Cream Cheese Rhubarb Bars – Gooey Tart Summer Dessert

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Rhubarb Bars with Cream Cheese are a delightful treat that not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also offer several health benefits. These bars can be a quick meal prep option for busy weeks, allowing you to enjoy a healthier version of a dessert without too much time in the kitchen. With their cream cheese topping, they make for a lighter option compared to heavier desserts. Plus, the combination of rhubarb and oats provides a dose of fiber and low sugar, making these bars a great fit for those on a weight loss journey or looking for diabetic-friendly options.

HOW TO MAKE Rhubarb Bars with Cream Cheese

Creating these Rhubarb Bars at home is simple and fun. You’ll love how easy it is to mix fresh ingredients into a delicious dessert that your friends and family will adore.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Electric mixer
• Spatula

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups chopped rhubarb
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 baking dish by greasing it lightly.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix it well until crumbly, then press this mixture into the bottom of the dish. Bake for 15 minutes.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped rhubarb, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook while stirring until the mixture becomes thick. Add the vanilla extract and stir to combine.
4. Spread the rhubarb mixture evenly over the baked crust. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
5. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a bit of vanilla until smooth and creamy. Make sure to scrape the sides to get everything mixed well.
6. Once the rhubarb bars have cooled, spread the cream cheese topping over them. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares and serving.

this Recipe

HOW TO SERVE Rhubarb Bars with Cream Cheese

When serving Rhubarb Bars, portion control is key, especially when considering their deliciously sweet cream cheese topping. Aim for small squares, which can help with maintaining a healthy dessert habit. These bars can be served plain or garnished with fresh fruit such as strawberries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture. For a truly unique experience, try pairing them with a dollop of Greek yogurt. This adds a creamy, high-protein element to your serving and makes for a balanced meal or snack.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Rhubarb Bars with Cream Cheese

Rhubarb Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 5–7 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them! Slice the bars and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They should last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours at room temperature before enjoying.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Consider serving these bars alongside a fresh fruit salad or a green salad with nuts and light dressing for a balanced meal. Including fruits and veggies ensures you’re getting more nutrients, fiber, and a variety of flavors on your plate. These bars can be the perfect ending to a healthy lunch or dinner, satisfying your sweet tooth while keeping your meal light and nutritious.

VARIATIONS

For those looking to enhance their Rhubarb Bars experience, here are some variations to consider:

• Healthier Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. You can also use a sugar substitute to lower the sugar content.
• High-Protein or Low-Carb Version: Replace the oats with almond flour and cut down on the sugar. Adding protein powder to the cream cheese layer can also increase the protein content.
• Air Fryer Version: If you’re looking to save time and energy, you can make these bars in an air fryer. Just adjust the cooking time to about 10–12 minutes for the crust and a similar duration for baking the rhubarb mixture until bubbly.

FAQs

1. Are Rhubarb Bars suitable for diabetics?

Yes, you can make these bars diabetic-friendly by using a sugar substitute and whole grain flour, which can help in managing blood sugar levels.

2. Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen rhubarb can be used when fresh is not available. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid before cooking.

3. How can I make these bars gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Rhubarb Bars, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends available in stores.

4. How do I store leftover Rhubarb Bars?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Rhubarb Bars with Cream Cheese

These Rhubarb Bars are a fantastic option for meal prep. You can make them in advance, allowing for easy grab-and-go snacks throughout the week. Consider prepping these bars on a weekend, so you have a healthy dessert ready to enjoy for the week ahead. They also make great treats for parties or gatherings, as you can cut them into small squares and easily transport them. Enjoy the convenience of having a healthier dessert option on hand without compromising on taste!

Creating a batch of Rhubarb Bars with Cream Cheese means you’re not only treating yourself but doing so in a way that aligns with your health goals. Whether you’re on a weight loss journey or need something delicious and nutritious, this recipe is sure to please. So, gather your ingredients and start baking today!

Rhubarb Bars with Cream Cheese

Delightful Rhubarb Bars topped with cream cheese, offering a healthier dessert option packed with fiber and low sugar.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 squares

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Crust ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup butter, melted

Filling ingredients

• 2 cups chopped rhubarb
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly, then press into the bottom of the baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes.

Filling

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Cook while stirring until thickened. Stir in the vanilla extract.
2. Spread the rhubarb mixture over the baked crust. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly.

Topping

1. Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy, scrapping the sides to mix well.
2. Once the rhubarb bars have cooled, spread the cream cheese topping evenly over them. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

Serve with fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added nutrition. Can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months.