Rhubarb Cheesecake Squares
Rhubarb Cheesecake Squares are a perfect dessert for spring and summer, featuring a rich, creamy cheesecake layer, a buttery oat crust, and a tangy rhubarb filling. The combination of textures—smooth cheesecake, crumbly oat topping, and soft, tart rhubarb—creates a deliciously balanced dessert that is perfect for family gatherings, afternoon tea, or a sweet treat after dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions make this dessert approachable for all bakers.
- Great for rhubarb season: A fantastic way to use fresh rhubarb from your garden or the farmers’ market.
- Perfectly balanced flavors: Sweet cheesecake complements the tart rhubarb, and the oat crust adds a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
For the Rhubarb Filling:
- 5 cups chopped rhubarb (fresh or frozen)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 3 teaspoons cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 ounces (two 8-ounce blocks) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup powdered sugar (icing sugar)
- 1 large egg
For the Crust and Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup butter, melted or softened
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- A pinch of salt
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional, for added crunch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rhubarb Filling
- In a medium saucepan, combine chopped rhubarb, sugar, and 1 tablespoon of water.
- Place over medium heat and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rhubarb softens and begins to break down.
- In a small bowl, mix 3 teaspoons of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the rhubarb and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool while preparing the other layers.
Tips for Success:
- If using frozen rhubarb, thaw it completely and drain excess liquid before cooking to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
- Adjust the sugar if your rhubarb is particularly tart—you can add 1-2 extra tablespoons if needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and egg using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Set aside until ready to assemble the bars.
Tip: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer.
Step 3: Make the Crust and Crumb Topping
- In a large mixing bowl, combine butter, flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and walnuts.
- Use a fork or your hands to mix everything together until the mixture becomes crumbly and holds together when pressed.
Tips for the Perfect Crust:
- If the mixture is too dry, add 1 extra tablespoon of melted butter until it holds together.
- If it feels too wet, add a little extra flour or oats to balance the texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake Bars
- Prepare the pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
- Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form a crust.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the crust, using a spatula to smooth it out.
- Spoon the cooled rhubarb mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat crumb mixture evenly over the top.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing.
- For best results, chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Why Chill the Bars?
- Chilling helps the cheesecake layer set properly.
- It makes slicing cleaner and easier.
Serving & Storage
How to Serve:
- These bars can be served cold or at room temperature.
- For an extra special touch, top with a dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
How to Store:
- In the refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- In the freezer: Place bars in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Variations & Customizations
✔ Strawberry-Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars: Replace 1 cup of rhubarb with fresh strawberries for a sweeter, fruitier twist.
✔ Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats.
✔ Nut-Free Version: Omit the walnuts from the crumb mixture.
✔ Extra Tangy Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the rhubarb mixture for a citrusy boost.
✔ Coconut Crunch Variation: Substitute ½ cup of shredded coconut for some of the oats for added texture.
Final Thoughts
These Rhubarb Cheesecake Squares are a delicious way to enjoy rhubarb, blending creamy, tart, and crunchy elements into a single, irresistible dessert. They’re perfect for spring gatherings, potlucks, or as a sweet treat to enjoy with coffee or tea.