Creamy Rhubarb Crumble Cheesecake Bars

Spring’s vibrant arrival brings with it a bounty of fresh, tart rhubarb a perfect ingredient to elevate your dessert game. Forget ordinary rhubarb pie; today, we’re diving headfirst into a symphony of flavors and textures with our irresistible Creamy Rhubarb Crumble Cheesecake Bars. Imagine a buttery graham cracker crust providing a delightful base, followed by a luxuriously smooth cheesecake filling, a tangy rhubarb layer bursting with fresh fruit, and finally, a crunchy oat crumble topping that delivers the ultimate textural contrast. These bars are not just a dessert; they’re an experience. A delightful blend of sweet, tart, and creamy, they’re perfect for springtime gatherings, potlucks, or simply satisfying a serious sweet tooth. Prepare to be amazed by the ease of preparation and the stunning results – your taste buds will thank you.

Creamy Rhubarb Crumble Cheesecake Bars

These delightful bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, a tangy rhubarb layer, and a crunchy oat crumble topping. Perfect for a dessert or brunch!

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Brunch, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 bars

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking pan
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Whisk
• Fork

Ingredients

  

Crust Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Graham cracker crumbs
• 0.25 cups Granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients

• 16 ounces Cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 2 Large eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 0.5 cups Sour cream

Rhubarb Filling Ingredients

• 4 cups Rhubarb, chopped (about 1 pound)
• 0.75 cups Granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice

Crumble Topping Ingredients

• 0.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.5 cups Rolled oats
• 0.5 cups Brown sugar
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons Cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
• Make the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
• Make the cheesecake filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and sour cream.
• Spread cheesecake filling evenly over the crust.
• Make the rhubarb filling: Combine rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a bowl. Pour over the cheesecake layer.
• Make the crumble topping: Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until crumbly.
• Sprinkle crumble topping evenly over the rhubarb layer.
• Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

Notes

For a more intense rhubarb flavor, use less sugar in the filling. These bars are best served slightly chilled but are delicious at room temperature.

Keyword bars, cheesecake, crumble, delicious, easy dessert, rhubarb, summer dessert

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe for Creamy Rhubarb Crumble Cheesecake Bars is a winner on multiple fronts. First and foremost, it’s incredibly delicious. The combination of the creamy cheesecake, tart rhubarb, and crunchy crumble is a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more. It’s the kind of dessert that satisfies both your craving for something sweet and your need for a little something tangy. The rhubarb’s unique tartness cuts through the richness of the cheesecake, preventing it from feeling too heavy or overly sweet. This makes it a refreshing dessert option, even during warmer months.

Secondly, these bars are surprisingly easy to make. Unlike complicated cheesecakes that require a water bath and hours of baking, these bars are relatively quick and straightforward. The individual components are easy to assemble, and the baking time is manageable. This means you can enjoy a stunning dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a perfect recipe for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.

Thirdly, these Creamy Rhubarb Crumble Cheesecake Bars are incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the sweetness and tartness to your preference by altering the amount of sugar in the rhubarb filling. They also hold up well in the refrigerator, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert for parties or gatherings. Their portability is a huge plus – they’re much easier to transport and serve than a traditional cheesecake.

Finally, the presentation is just as impressive as the taste. The layered design is visually appealing, making these bars a showstopper dessert for any occasion. Cutting them into neat squares or rectangles makes them perfect for serving a crowd. They look beautiful served on a platter, garnished with fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Beyond the delightful taste and ease of preparation, our Creamy Rhubarb Crumble Cheesecake Bars offer several compelling reasons to give them a try. If you’re looking for a recipe that will impress your friends and family, this is it. The unique combination of flavors and textures makes it stand out from the usual dessert fare. It’s a conversation starter, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and a dessert that people will remember long after the last bar is gone.

Moreover, this recipe is a great way to showcase seasonal ingredients. Rhubarb, with its distinctive tartness, adds a unique springtime touch. This recipe celebrates the seasonality of the ingredients, reminding you of the changing seasons through the flavors you taste. You’re not just eating a dessert; you’re experiencing the season.

Furthermore, this recipe is a wonderful opportunity to practice your baking skills. It involves several different components – crust, filling, rhubarb layer, and crumble – giving you a chance to master various techniques. Each component is simple to make, but mastering them all builds confidence in your baking abilities. It’s a great way to learn and improve your baking skills, gradually enhancing your culinary repertoire.

Ultimately, trying this recipe is an investment in deliciousness, simplicity, and satisfaction. It’s a dessert that delivers on all fronts – taste, presentation, and ease of preparation. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, you’ll find this recipe both rewarding and enjoyable.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Before we embark on this delightful baking journey, let’s gather our ingredients and tools. Precision is key to achieving that perfect balance of flavors and textures in our Creamy Rhubarb Crumble Cheesecake Bars. Having everything prepared beforehand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full-size graham crackers)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
• For the Cheesecake Filling:
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature (this is crucial for smooth mixing)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best flavor)
• ½ cup sour cream (full-fat sour cream is preferred for a richer flavor)
• For the Rhubarb Filling:
• 4 cups chopped rhubarb (about 1 pound), thoroughly cleaned and chopped into ½-inch pieces
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• For the Crumble Topping:
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup rolled oats (old-fashioned rolled oats work best)
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (cold butter is essential for a crumbly topping)

Necessary Utensils:

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Food processor or zip-top bag and rolling pin (for making the graham cracker crumbs)
• Mixing bowls (at least three, one for each layer and one for the crumble)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Whisk
• Parchment paper (optional, but recommended for easy removal from the pan)
• Baking sheet

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now for the fun part – let’s create these delectable Creamy Rhubarb Crumble Cheesecake Bars! Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a sensational dessert.

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This is a crucial step for clean removal.
2. In a food processor or by using a zip-top bag and rolling pin, crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs. Add the granulated sugar and pulse until combined. Alternatively, you can use a zip-top bag and crush the crackers using a rolling pin.
3. Pour the melted butter over the graham cracker crumbs and mix until evenly moistened. The mixture should be slightly damp, but not soggy.
4. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your hands to ensure a compact base.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling.
2. Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until well combined and fluffy. **Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.**
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. **Do not overmix.**
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined. Again, avoid overmixing to prevent the filling from becoming tough.
5. Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared graham cracker crust and spread evenly.

Step 3: Prepare and Add the Rhubarb Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the rhubarb evenly. The cornstarch will help thicken the rhubarb filling.
2. Spoon the rhubarb mixture evenly over the cheesecake filling. Try to keep the layer as even as possible. You can lightly spread it with a spatula.

Step 4: Make and Add the Crumble Topping

1. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. **Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.** This ensures a crunchy crumble topping.
2. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the rhubarb layer. **Ensure that the entire rhubarb filling is covered.**

Step 5: Bake and Cool

1. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set around the edges. **The center might still be slightly jiggly.**
2. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before refrigerating for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the cheesecake to set completely.
3. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

Tips and Variations

To make your Creamy Rhubarb Crumble Cheesecake Bars even more spectacular, consider these helpful tips and exciting variations:

• For a richer crust: Use digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers.
• Add a touch of spice: Incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom into the crumble topping.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or gluten-free flour and oats for the crust and crumble.
• Vegan adaptation: Substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use vegan butter for the crust and crumble. Experiment with flax eggs instead of regular eggs. It might require slight adjustments.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar in the rhubarb filling and the crumble topping.
• Garnish beautifully: Dust with powdered sugar, garnish with fresh mint leaves, or add a drizzle of rhubarb sauce for an elegant touch.
• Avoid overbaking: Overbaking will dry out the cheesecake and make it less creamy. Start checking for doneness at 45 minutes and use a toothpick inserted in the center to check – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a smooth cheesecake filling.

Nutritional Values and Benefits

While indulging in delicious desserts, it’s always good to be mindful of their nutritional content. A precise nutritional analysis requires specific ingredient brands and precise measurements. However, we can highlight the nutritional benefits of the key components in our Creamy Rhubarb Crumble Cheesecake Bars.

Rhubarb is a low-calorie fruit rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes gut health. It also contains vitamin C, an antioxidant vital for immunity. Its tartness comes from malic acid, which might have some potential benefits for weight management.

Cream cheese provides calcium and protein, contributing to bone health and satiety. However, it is also relatively high in fat and calories, so moderation is key.

Oats, found in the crumble topping, are a great source of soluble fiber, known for its cholesterol-lowering properties. They also provide essential minerals and vitamins.

Remember that the overall nutritional profile will vary depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used. This recipe is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

FAQs

Conclusion

Our journey into the wonderful world of Creamy Rhubarb Crumble Cheesecake Bars has come to a delicious end. These bars are a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined with a little culinary creativity. The combination of a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, tart rhubarb, and crunchy crumble delivers a dessert experience that’s both satisfying and memorable. Remember, the key to success lies in using room-temperature ingredients, ensuring even layers, and not overbaking. Don’t forget to let them chill thoroughly for the best results!

Now it’s your turn! Have you tried this recipe? Share your experiences and any modifications you’ve made in the comments section below. Don’t hesitate to share your photos on social media – we’d love to see your culinary creations! And if you’re looking for more delightful dessert recipes, check out our Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars or Strawberry Banana Pudding Cookies with Cheesecake Dip – guaranteed crowd-pleasers! For more savory options, consider trying our Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes for a unique twist on a classic.

Happy baking, and bon appétit! And for even more dessert inspiration, visit our Pinterest board: Pinterest