Rhubarb Bars with Cream Cheese A Creamy Take on Rhubarb Desserts

Posted on August 24, 2025

Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars

If you’re searching for a unique way to elevate your rhubarb desserts, these rhubarb bars with cream cheese deliver an irresistible combination of tart fruit and velvety smoothness. This treat offers layers of flavor and texture: a buttery crust, a rich cream cheese filling, a tart rhubarb layer, and a golden crumble topping. It’s a perfect dessert for spring and summer, especially when fresh rhubarb is in season.

What sets this dessert apart from traditional bars is its creamy twist. The inclusion of a cream cheese layer transforms the overall flavor into something akin to a cheesecake, while still letting rhubarb shine. Unlike typical rhubarb pies or crisps, this recipe creates a handheld, portable treat that’s ideal for potlucks, brunches, or just an indulgent weeknight sweet. For a broader context on the main ingredient, check out what is rhubarb to learn about its culinary uses and seasonal availability.

Another highlight is how the cream cheese balances the tartness of rhubarb. Cream cheese desserts have long been favored for their silky texture and rich taste. As noted in this overview of cream cheese, the ingredient’s mild acidity complements fruits like rhubarb beautifully. You’ll often find variations of this pairing in strawberry rhubarb bars, crumbles, and pies, all of which inspire this modern version of the dessert.

For readers looking for creative baking inspiration or presentation tips, explore this curated rhubarb desserts board on Pinterest for visual ideas and more ways to use this seasonal ingredient.

What Are Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars?

Rhubarb cream cheese bars are a multi-layered dessert that combines the bright, tangy flavor of rhubarb with the richness of cream cheese, all built on a buttery shortbread-style crust and topped with a crumbly streusel. The result is a handheld dessert that’s both refreshing and decadent, striking a perfect balance between tart and creamy. Unlike traditional rhubarb pies or crisps, these bars are compact, sliceable, and incredibly versatile.

Each layer serves a specific purpose in delivering texture and flavor:

Crust: A simple base made from flour, powdered sugar, and cold butter, similar to a shortbread crust, offering a sturdy yet melt-in-your-mouth foundation.
Cream Cheese Layer: Smooth and slightly tangy, this layer mimics the appeal of a cheesecake bar dessert, but in a thinner format that doesn’t overpower the fruit.
Rhubarb Layer: Cooked with sugar and cornstarch until jammy, this vibrant pink layer brings bold tartness and a burst of fruit flavor.
Crumble Topping: A mix of flour, brown sugar, and butter that bakes into a golden, slightly crunchy finish.

This dessert is an ideal solution for anyone looking to use up extra rhubarb or introduce it to family and friends in a more approachable format. For those unfamiliar with pastry preparation, learning a bit about pastry-making techniques can make the assembly of these bars even easier.

These bars fit nicely into a variety of occasions—from casual weeknight cravings to elegant brunch trays. They also store well, making them perfect for make-ahead desserts. If you’re a Pinterest user looking for presentation inspiration or flavor twists, check out this cream cheese dessert ideas board to explore new ways to style and serve them.

Why Rhubarb and Cream Cheese Work So Well Together

The pairing of rhubarb and cream cheese creates a sophisticated balance of tart and creamy that elevates any dessert. Rhubarb, with its natural sourness, brings a sharp brightness that cuts through the richness of cream cheese, resulting in a well-rounded flavor profile. This contrast is what makes rhubarb cream cheese bars so satisfying and unique among rhubarb desserts.

From a flavor perspective, the cream cheese softens the assertive tang of the rhubarb without masking it. The result is a dessert that’s neither too tart nor overly sweet. According to the Wikipedia entry on cream cheese, its mild lactic flavor and smooth texture make it an ideal companion for fruits, especially those with high acidity like rhubarb or citrus.

Texture plays a major role in why this combination works. Rhubarb, once cooked, becomes soft and jam-like. When layered over a creamy filling and a crumbly crust, it creates a contrast that appeals to a wide range of palates. This layered composition is similar in approach to baking with fresh fruit, where moisture and acidity are important considerations in maintaining the dessert’s structure.

On Pinterest, the combination is a frequent theme in seasonal baking. Browse this strawberry rhubarb desserts collection for even more inspiration where cream cheese and tart fruits come together in pies, bars, and layered cakes. These ideas can also inspire additional variations you can incorporate into your own cream cheese rhubarb bars.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Creating the perfect rhubarb cream cheese bars starts with a well-balanced list of ingredients that serve both flavor and function. Each component contributes to the final texture—crispy base, creamy center, tart fruit, and crumbly topping. Below is a breakdown of the ingredients by layer, along with possible substitutions to accommodate dietary needs or pantry limitations.

For the Crust:

All-purpose flour (1½ cups): The structural base of the crust. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Powdered sugar (½ cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Cold unsalted butter (¾ cup, cubed): Essential for a flaky, crumbly base. Vegan butter substitutes also work well.

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The star of the creamy layer. Use full-fat for best texture, or a plant-based version for a dairy-free alternative. Learn more about its role in desserts in this cream cheese basics guide.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
Egg (1 large): Binds the mixture together.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances overall flavor; almond extract or citrus zest can be used for variation.

For the Rhubarb Layer:

Fresh rhubarb (2 cups, diced): Preferably in season for best flavor and texture. If using frozen rhubarb, thaw and drain excess liquid.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Offsets rhubarb’s natural tartness.
Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Thickens the fruit filling as it cooks.
Water (¼ cup): Helps simmer the fruit into a soft, spoonable mixture.

For a deeper dive into seasonal baking with fruit, refer to this guide on baking with fresh fruit, which covers how moisture and acidity affect baking outcomes.

For the Topping:

All-purpose flour (½ cup) and brown sugar (½ cup): Form the base of the crumble.
Cold unsalted butter (¼ cup, cubed): Creates the golden, crunchy texture on top.

If you’re looking to personalize your bars, the Pinterest board on spring brunch dessert ideas showcases creative combinations, like adding oats, crushed nuts, or cinnamon to the topping for extra crunch and flavor.

These thoughtfully selected ingredients and substitutions ensure the bars remain adaptable for a range of diets and preferences without sacrificing their signature flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions with Baking Tips

Making rhubarb cream cheese bars at home may look complex, but breaking it down layer by layer makes the process simple and manageable. Follow these precise steps to ensure each element turns out perfectly.

1. Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, mix 1½ cups all-purpose flour with ½ cup powdered sugar.
Cut in ¾ cup cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the crumb mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Remove and set aside to cool slightly.

For those unfamiliar with pastry basics, you can read up on shortbread crust techniques to better understand this type of base and how it sets during baking.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer

In a mixing bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with ½ cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add 1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and lump-free.
Pour and gently spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the warm crust.

This layer mimics a classic cheesecake bar dessert, but thinner and more balanced with the tart rhubarb topping.

3. Cook the Rhubarb Layer

In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups diced fresh rhubarb, ½ cup sugar, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and ¼ cup water.
Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is thickened and the rhubarb is softened (about 5–7 minutes).
Let it cool slightly, then gently spoon the mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly.

If you’re using frozen rhubarb, make sure to thaw and drain it first to prevent excess moisture, a common issue highlighted in fruit preservation practices.

4. Prepare the Crumble Topping

In a small bowl, mix ½ cup flour and ½ cup brown sugar.
Cut in ¼ cup cold, cubed unsalted butter until the mixture is crumbly.
Sprinkle evenly over the rhubarb layer.

5. Bake the Bars

Return the assembled bars to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
Allow the pan to cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Once chilled, cut into bars for clean, crisp edges.

For helpful visuals and serving ideas, browse this Pinterest board on cream cheese dessert ideas to see how others present similar layered treats.

Flavor Variations and Add-ins

These rhubarb bars with cream cheese are highly customizable. Whether you’re looking for a fruity twist or a crunchier texture, the variations below let you adapt the recipe to your preferences or what’s in season.

Add Strawberries: Mix in 1 cup chopped strawberries with the rhubarb to create a classic strawberry-rhubarb combo. This softens the tartness and adds sweetness.
Citrus Zest: Add orange or lemon zest to the cream cheese layer for a bright, zesty note.
Swap the Crust: Use a graham cracker or oatmeal cookie crust for a different base flavor and texture.
Nutty Topping: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble for added crunch.
Oats in the Crumble: Replace half the flour in the topping with old-fashioned oats for a rustic finish.

These ideas are commonly featured in recipes found on this strawberry rhubarb desserts board, offering endless inspiration for tweaking your bars.

Serving Suggestions & Occasions

These rhubarb cream cheese bars are perfect for almost any occasion and pair beautifully with a range of beverages and accompaniments.

Serve Chilled: These bars taste best cold, which enhances the creaminess and keeps the layers firm.
Pairings: Serve with hot coffee, iced tea, or a chilled dessert wine for a sophisticated touch.
For Brunch: Include them on a spring brunch tray with mini quiches and fruit.
For Parties: Cut them into bite-sized squares for dessert buffets or bake sales.
Presentation Tips:
- Use a warm knife for clean cuts.
- Dust the tops with powdered sugar just before serving for a bakery-style finish.

You can find more seasonal serving inspiration on this spring brunch dessert ideas board.

How to Store and Freeze Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars

Proper storage is key to maintaining the texture and flavor of your bars. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Refrigerator:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezer:
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.

These freezing tips are consistent with recommendations found in fruit preservation methods, which help retain flavor and structure in fruit-based desserts.

Nutritional Information & Dietary Considerations

These cream cheese rhubarb bars are rich and satisfying, but it’s good to be mindful of their nutritional profile, especially if you’re watching calories or sugar.

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown (per bar, based on 20 servings):

Calories: ~220
Fat: 12g
Sugar: 14g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 2g

Dietary Tips:

Lower Sugar: Reduce sugar in the rhubarb layer slightly or use a sugar substitute.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend for the crust and topping.
Dairy-Free: Substitute with plant-based cream cheese and butter alternatives.

For those interested in lightening up their desserts, explore lower-sugar and gluten-free options in this Pinterest collection of cream cheese dessert ideas.

FAQs – Based on ‘People Also Ask’

Can I use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen rhubarb works well. Thaw completely and drain off excess moisture to avoid a watery filling.

How do you make rhubarb less tart?
Add strawberries or increase the sugar slightly. Also, combining with cream cheese softens the tart flavor.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely. These bars taste even better after chilling. Make them a day in advance for best results.

How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
The crumble topping should be golden, and the center should be just set with a slight jiggle—similar to cheesecake.

Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free cream cheese and a vegan butter substitute. The results are slightly different but still delicious.

For more about pastry textures and tips, refer to this pastry making techniques guide