Creamy Rhubarb Bars for Delicious Dessert Delight

If you’re on the lookout for a delightful treat that embodies the essence of spring, look no further than these Rhubarb Bars with Cream Cheese. As the markets start showcasing the vibrant hues of rhubarb, it’s the perfect time to whip up these dessert bars that strike a harmonious balance between sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors. Picture a luscious rhubarb filling nestled between a buttery oat crust, all topped with a decadent cream cheese layer that will have you reaching for seconds.

I stumbled upon this recipe during one of my farmers market hauls, and it quickly became a household favorite. The joy of seeing my kids eagerly devouring these bars even before dinner was a testament to their irresistible appeal. Crafting these bars is not just about baking; it’s a nostalgic journey back to cherished moments spent in the kitchen with loved ones, perfecting each batch to sweet perfection.

Whether you’re savoring them on a sun-soaked afternoon or pairing them with a steaming cup of tea, these Rhubarb Bars with Cream Cheese promise a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds singing. And the best part? They store like a dream, ready to offer a slice of springtime bliss whenever the craving strikes.

Quick Benefits

• Perfect Seasonal Treat: Celebrate the short window of rhubarb season with a delightful dessert that captures the essence of spring.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping strawberries, adding lemon zest, or using gluten-free ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These bars store well in the fridge, allowing you to indulge in a delicious treat whenever your sweet tooth beckons, making them a convenient and satisfying snack option.
• Generational Tradition: Connect with family and create lasting memories by making these bars that have been cherished for generations, infusing each bite with nostalgia and tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Rhubarb Bars for Delicious Dessert Delight Recipe

• Celebrating Rhubarb Season: Perfect for savoring the short window when rhubarb is in season, these bars capture the essence of spring with their sweet and tangy flavor profile.
• Layered Perfection: Indulge in the layers of a buttery oat crust, a delectable rhubarb filling, and a creamy cream cheese topping that blend harmoniously for a delightful treat.
• Versatile & Adaptable: Easily customizable – swap strawberries, add lemon zest, or make it gluten-free for a unique twist to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Memories & Traditions: Whether baking with family, reminiscing about grandma’s secret tips, or creating your own kitchen traditions, these bars offer a nostalgic and heartwarming experience.
• Convenient & Make-ahead: Ideal for meal prepping or satisfying sweet cravings, these bars can be stored in the fridge for up to five days, allowing you to enjoy them whenever you desire.
• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze individual bars for future enjoyment, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor by thawing them in the fridge overnight.
• Pairing Perfection: Enjoy these bars chilled on a warm afternoon or with a comforting cup of tea, enhancing your snacking experience with a touch of sweetness.
• Cultural Connection: Embrace the cultural heritage of rhubarb in desserts, with a recipe inspired by European traditions that bring a unique and beloved flavor to your table.
• Neat & Tidy Presentation: By chilling well and cutting with a clean knife, you can serve these bars in perfect squares, making them not only delicious but visually appealing too.

Ingredients for Creamy Rhubarb Bars for Delicious Dessert Delight

Fruit Filling

• 480 grams chopped rhubarb
• 5 milliliters vanilla extract
• 16 grams cornstarch
• 200 grams granulated sugar

Cream Cheese Layer

• 120 grams powdered sugar
• 5 milliliters vanilla extract
• 225 grams cream cheese, softened

Oat Crust

• 125 grams all-purpose flour
• 90 grams rolled oats
• 100 grams brown sugar
• 230 grams unsalted butter, melted

Pro Tips for Creamy Rhubarb Bars for Delicious Dessert Delight

Pro Tip #1: To enhance the flavor and texture of these Rhubarb Bars with Cream Cheese, make sure to chill them well before serving. This will allow the creamy topping to set firmer and the crust to soften in a delicious way, giving you perfect squares.

Pro Tip #2: For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding chopped strawberries to the rhubarb filling or a sprinkle of lemon zest to the cream cheese layer. These additions will bring brightness and a new dimension of flavor to your bars.

Pro Tip #3: If you’re short on time, you can freeze these bars for later enjoyment. Simply wrap individual bars in parchment and store them in a zip-top bag. Thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best texture.

How to Make Creamy Rhubarb Bars for Delicious Dessert Delight

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat oven to 175°C and prepare a 23×33 cm baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.

Step 2: Make Oat Crust

In a bowl, mix flour, oats, and brown sugar. Pour in melted butter and mix until crumbly. Press mixture firmly into prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Cook Rhubarb Filling

Combine chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until thickened, about 7–10 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract.

Step 4: Layer and Bake Filling

Evenly spread the thickened rhubarb filling over the pre-baked crust. Bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the filling is set.

Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Topping

In a mixer, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Chill and Finish

Let baked layers cool. Spread cream cheese mixture over the base. Chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours until set.

Step 7: Portion and Serve

Use a clean knife to cut into squares for clean edges. Serve cold.

Storage Tips

After making Rhubarb Bars with Cream Cheese, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and texture. These bars can be kept this way for up to five days. The creamy topping sets up firmer overnight, and the crust softens in a delightful manner, making them perfect for snacking at any time.

For longer storage, you can freeze the bars by wrapping individual portions in parchment paper and placing them in a zip-top bag. Thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture. When serving, consider dusting the top with extra powdered sugar or adding a thin slice of fresh strawberry for a pop of color. Enjoy these delightful bars chilled on a warm afternoon or paired with a hot cup of tea for a comforting treat.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have rhubarb, you can substitute half of the amount with strawberries for a sweeter and milder flavor in the bars. Additionally, if you’re looking to make the recipe gluten-free, you can use gluten-free flour and oats to accommodate a celiac-friendly diet.

If you run out of brown sugar, you can make a quick substitute by adding a spoon of molasses to regular granulated sugar for a similar flavor profile. For a refreshing twist, consider adding lemon zest to the cream cheese layer to bring brightness to the bars, enhancing their overall flavor.

Remember to chill the bars well before slicing for neat squares, and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator will help maintain their freshness and texture for up to four days.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try cutting the Rhubarb Bars with Cream Cheese into small bite-sized pieces and skewering them on toothpicks for a cute and delicious party appetizer. The sweet and tangy flavors, along with the creamy topping, will be a hit with guests.

Another fun idea is to crumble the Rhubarb Bars with Cream Cheese over a bowl of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert twist. The warm and buttery oat crust combined with the cool cream cheese topping and tangy rhubarb filling will create a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for more.

FAQs for Creamy Rhubarb Bars for Delicious Dessert Delight

Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?

Yes, frozen rhubarb can be used. Thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking to maintain the texture of the bars.

How should I store these Rhubarb Bars with Cream Cheese?

Keep the bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to five days. The creamy topping sets up firmer overnight, and the crust softens in a delicious way.

Any tips for cutting the bars neatly?

Clean your knife between each cut and ensure the bars are well chilled for the neatest squares.

How can I enhance the flavor of these bars?

Try adding chopped strawberries to the filling or a sprinkle of lemon zest to the cream cheese layer for brightness. Chilling for several hours or overnight also enhances flavor and structure.

Conclusion

Rhubarb Bars with Cream Cheese are truly a delight for the senses, blending the tartness of rhubarb with the creamy richness of the cheesecake layer. Whether you’re enjoying them alone or sharing them with loved ones, these bars are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its flavors but also in the memories it helps create, just like the ones I have shared with you.

I hope this recipe becomes a beloved tradition in your kitchen as well, bringing joy and sweetness to your spring days. So, whip up a batch of these Rhubarb Bars with Cream Cheese, share them with friends and family, and savor every delicious bite. Happy baking!