Go Back

Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars

Sweet, tangy, and creamy dessert bars made with rhubarb, perfect for gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Crust
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour can substitute with gluten-free flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar can use stevia or a sugar substitute
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter can use margarine
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional nutmeg can be used for variation
Filling
  • 8 ounces cream cheese can use Greek yogurt as a lower-fat alternative
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract can replace with almond extract
  • 1 large egg can use a flax egg for vegan option
  • 2 cups rhubarb can substitute with cranberries or raspberries
Topping
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar can use light brown sugar
  • 1 cup rolled oats can use quick oats
  • 1/2 cup melted butter can use coconut oil for dairy-free option

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Add in the melted butter and stir until combined.
  3. Press half of this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan to form the crust.
  4. In another bowl, beat together cream cheese, vanilla extract, and the egg until smooth. Spread this cream cheese mixture over the crust in the pan.
  5. Chop rhubarb into small pieces and sprinkle evenly over the cream cheese layer.
  6. In the same bowl used for the crust mixture, stir in the brown sugar and oats. Crumble this over the rhubarb layer.
  7. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
  8. Allow to cool, then cut into bars and enjoy!

Notes

These bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. You can enjoy them as is, or add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra sweetness. They also pair nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth filling. If you're not a fan of rhubarb, you can easily swap it out for strawberries, blueberries, or any other fruit you like. For added flavor, consider mixing in some nuts or chocolate chips into the crumble topping.