Delicious Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Indulge in the delightful combination of flavors and textures with these delectable Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars. If you find yourself with an abundance of rhubarb and a craving for something truly special, these bars are the answer to your baking dreams. A buttery oat crumble embraces a silky cream cheese layer, while a vibrant sweet-tart rhubarb filling takes center stage, creating a dessert that’s both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.

I stumbled upon this recipe out of sheer necessity, with my backyard rhubarb plant overflowing and a desire to create a dessert that would truly showcase its unique flavor. These Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars have since become a staple in my summer baking repertoire, winning over even the most skeptical of rhubarb critics with their magical balance of creamy richness and tangy sweetness. Whether you’re a seasoned rhubarb enthusiast or a newcomer to its charms, these bars are sure to captivate your taste buds and earn a permanent place in your heart (and recipe box).

Quick Benefits

• Showcase the gorgeous pink color and vibrant sweet-tart flavor of rhubarb
• Layers of buttery oat crumble, silky cream cheese, and rich rhubarb filling create a visually stunning and delicious dessert
• Simple ingredients and easy techniques make these bars accessible for any home baker
• Versatile recipe allows for customization with different fruits and nuts for unique flavor combinations

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars Recipe Recipe

• Balanced Flavor Profile: The combination of creamy cheesecake, vibrant sweet-tart rhubarb filling, and buttery oat crumble creates a perfect balance of flavors that will appeal to those who enjoy both sweet and tart desserts.
• Visual Appeal: The stunning layered bars with a pink rhubarb layer, creamy cheesecake, and crunchy crumble topping look bakery-professional and will impress guests at any gathering.
• Versatile: You can easily switch up the fruit filling based on what’s in season, allowing for endless variations such as strawberry-rhubarb, blueberry-rhubarb, or even apple cheesecake bars with cinnamon.
• Make-Ahead: Perfect for planning ahead, as you can make the bars the day before and let them set up properly in the refrigerator overnight, saving you time and stress on the day of serving.
• Great for Sharing: Ideal for potlucks, parties, or family gatherings, as the recipe yields a generous amount and people tend to go back for seconds due to the delicious combination of flavors and textures.
• Storage and Freezing: These bars store well in the refrigerator for up to five days, and you can freeze individual bars for up to three months, making them a convenient make-ahead option for busy days or unexpected guests.

Ingredients for Delicious Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars Recipe

For the Crust and Crumble Topping

• 3/4 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Cheesecake Layer

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

For the Rhubarb Filling

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 3 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped
• 1/4 cup water, plus more if needed

How to Make Delicious Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Step 1: Get Ready to Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Crumble

Combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and melted butter in a large bowl, mixing with a fork until crumbly. Reserve 1 1/2 cups for topping.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Press the remaining oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then allow to cool.

Step 4: Mix Up the Cheesecake Layer

In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy with no lumps.

Step 5: Spread the Cheesecake

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the slightly cooled crust using a spatula.

Step 6: Cook the Rhubarb Filling

Combine chopped rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, and water in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until rhubarb breaks down and mixture thickens.

Step 7: Check the Consistency

If the rhubarb sauce is too thick, stir in hot water until it reaches a spreadable consistency. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before using.

Step 8: Layer the Rhubarb

Spread the slightly cooled rhubarb filling evenly over the cream cheese layer.

Step 9: Add the Crumble Top

Evenly sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the rhubarb layer.

Step 10: Bake Until Golden

Bake the bars for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.

Step 11: Cool and Chill

Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate until firm before cutting into squares.

Storage Tips

Once you have made the delicious Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars, it is important to store them properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. After serving, cover the bars tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator. They can be kept this way for up to five days, allowing you to enjoy the bars over several days. Storing them in the refrigerator helps prevent the cream cheese layer from drying out and maintains the overall quality of the bars.

For longer storage, you can freeze individual bars by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Frozen bars can be kept for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy a frozen bar, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to prevent sogginess. Avoid leaving the bars at room temperature for more than an hour, as this can cause the cream cheese layer to soften too much. If you need to transport the bars, keep them in a cooler with ice packs until you are ready to serve them to maintain their texture and stability. Proper storage ensures that your Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible, allowing you to savor them over time.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a different flavor twist, consider swapping the rhubarb with other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, tart cherries, or diced apples depending on the season. These fruits can provide a variety of flavors and colors to create delicious fruit cheesecake bars. Adjust the sugar amount based on the sweetness of the fruit used to maintain the perfect balance between sweet and tart.

To accommodate dietary preferences, you can make these bars gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Additionally, you can replace pecans with sliced almonds or use a combination of both for a different nutty flavor in the oat crumble. Adding lemon zest to the cream cheese layer can enhance the brightness and complement the tart fruit filling. These substitutions allow you to customize the bars to suit different tastes and dietary needs while still maintaining a delicious and visually appealing dessert.

Serving Suggestions

For a stunning presentation, serve these delicious Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars topped with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. The creamy, tangy cheesecake layer pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart rhubarb filling, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. Arrange them on a white platter garnished with fresh mint leaves for a visually appealing treat that will impress your guests at any summer gathering.

To elevate these bars further, try experimenting with different fruit fillings based on the season. Mix in fresh strawberries for a classic strawberry-rhubarb combination, or swap the rhubarb for diced apples and a hint of cinnamon for a cozy fall twist. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize the flavors to suit your preferences and make each batch unique. Whether served as a sweet afternoon treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert at a celebration, these Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

FAQs for Delicious Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Question?

How should I store the Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars?

Question?

Can I make any substitutions in this recipe?

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What should I do if my bars turn out soggy on the bottom?

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Why is the cream cheese layer sometimes grainy in texture?

Conclusion

I hope you feel inspired to whip up a batch of these delectable Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars and share them with your loved ones. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these bars are a fantastic way to celebrate the flavors of summer and impress your guests with their stunning layers of goodness. Remember, a little patience in letting them chill properly and attention to detail while assembling will yield picture-perfect results that taste even better than they look.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the delightful combination of buttery crumble, creamy cheesecake, and vibrant rhubarb filling in every bite. Let these Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars be your go-to dessert for any occasion, and watch as they become a beloved treat that leaves everyone craving more. Happy baking and enjoy every sweet and tangy moment with these irresistible bars!