looking for a delicious rhubarb dessert that’s easy to make, these creamy rhubarb cheesecake crumble bars are the perfect recipe for you. The combination of a buttery crumble crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and tart rhubarb makes these bars a treat everyone will love. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced home cook, this rhubarb dessert recipe is simple to follow and packed with flavor. So, let’s get started on how to create the best cheesecake crumble bars that will impress your friends and family!
Why You’ll Love These Creamy Rhubarb Cheesecake Crumble Bars
- Quick & Easy – With just 15 minutes of prep time, these rhubarb cheesecake crumble bars are perfect for any occasion.
- Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart – The creamy cheesecake layer combined with tart rhubarb creates a delightful flavor contrast.
- Ideal for Beginners – This simple cheesecake bar recipe is beginner-friendly, making it a great choice for anyone new to baking.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make these bars ahead of time for a weeknight dessert or to take to a party.
- Customizable – Add pecans or swap the rhubarb with other fruits like strawberries or blueberries.
Ingredients for Creamy Rhubarb Cheesecake Crumble Bars
To make these rhubarb cheesecake crumble bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
(For a gluten-free version, use almond flour.) - 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
(Whole milk works best for a rich flavor.) - 1 1/2 cups rhubarb, chopped
(Fresh rhubarb works best for flavor, but frozen is okay if you thaw and drain it.) - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
(For extra crunch, add walnuts or almonds.)
How to Make Creamy Rhubarb Cheesecake Crumble Bars – Step by Step
Let’s break down the steps for making these creamy cheesecake bars with rhubarb!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking dish to make sure your bars come out easily.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, mix together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add the softened butter, 1 egg, and 1/4 cup milk, then mix until well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together 8 ounces cream cheese, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the crust layer.
Step 4: Add the Rhubarb and Pecans
Evenly scatter the chopped rhubarb over the cream cheese layer. If you’re adding pecans, sprinkle them on top for a delightful crunch.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden and the filling is set. The bars should be firm but slightly soft to the touch.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely before slicing them into squares. This will help the bars firm up and make it easier to cut.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Creamy Rhubarb Cheesecake Crumble Bars
- For a Crispy Crust: Pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding the cheesecake filling to give it extra crispiness.
- Use Fresh Rhubarb: Fresh rhubarb provides the best flavor, but you can use frozen rhubarb if necessary—just make sure to drain the excess moisture.
- Make Ahead: These rhubarb cheesecake bars store well in the fridge for up to 5 days, making them perfect for meal prep or making in advance.
- Substitute the Pecans: If you’re allergic to nuts or prefer a different flavor, swap the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even granola for an extra crunch.
Best Ways to Serve Creamy Rhubarb Cheesecake Crumble Bars
These bars are delicious on their own, but here are some ideas for serving:
- Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a great addition to this cheesecake dessert.
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: These rhubarb crumble bars are a perfect match for a hot beverage, especially during afternoon tea time.
- Make a Sweet Gift: These bars make a great homemade gift for birthdays or holidays—wrap them up in a decorative box and share the love!
Nutritional Information for Creamy Rhubarb Cheesecake Crumble Bars
Each serving of creamy rhubarb cheesecake crumble bars contains approximately:
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 22g
These bars are indulgent but can be enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.
Storage & Leftovers
Leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store them:
- Refrigeration: Keep these bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: If you want to save them for later, wrap the bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge.
FAQs for Creamy Rhubarb Cheesecake Crumble Bars
Can I freeze rhubarb cheesecake crumble bars?
Yes! These bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn, and thaw them in the fridge before serving.
Can I substitute rhubarb for another fruit?
Yes! You can replace rhubarb with fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or apples. Adjust the sweetness based on the fruit you use.
Can I make rhubarb cheesecake crumble bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them a day or two in advance. Just store them in the fridge and slice when ready to serve.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed these creamy rhubarb cheesecake crumble bars, check out some of our other favorite dessert recipes:
Homemade Creamy Coconut Cake – Easy Recipe
Best Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe – 15 Minutes Meals
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to make the best creamy rhubarb cheesecake crumble bars at home! This recipe is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want a delicious dessert to enjoy with family. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let us know how your bars turned out. Also, be sure to share this recipe on social media to spread the love!
