Description
These Rhubarb Bars with Cream Cheese combine a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake-style layer, and a sweet-tart rhubarb topping. This easy dessert is perfect for spring gatherings, potlucks, or whenever you want a refreshing homemade treat with a delicious balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Rhubarb Topping
- 3 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
Instructions
- Prepare the oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the crust: Mix flour, sugar, salt, and butter until crumbly. Press evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden.
- Prepare the rhubarb topping: Combine rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook for 5–8 minutes until slightly thickened. Let cool slightly.
- Make the cream cheese layer: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until combined.
- Assemble the bars: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the baked crust, then spoon the rhubarb topping evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and serve: Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing into bars.
Notes
For clean slices, chill the bars before cutting. Fresh rhubarb gives the best texture, but frozen rhubarb can be used after thawing and draining excess liquid. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: rhubarb bars with cream cheese, cream cheese rhubarb bars, rhubarb cheesecake bars, easy rhubarb dessert, spring dessert recipe, homemade rhubarb bars
