juice in a heavy bottom saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a hard boil, stirring, and let simmer for 10 minutes. Add cornstarch or tapioca starch, and stir to dissolve. Let cook for 3 minutes longer, until mixture has thickened slightly. Stir in vanilla. Remove from heat and let cool for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together oat flour, oats, brown sugar, tapioca starch, baking powder, sea salt and cinnamon. Stir in butter and mix well so that no white streaks remain.
- Using the back of a spatula or spoon, firmly press a heaping cup of oat mixture into a parchment lined 8×8 baking pan. I find a spoon works really well to press it together and get it smooth.
- Prick crust with fork a few times. Bake for 12 minutes, until crust is fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Top with 1 1/4 cups of rhubarb compote, then sprinkle the top with the rest of the oat mixture. Bake for additional 25-30 minutes, or until topping is browned. Set aside to cool, then refrigerate. Then cut. They taste best this way! And it gives them the best texture, firm and sturdy.
Did you make this?
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May 20, 2015
Mary
June 3, 2024
Fresh fruity flavourful and nice crunchy texture. New favourite rhubarb recipe.
Amanda Paa
June 3, 2024
so glad you enjoyed them, thanks for making the recipe!
Marlene
May 22, 2024
I used your base recipe for a rhubarb & strawberry crumble pie and it was delicious. I’m going to try it with strawberries only next time for an even more decadent pie.
Amanda Paa
May 22, 2024
oh that’s such a great idea! i’m glad it worked well. will have to try it!
Rosie
May 18, 2024
I recently had to give up gluten, and I absolutely love rhubarb so I was worried I wouldn’t be able to find a gluten-free recipe than measured up to my old rhubarb crisps. These will definitely satisfy my rhubarb cravings now! This is the first gluten free rhubarb recipe I have tried and it is a winner. So easy to make and so delicious!
Amanda Paa
May 18, 2024
Rosie, I’m so glad you enjoyed these gf bars!
Nicki
May 17, 2024
These bars are so delicious. They have a great texture when put in the fridge, and a delicious oaty flavor. Instead of the rhubarb compote used in the recipe, I used a rhubarb strawberry jam I made a few days ago, and it worked perfectly. A great spring dessert!
Sarah
May 14, 2024
The recipe ingredient amounts don’t change when I select the toggle bar for small or large serving sizes. Is the “normal” setting the one that matches the recipe? I can calculate to make more servings myself, I’m just curious what the serving size is and how big of a pan I need. (it says 8×8 for all three size settings). Thanks for your help!
Amanda Paa
May 14, 2024
Yes, the setting it defaults to is 1x, so the regular recipe as written in an 8×8 pan!
Shevaun S
May 4, 2024
I have quite a lot of rhubarb in the freezer and usually make a rhubarb crisp. However, I try to keep it healthier by using monk fruit as my husband is diabetic. Would that work in this recipe?
Thanks!
Amanda Paa
May 4, 2024
Hello! I have not tested this with monk fruit so not sure how it would turn out.
Amanda Peet
March 3, 2024
These are delicious and so easy to make. I’ve tried a few variations and it works out perfect every time. I have mixed up the fruit and used all blueberries once and another time used strawberries and raspberries. I’ve also used different GF flour blends in place of the oat flour.
Amanda Paa
March 3, 2024
Oh wonderful! I’m so glad you enjoy them and sounds amazing with blueberries. I’ll have to try that!
Dina L
May 28, 2023
So yummy and easy to make! Huge hit.
Amanda Paa
May 28, 2023
So glad you enjoyed the bars!
Cathy Lunde
May 26, 2022
This recipe is hands down one of my favorites! I made them for Mothers Day as my mom is gluten free and she loved them! And what an easy recipe 🥰
Amanda Paa
May 26, 2022
So glad to hear it, Cathy!
Sapph
December 10, 2021
These were so so good, one of the best desserts I’ve ever made!! I used strawberries instead of raspberries and added some ginger to the filling and it was gorg :)
Amanda Paa
December 10, 2021
the ginger is a great idea, will try that too next time i make them!
Irma
September 25, 2021
I made this with rhubarb from my garden and frozen raspberries. It’s delicious and a hit with my family. I might try blueberries and apple next time.
Amanda Paa
September 25, 2021
so glad you liked this recipe! and great use for frozen rhubarb.
Selina
June 30, 2021
Yep these are amazingly delicious! Everyone loved em’👍🏻👍🏻 I used raspberry and rhubarb for the compote. Subbed coconut sugar for most of the sugar. So I made two batches and used one entire crust base for each pan, meaning I did not save any for the topping. I did make a third batch of crust mix and divvied that up between the two pans for the topping. I also used almond flour in the topping batch instead of oat. They turned out 👌🏻! This recipe is a keeper…excited to try other seasonal fruits!
Amanda Paa
June 30, 2021
yay! so glad you liked the recipe, and made a few tweaks to suit your tastes!
Suzie
June 27, 2021
Excellent! I have a daughter who is GFDF. I used your recipe but used strawberries instead of raspberries, and I didn’t have oat flower so I used Sorghum and brown rice. It turned out great!
Amanda Paa
June 28, 2021
so glad to hear you could all enjoy these fruit bars!
Avery
August 12, 2020
Can you use coconut oil instead of the shortening?
Amanda Paa
August 12, 2020
You can! I just don’t love the taste of coconut oil, which is why I didn’t use it.
Patty B
July 25, 2019
Do you have the nutrition on these bars? Need to know Carbs etc
Laura
June 18, 2019
Made these last night to serve at a gathering I’m hosting today
I know they will be a hit, as I first discovered this recipe last year at this time
My summer favourite 💖
Julia
May 13, 2019
LOVED these bars. I didn’t have any rhubarb but found a bag of cranberries in my freezer so I used them along with frozen raspberries. I’m sure these are just as wonderful when made with rhubarb but I absolutely loved this combination. So good, my teenage son ate most of them though. I think I must make another batch……
amandapaa
May 13, 2019
so great to hear they worked with cranberries, too! similar tartness, good thinking!
Kelly Stroess
June 20, 2018
These were great. I have made lots of rhubarb recipes but never with a compote. I used a gluten free oatmeal mix that had nuts and seeds and ground it for the flour. Turned out great. Was a little worried cuz I used coconut oil and it seemed runny in the oven but it set nice.
amandapaa
June 20, 2018
Wonderful, so glad you liked the recipe! Fun idea to try using the oatmeal mix.
Quyen Doan
May 30, 2018
Hi,
Can I know if this can be frozen? Do I need to reheat after defrost or just enjoy right away?
Thank you!!
amandapaa
May 30, 2018
Hi! I haven’t ever tried freezing these. But I would say that if you do, let them defrost when you pull them out. Enjoy!
Eden Passante
July 18, 2017
These are so pretty!! What a great breakfast to grab on the go!
Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats
July 12, 2017
Beautiful bars Amanda! I am sharing on my FB page tonight!
amandapaa
July 13, 2017
thank you, Ally!
Rachel Whitehouse
September 5, 2016
Thank you for a great recipe. I have never tried raspberry and rhubarb together, yummm!
My daughter is going to be so excited to find this in her lunch box for her first day of school.
The crust set up nice and the filling is delicious.
amandapaa
September 5, 2016
Wonderful! I’m so glad you liked the recipe. And that’s such a great idea to put them in the lunch box. Lucky girl!
Paige
June 21, 2016
What is raw cane sugar zest? Is it close enough to granulated sugar to use it instead? I live in Canada, so maybe it’s just not commonly found here, but I’ve never seen it here.
amandapaa
June 22, 2016
Raw cane sugar is interchangeable with granulated sugar. Enjoy!
Rosie
May 10, 2016
These look gorgeous! I would like to make them for a family lunch this Saturday but was wondering if I make them the day before will they keep ok in the fridge? Many thanks x
amandapaa
May 10, 2016
Hi Rosanna! They can definitely be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Enjoy!
aida mollenkamp
March 9, 2016
Ahhhh, rhubarb anything and I’m there!
Murielle
August 30, 2015
Just bought rhubarb, ready to make this recipe this week! :)
Crista
June 25, 2015
I’m looking at this recipe for the 100th time, I’ve had it bookmarked for quite a while. I wanted to get rhubarb in my garden this year but it’s not happening :( FARMERS MARKET, here I come!! Love your ideas about the group buying- I need to find or create a community in Denver the same way you have done in MN. You rock, lady! I can’t wait to see your pretty face soon!! xox
Susan
June 6, 2015
These look delicious! I love rhubarb and can’t wait to make these! Thanks so much, Amanda!
Amanda Paa
June 6, 2015
Thank you for stopping by Susan! Have you been able to find rhubarb in CA?
Taunya
June 4, 2015
So I made these with the butter and instead of oat flour (because I do not have a food processor) I used almond flour, which I already had in the pantry. Well they didn’t turn into bars but more of a cobbler style, but still super yummy!
Amanda Paa
June 4, 2015
Hi Taunya! I’m glad that your adaptations turned into something delicious. Almond flour is not as sturdy, and it doesn’t soak up liquid like oats and oat flour, so I can see why it was more of a cobbler style. Sounds super good too!
Candace
May 28, 2015
These bars are soooo delicious! I made them last weekend, and they were a huge hit chez moi. I can’t wait to steal more rhubarb from my parents’ garden to make them again. The compote is amazing…and the leftovers tasted great on yogurt, toast, pancakes…So yummy!
Megan | Allergy Free Alaska
May 28, 2015
I am such a sucker for anything rhubarb/raspberry – it’s such a winning combination. These look so good! ;)
Amanda Paa
May 28, 2015
Yes, I love how the sweetness of the raspberries rubs off on the rhubarb, but in a different way than strawberries! Thanks for stopping by, xo
Gwen @ Delightful Adventures
May 26, 2015
Your photos are gorgeous, Amanda. They make me want to go to my kitchen and make these right now! Great recipe, I hope that you will able to enjoy them soon!
Amanda Paa
May 26, 2015
thanks so much Gwen! we really enjoyed this recipe. it definitely cured my craving for chocolate!
marla
May 26, 2015
These bars look fabulous!
Amanda Paa
May 26, 2015
thanks so much marla, and also appreciate you linking up to them in your recent post! hope you’re having a fabulous time in Alaska. xo
Kathryn
May 26, 2015
Love the sound of these bars. Rhubarb is my absolute favourite although I can’t believe that I’ve never tried it in combination with raspberry – it sounds perfect!
PS best wishes for this new round of treatment, I hope the antibiotics bring you some relief and quickly.
Amanda Paa
May 26, 2015
I figured I would give raspberries a little love since I always see rhubarb paired with strawberries. The pink it adds is so pretty! And thank you for the well wishes, can’t tell you how amazing it is to wake up and feel good right now. xo
Katie @ 24 Carrot Life
May 25, 2015
These looks so yum and I love that you switched up the usual strawberry combo with raspberries instead. I just need to get my hands on some rhubarb now!
Lauren Gaskill | Making Life Sweet
May 25, 2015
You were great on TC Live, Amanda! So awesome to see you on the show. :) I hope that the new approach will help you heal once and for all!
Thalia @ butter and brioche
May 24, 2015
Hands down the best crumble bars I have ever seen! And the images are so mouth-watering too. Love it Amanda.
Amanda Paa
May 25, 2015
Aw, thanks Thalia. I’m blushing with that statement coming from you who makes the best sweet delights ever!
Christine
May 24, 2015
Amanda these are gorgeous! I love the colour from the rhubarb and raspberries, and these bars just sound so delicious. Rhubarb is one of those ingredients that I just want to use as much as possible when it’s around. That rhubarb and fig jam of yours is also sounding amazing.
Also — sending more of those healing vibes your way, my friend. Hope the med protocol is helping! xo
Amanda Paa
May 25, 2015
Hi Christine! I just can’t get enough rhubarb…. and I’m okay with that :) And thank you so much for the healing vibes. I’ve had a really good week and am so hopeful it stays this way with the work I’m doing to improve. xo
Sherrie
May 23, 2015
Oh you’re just the cutest! And these bars Amanda are really beautiful, probably my favorite post of yours yet, xo!!
Amanda Paa
May 24, 2015
Aw, thank you Sherrie… that means so much :) I’d deliver some to you if I could. xo
cristina
May 22, 2015
What a great post and message, Amanda. Enjoyed your television segment and will be looking into the resources you shared. Love these gf crumble bars. It looks like something I frequent at my fav coffee house. :) Pinning along with those gf rosemary crackers!
Becky Winkler (A Calculated Whisk)
May 21, 2015
These look so good! I love how you made them in a round pan. I have still never cooked with rhubarb, but I’m going to make it happen next weekend. Between these bars and that jam, I can’t resist!
fabiola@notjustbaked
May 21, 2015
Great segment! And love this recipe. Rhubarb is so good!
Amanda Paa
May 22, 2015
Thank you :) Have a great weekend!
Sylvie | Gourmande in the Kitchen
May 21, 2015
Loved seeing your tv segment, you were great!
Alicia
May 21, 2015
Hey Amanda – I was thinking about making these and taking them to our CrossFit pot luck on Memorial Day. I’d rather use coconut or maple sugar instead of brown sugar just because that is what I have on hand. I don’t have a ton of baking experience when it comes to substitutions (do not tell my Food Science professor I am asking you this) and was wondering if you think it would still come out relatively similar? Thanks! Hope to be able to chat more at the next AIP Meet-Up!!
Amanda Paa
May 21, 2015
Hi Alicia! The coconut or maple sugar should work fine in place of of the brown sugar, the crumb topping might just not be quite as “soft”. If I were to make them this way I would measure a little shy of 1/2 cup coconut/maple sugar, then add a tablespoon of maple syrup when adding the butter to mimic the effect of them molasses that make brown sugar soft. Hope they work out, let me know :) And yes to talking more at the next meet up! xo
Alicia
June 11, 2015
I made these with the substitutions above also using ghee versus butter and they were great. I brought them to a gym potluck and they were well received, even by my husband who scoffs at most non-SAD baked goods. I ate a few with coconut cream that I chilled in the fridge and then whipped with a few sprinkles of cinnamon and vanilla extract. So yum and really hit the spot without being too cloyingly sweet. Well done Amanda! These will definitely be a go to summer recipe!
Alanna
May 21, 2015
Amanda, these are STUNNING! <3 <3 <3
Amanda Paa
May 21, 2015
aw, thank you! trying to channel your amazing photography….
Faith (An Edible Mosaic)
May 21, 2015
Indeed, I hope you are feeling better soon, my sweet friend. These bars are lovely…and would you believe I have yet to cook with rhubarb?! I am definitely a fan of it though, and I need to introduce it into my kitchen. And yes, yes, YES to real food! Love your message and approach to food. <3
Amanda Paa
May 22, 2015
Thanks Faith, I’ve been on the medication for 5 days and am happy to say it’s been going well. Crossing my fingers that it stays this way, and I can keep moving forward. I forget where you live, but maybe it’s just hard to find rhubarb there? I wish I could send you some. It’s such an interesting ingredient with it’s tartness, yet ability to add sweet pucker to anything. xo
The Food Hunter
May 21, 2015
this is a great treat
Loriann Cargill Bustos
May 21, 2015
I love the flavor combo! It looks amazing!
Audrey @ Unconventional Baker
May 21, 2015
I’ve got both raspberries and rhubarb growing galore over here in summer and I love making the two into jam. These bars though — wow! They look lovely ♥♥♥ And how awesome you got to go on TV!
Sarah @ SnixyKitchen
May 21, 2015
You are so personable on TV! This was so fun to watch:) I hope you can enjoy these beautiful bars yourself OH SO SOON! Thinking happy thoughts for you, my friend!