Looking for a dessert that’s both rustic and elegant? These Rhubarb Cheesecake Crumble Bars bring together the tart freshness of rhubarb, the rich creaminess of cheesecake, and a buttery crumble that melts in your mouth. They’re simple to make, yet taste like something straight from a cozy café.
Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, afternoon tea, or just a sweet pick-me-up, these bars are as charming as they are delicious. Whether you’re a rhubarb lover or a cheesecake fanatic, this treat is one you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bars are a beautiful balance of textures and flavors. Here’s what makes them a standout dessert:
Tart & Sweet Harmony: The natural tang of rhubarb is perfectly mellowed by a creamy cheesecake layer.
Velvety Filling: Silky smooth cream cheese filling makes every bite indulgent.
Buttery Crumble Base: The shortbread-like crust and topping give a lovely crunch.
Effortless to Make: With just a few steps and pantry staples, it’s beginner-friendly.
Great for Sharing: Slice into squares for potlucks, parties, or bake sales.
Prep & Cooking Time
This recipe is quick to assemble and perfect for chilling ahead of time.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
To whip up these delicious bars, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups flour
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 cup chopped rhubarb
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, and ¼ cup sugar. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands to blend until the mixture turns crumbly—like coarse wet sand. Press this mixture evenly and firmly into the bottom of a greased 8×8-inch baking pan to create a solid base.
2. Bake the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the oven is ready, place the crust in and bake it for 10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a clean mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until soft and smooth using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add the egg, ⅓ cup sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until everything is fully combined and the mixture becomes creamy and lump-free.
4. Assemble the Bars
Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust. Use a spatula to smooth it into an even layer. Then sprinkle the chopped rhubarb evenly across the top. The pink and green bits will peek through the creamy filling, giving a hint of what’s to come.
5. Add Crumble Topping
Take the leftover crust mixture (about ½ cup, if reserved), and crumble it gently over the rhubarb layer. This will form a delicate, golden topping once baked, adding extra crunch and sweetness.
6. Final Bake
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is set and the top is lightly golden. A gentle jiggle in the center is okay—it will firm up as it cools. Let the bars chill completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing into squares.
How to Serve
These Rhubarb Cheesecake Crumble Bars are versatile and lovely any time of day. Try these serving ideas:
Chilled with Coffee: Perfect for a spring brunch or a quiet afternoon.
Topped with Whipped Cream: Add a cloud of sweetness to each bar.
With Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside strawberries or raspberries for extra color and flavor.
On a Dessert Platter: Add variety to your dessert table with these pink-speckled beauties.
Tips & Variations
Swap the Fruit: No rhubarb? Try diced strawberries or raspberries for a sweet twist.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the crust.
Add Citrus: A bit of lemon zest in the filling adds brightness.
Go Nutty: Sprinkle crushed almonds or pecans on top for crunch.
Final Thoughts
These Rhubarb Cheesecake Crumble Bars are the kind of treat that brings joy in every bite. Sweet, tart, creamy, and crumbly—they’re a celebration of flavor and texture. Simple to make yet stunning to serve, they’re destined to become a seasonal favorite.
Bake them once, and they’ll steal your heart.
Print
Rhubarb Cheesecake Crumble Bars – Sweet, Tangy, and Irresistibly Creamy
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Description
Sweet, creamy, and delightfully tart—these Rhubarb Cheesecake Crumble Bars combine a buttery crust, rich cheesecake layer, and fresh rhubarb topping. Easy to make and perfect for spring!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups flour
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 cup chopped rhubarb
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, softened butter, and ¼ cup sugar until crumbly. Press into a greased 8×8″ pan for crust.
- Bake crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, ⅓ cup sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread filling over baked crust. Top with chopped rhubarb
- Sprinkle remaining crust mixture on top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until set and golden.
- Cool completely, chill, then slice into bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
