Creamy Rhubarb Crumble Cheesecake Bars

Spring has sprung, and what better way to celebrate the season’s vibrant flavors than with these exquisite Creamy Rhubarb Crumble Cheesecake Bars? Imagine the perfect balance: a buttery graham cracker crust providing a delightful crunch, followed by a luxuriously creamy cheesecake filling that melts in your mouth. Then, a burst of tart and tangy rhubarb filling adds a refreshing counterpoint, all topped with a golden-brown oat crumble that delivers a satisfying textural contrast. These bars are not just a dessert; they’re a symphony of textures and tastes, a culinary masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy to create. This recipe is perfect for springtime gatherings, potlucks, or simply satisfying a sweet craving any day of the week. The beautiful layered presentation makes them stunningly impressive, yet the process itself is straightforward enough for even novice bakers. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your friends and family with these unforgettable Creamy Rhubarb Crumble Cheesecake Bars!

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 for a delicious dessert.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 bars

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fork
• Whisk

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 cup 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 cup All-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup Rolled oats
• 0.5 cup 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, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
• Make the cheesecake filling: Beat cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and sour cream.
• Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the crust.
• Make the rhubarb filling: Combine rhubarb, ¾ cup 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 the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Sprinkle the 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 richer flavor, use brown butter in the crust. You can also substitute other berries for the rhubarb, such as strawberries or raspberries. Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Creamy Rhubarb Crumble Cheesecake Bars are more than just a delicious dessert; they’re an experience. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore them:

• Irresistible Flavor Combination: The tartness of the rhubarb perfectly complements the creamy richness of the cheesecake and the sweetness of the crumble topping. It’s a flavor dance that will leave you wanting more.
• Stunning Presentation: The layered design is visually appealing, making these bars a showstopper for any occasion. They’re beautiful enough to grace a celebratory table, yet simple enough for a weeknight treat.
• Effortless Elegance: While the result is incredibly impressive, the process is surprisingly straightforward. Even beginner bakers can achieve professional-looking and tasting results with this recipe.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These bars can be made ahead of time, making them ideal for busy schedules. Prepare them a day or two in advance, and they’ll be ready when you need them, saving you precious time on the day of your event.
• Adaptable to Dietary Needs: With a few simple substitutions, you can adapt this recipe to suit various dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegan options (more on that later!).
• Perfect for Sharing: These bars are easily cut into individual portions, making them perfect for sharing with friends, family, or colleagues. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

In a world of countless dessert options, these Creamy Rhubarb Crumble Cheesecake Bars stand out for a reason. They offer a unique and delightful culinary journey you won’t soon forget. Here’s why you should give them a try:

• Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of creamy cheesecake, tart rhubarb, and crunchy crumble is a refreshing twist on traditional desserts. It’s a flavor adventure that’s both familiar and excitingly new.
• Texture Extravaganza: The interplay of textures – the crisp crust, the smooth cheesecake, the slightly chunky rhubarb, and the crumbly topping – creates a multi-sensory experience that elevates the dessert to a whole new level.
• Seasonal Delight: Rhubarb is a springtime star, and these bars capture its essence beautifully. They’re a perfect way to celebrate the arrival of warmer weather and the vibrant flavors of the season.
• Impressive Results with Minimal Effort: The recipe is designed to be accessible to all skill levels. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can achieve fantastic results with a little patience and attention to detail.
• Versatility and Customization: The recipe offers opportunities for customization. Feel free to experiment with different spices, add a touch of zest, or even incorporate other fruits to create your own unique version.
• Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: These bars have a universal appeal, satisfying both sweet and tart cravings. They’re a dessert that everyone will enjoy, from children to adults.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Before embarking on this delicious baking adventure, let’s gather our ingredients and tools. Having everything prepared beforehand ensures a smooth and enjoyable baking process.

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 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 blending)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream
• For the Rhubarb Filling:
  • 4 cups chopped rhubarb (about 1 pound) – *Tip: Choose rhubarb stalks that are firm and not overly stringy*
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• For the Crumble Topping:
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Necessary Utensils:

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Food processor or zip-top bag and rolling pin (for making the crust)
• Mixing bowls (at least three)
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper (for easy cleanup)
• Large saucepan (for rhubarb filling)

Detailed Recipe Steps

Let’s create these delightful Creamy Rhubarb Crumble Cheesecake Bars. Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully for the best results.

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a food processor, pulse graham cracker crumbs and sugar until combined. Alternatively, place the crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
3. Add the melted butter and pulse until evenly moistened. **Important:** The mixture should hold together when pressed.
4. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even layer.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. **Tip:** Use an electric mixer for best results, ensuring the cream cheese is truly softened to prevent lumps.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. **Important:** Don’t overmix; just blend until incorporated.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Rhubarb Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the rhubarb softens and the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes). **Tip:** The rhubarb will release its juices; this is normal. The mixture should be glossy and slightly thickened, but not overly stiff.
3. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Once the crust and rhubarb filling are cool, spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust.
2. Spoon the cooled rhubarb filling over the cheesecake layer. **Important:** Make sure the rhubarb filling is completely cool before adding to prevent the cheesecake from melting.
3. Prepare the crumble topping by combining flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the rhubarb layer.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheesecake is set. The center might still jiggle slightly; this is okay.
6. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before refrigerating for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to fully set.

Step 5: Cut and Serve

1. Once chilled, carefully lift the bars from the pan. Use a sharp knife to cut into rectangular bars.
2. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Experiment with these tips and variations to customize your Creamy Rhubarb Crumble Cheesecake Bars:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the crumble topping for an extra layer of warmth.
• Citrus Zest: Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest into the cheesecake filling for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the regular graham cracker crumbs. Ensure your flour is also gluten-free for the crumble topping.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use a vegan cream cheese alternative, such as Tofutti or Kite Hill, and replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or applesauce. Vegan butter is also necessary for the crust and crumble.
• Other Fruit Fillings: While rhubarb is perfect, feel free to experiment with other fruits like berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries), or even a mix of fruits. Adjust the sugar based on the fruit’s sweetness.
• Avoid Overbaking: Overbaking can lead to a dry cheesecake. Start checking for doneness around 35 minutes and use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
• Proper Cooling: Allow the bars to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent cracking and ensure even setting.

Nutritional Values and Benefits

While indulging in a delicious dessert, it’s helpful to have an idea of its nutritional content. Note that these are approximate values and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

A single bar (assuming 12 servings) of these Creamy Rhubarb Crumble Cheesecake Bars contains approximately:

• Calories: 350-400
• Protein: 5-7 grams
• Fat: 20-25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams

Benefits of Ingredients:

• Rhubarb: This tart vegetable is rich in antioxidants and fiber, promoting gut health. It also provides a good source of Vitamin C.
• Cream Cheese: A good source of calcium and protein.
• Oats: Excellent source of fiber, contributing to digestive health and satiety.
• Graham Crackers: While containing refined carbohydrates, they provide a satisfying crunch and a base for the delicious layers.

Remember that this recipe should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

FAQs

In conclusion, these Creamy Rhubarb Crumble Cheesecake Bars are a true testament to the beauty of simple, yet elegant baking. The delightful combination of textures and flavors makes them a standout dessert, perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and share your experience in the comments below! And don’t forget to share your beautiful creations on social media and tag us! For more delicious recipes, check out our other amazing dessert options on Recipes Lora and be sure to pin this recipe to your Pinterest board for later! Pinterest

Happy baking!