Irresistible Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars: A Sweet & Tangy Delight

August 27, 2025

As spring blossoms, so does our craving for vibrant, tangy flavors, and nothing embodies this better than fresh rhubarb! Today, we're sharing a recipe that perfectly captures the essence of the season: Irresistible Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars. Imagine a golden, buttery shortbread crust, topped with a luscious, creamy cheesecake layer, a bright and tangy rhubarb compote, and finished with a sweet, crumbly streusel. These bars are a symphony of textures and tastes, making them an ideal treat for any occasion.

Whether you're hosting a brunch, bringing a dessert to a potluck, or simply want a delightful snack with your afternoon tea, these Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars are guaranteed to impress. They strike a beautiful balance between the tartness of rhubarb and the rich sweetness of cream cheese, ensuring every bite is utterly satisfying.

Table of Contents

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe isn't just about delicious taste; it's also surprisingly straightforward to make. Each layer contributes to a harmonious dessert without overly complex steps. The different textures – from the crisp crust to the smooth filling and tender rhubarb – create an exciting experience with every forkful. Plus, they look absolutely stunning, making them a showstopper for any gathering.

We understand that baking can sometimes feel daunting, but with our clear, step-by-step instructions, you'll feel like a pro. These bars are a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. If you enjoy other fruit-forward desserts, you might also love our Heavenly Honeycrisp Apple Cake: Your Ultimate Fall Dessert, which offers a different seasonal delight.

Key Ingredients for Success

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking bliss. Here's a breakdown of what you'll need for each decadent layer:

For the Buttery Crust: All-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and cold unsalted butter form the base. The key here is using cold butter to achieve that perfect crumbly texture.
For the Creamy Filling: Softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, a large egg, and vanilla extract come together for a smooth, rich layer.
For the Tangy Rhubarb Layer: Fresh diced rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch (as a thickener), and a touch of water create the vibrant fruit component.
For the Sweet Crumble Topping: More all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cold unsalted butter provide a delightful crunch and sweetness.

Precision in baking can make all the difference. For those interested in mastering various crust techniques, understanding the science behind a good shortbread crust can elevate your baking. Learn more about shortbread crust techniques on Wikipedia.

How to Make Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars: Step-by-Step Guide

Let's break down the process into easy-to-follow steps to ensure your Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars turn out perfectly every time.

Preparing the Crust

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 1½ cups all-purpose flour with ½ cup powdered sugar. Add ¾ cup cold, cubed unsalted butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, forming a compact layer.

Step 4: Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the next layer.

Crafting the Cream Cheese Layer

Step 5: In a separate mixing bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with ½ cup granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps.

Step 6: Add 1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Continue beating until all ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is uniform.

Step 7: Gently pour and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the warm, pre-baked crust.

Cooking the Rhubarb Layer

Step 8: In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups diced fresh rhubarb, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and ¼ cup water.

Step 9: Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes. Continue until the rhubarb softens and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 10: Carefully spoon the cooled rhubarb mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out to cover the surface.

Adding the Crumble Topping

Step 11: In a clean small bowl, combine ½ cup all-purpose flour and ½ cup brown sugar.

BESTSELLER #1

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes Free App with over 1900 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 3 Quart

$59.99

Buy on Amazon

BESTSELLER #2

CUSIMAX Stand Mixer, Dough Mixer with Digital Switch Control Timer 15mins & 8-Speed, 5-Quart 650W kitchen Electric Mixer, Tilt-Head with handle, Dough Hook, Wire Whip & Beater, Grey

$99.98

Buy on Amazon

BESTSELLER #3

Amazon Basics Glass Food Storage Containers with Locking Lids, Set of 7, 14 pieces including lids, BPA-Free, clear with blue silicone ring

$30.20

Buy on Amazon

Step 12: Cut in ¼ cup cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture forms coarse, crumbly pieces.

Step 13: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the rhubarb layer.

Final Bake and Chill

Step 14: Return the assembled bars to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the center of the bars is mostly set with a slight jiggle.

Step 15: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature. This is crucial for proper setting. Once cooled, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours (or preferably longer) before cutting into neat bars.

Tips for Perfect Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars

Don't Overmix: Overmixing the cream cheese can incorporate too much air, which might cause cracks. Beat until just smooth.
Cold Butter is Key: For both the crust and the crumble, cold butter creates a flakier, crispier texture.
Chill Thoroughly: Patience is a virtue here! Chilling completely ensures clean cuts and a perfectly set, delicious bar.
Adjust Sweetness: If your rhubarb is particularly tart, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar to the rhubarb layer.

If you enjoy simple yet satisfying baked goods, you might also like our recipe for Easy Brownie Mix Cookies: Your Shortcut to Chewy, Chocolatey Bliss!

Storage and Freezing Instructions

These bars are wonderful to make ahead. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, individual bars can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

We hope you adore these Irresistible Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars as much as we do. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use frozen rhubarb for these bars?

Yes, frozen rhubarb works perfectly! Just ensure you thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid to prevent the filling from becoming watery.

How can I reduce the tartness of the rhubarb?

The cream cheese layer naturally mellows the rhubarb's tartness. You can also add about 1 cup of chopped strawberries to the rhubarb mixture for a classic strawberry-rhubarb flavor, or slightly increase the sugar in the rhubarb layer to your preference.

What's the best way to store Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars?

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, individual bars can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

How do I know when the Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars are baked through?

The crumble topping should be golden brown, and the cream cheese layer in the center should appear mostly set with only a slight jiggle. The edges will be more firm. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture, so keep an eye on them!

Eldralys Recipes

Irresistible Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars: A Sweet & Tangy Delight

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Key Ingredients for Success