Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful dessert that balances tangy rhubarb with a creamy, sweet cheesecake-like filling, all on top of a buttery shortbread crust. These bars are perfect for spring and summer when rhubarb is in season, but you can also use frozen rhubarb to enjoy them year-round.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, taking dessert to a potluck, or just craving something fruity and rich, these bars hit the perfect balance of tart and sweet. They’re easy to slice and serve — and even easier to eat!
Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars (Sweet & Tangy Dessert)
Description
A buttery shortbread base topped with a tangy rhubarb compote and luscious cream cheese filling — these bars are a creamy, fruity dessert dream that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
For the Rhubarb Layer:
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Make the Crust:
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly.
- Press evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Rhubarb Compote:
- In a saucepan, combine chopped rhubarb, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
- Cook over medium heat for 5–8 minutes, stirring often, until rhubarb softens and thickens.
- Set aside to cool slightly.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add egg and vanilla and mix until creamy and lump-free.
5. Assemble the Bars:
- Pour the cream cheese filling over the baked crust and spread evenly.
- Spoon the rhubarb compote over the cream cheese layer and gently swirl with a knife or skewer for a marbled effect.
6. Bake the Bars:
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is just set and edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool completely at room temperature, then chill for at least 2 hours before slicing.
7. Serve:
- Slice into squares or bars and serve chilled. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 240kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 14g22%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Cholesterol 50mg17%
- Sodium 70mg3%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 15g
- Protein 3g6%
- Calcium 35 mg
- Iron 0.8 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
📦 Storage Notes:
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months (wrap individually and store in a freezer-safe bag).
📝 Notes:
- Make ahead: These bars taste even better the next day after chilling overnight.
- Swap it: Add strawberries with rhubarb for a sweeter twist.
- Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the crust.
