Creamy Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars Recipe | Easy Spring Dessert

Have you ever wondered how you could transform seasonal rhubarb into a delightful dessert that redefines the very essence of spring? Picture this: creamy bars layered with tart rhubarb and sweet cream cheese, creating a perfect balance that tantalizes your taste buds. If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert, look no further! This Creamy Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars Recipe | Easy Spring Dessert is not only simple but also a celebration of delightful spring flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients Needed

To make these delicious Creamy Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars, gather the following:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of our crust, providing the right texture and structure.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bars and balances the tartness of the rhubarb.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a light, fluffy texture to the crust.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Ensures a rich, buttery flavor in the crust.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
• 1/4 cup milk: Helps create a moist, tender crust.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: The star of our recipe, it provides a rich, creamy filling.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling, contributing to its smooth texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds an aromatic depth of flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces: The key ingredient, adding tartness and refreshing taste.
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional): Adds a lovely crunch; feel free to swap with walnuts or almonds for variety.

Timing

Preparation time for these Creamy Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars is approximately 20 minutes, with a baking time of about 35-40 minutes. In total, you’re looking at around 60 minutes before you can indulge, which is significantly quicker than many traditional spring desserts that can take over an hour to prep and bake.

How to Make Creamy Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars Recipe | Easy Spring Dessert

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter and lightly dust with flour or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until well combined.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Incorporate 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 1 egg, and 1/4 cup milk into the flour mixture. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until you achieve a crumbly, slightly moist dough.

Step 4: Press Approximately 2/3 of the Dough

Press about 2/3 of the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to form a solid base layer. Set aside the remaining dough for the crumble topping.

Step 5: Beat the Cream Cheese

In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Step 6: Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla

To the cream cheese, mix in 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, continuing to blend until the mixture is completely smooth.

Step 7: Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust layer, making sure to reach the edges for a uniform flavor.

Step 8: Evenly Scatter the Chopped Rhubarb

Evenly distribute 1 1/2 cups of chopped rhubarb over the cream cheese layer, ensuring the pieces are about uniform in size for even cooking.

Step 9: Sprinkle the Reserved Crumble Mixture

Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the rhubarb layer. If you desire, add 1/4 cup of chopped pecans for that extra crunch.

Step 10: Bake for 35-40 Minutes

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cream cheese filling appears set.

Step 11: Allow the Bars to Cool Completely

Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For the cleanest cuts, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before slicing into squares.

Nutritional Information

Each bar (based on 16 servings) contains approximately:

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Sugars: 12g

This nutritious breakdown positions your dessert as a delightful option compared to many high-sugar desserts available in bakeries.

Healthier Alternatives For Creamy Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars Recipe | Easy Spring Dessert

To enhance the nutritional content of your Creamy Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars, consider the following substitutions:

• Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese for a lower-fat option while retaining creaminess.
• Replace granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
• Consider swapping out butter for coconut oil to cater to dairy-free diets.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are delicious on their own but can be served with:

• A dollop of whipped cream or ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• A dusting of cinnamon sugar for added flavor.
• Fresh strawberries or a mint leaf garnish to enhance the springtime theme.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

1. Not softening the cream cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps.
2. Overmixing the batter: Blend just enough to combine the ingredients for a tender crust.
3. Incorrect oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is well-calibrated; this avoids undercooked centers or overbaked tops.

Storing Tips For Creamy Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars Recipe | Easy Spring Dessert

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion

These Creamy Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars are a fantastic way to celebrate the joys of spring with their vibrant flavor and creamy texture. Easy to prepare and packed with deliciousness, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. So why not give this recipe a try? Share your thoughts, feedback, or even variations you love in the comments below, and don’t forget to explore more of our spring-inspired recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell when my rhubarb is ripe?

Look for rhubarb stalks that are firm, brightly colored, and not too thin. Stick to stalks that bend slightly but remain intact, indicating ripeness.

Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?

Yes, frozen rhubarb works just fine. Just make sure to drain excess moisture before adding it to the recipe.

Is there a vegan alternative for these bars?

Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg) and use plant-based alternatives for cream cheese and butter.

Embark on your spring baking adventure with these delightful bars — you won’t be disappointed!

Creamy Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars

• Author: linda
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightful creamy bars layered with tart rhubarb and sweet cream cheese, perfect for spring.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Incorporate softened butter, egg, and milk into the flour mixture until crumbly.
4. Press 2/3 of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
6. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, blending until smooth.
7. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust layer.
8. Scatter chopped rhubarb evenly over the cream cheese layer.
9. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the rhubarb layer.
10. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown.
11. Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares.

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Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; freeze for up to 3 months.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: rhubarb dessert, spring dessert, creamy bars, easy dessert