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Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars

Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars: A Tangy Twist on a Classic Treat

These Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars combine the tangy essence of rhubarb with a rich cream cheese layer, all nestled on a buttery oat crust.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour Substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats Try almond flour for a nutty twist.
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar Feel free to use coconut sugar for a natural alternative.
  • 1/2 cup cold butter Vegan butter works great for a dairy-free version.
For the Filling
  • 8 oz cream cheese Substitute with dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar Alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can be used.
  • 1/4 tsp salt No substitutions needed.
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon Nutmeg can be an aromatic substitute if desired.
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg Skip it if preferred.
  • 1 large egg Use a flax or chia egg for a vegan-friendly choice.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Vanilla bean paste can intensify this flavor.
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen rhubarb Strawberries or blueberries offer delicious alternatives.

Equipment

  • 9-inch square baking pan
  • mixing bowls
  • pastry cutter

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan liberally.
  2. Combine all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, and brown sugar. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.
  3. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of your greased baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes until light golden brown.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, granulated sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until smooth. Add in the beaten egg and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
  5. Gently fold the diced rhubarb into the cream cheese mixture and ensure it’s evenly distributed.
  6. Pour the creamy rhubarb filling over the pre-baked crust, ensuring it reaches the edges of the pan.
  7. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top of the filling.
  8. Bake for 40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set but slightly wobbly.
  9. Cool on a wire rack for one hour and then refrigerate for at least two hours before cutting into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Consider using parchment paper to line the baking pan for easier removal. Allow the bars to cool completely before refrigerating for best results.

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