Rhubarb Bars With Cream Cheese Recipe That Melts in Your Mouth!

These Rhubarb Bars are a dreamy fusion of tangy and creamy, layered with the kind of old-fashioned charm you’d find in a small-town bakery tucked along a country road. With a soft, buttery base and a velvety cream cheese swirl, they strike that perfect balance between sweet and tart.

Don’t be fooled by the elegance—this recipe is incredibly approachable, blending classic baking techniques with Southern-inspired comfort. It tastes just as good as our other dessert favorites like Nanny’s Buttermilk Pie and Rhubarb Crisp—a true melt-in-your-mouth moment.

Whether served warm or chilled, each bite delivers a spoonful of nostalgia with a touch of culinary flair. From spring picnics to Sunday dinners, these bars are proof that rhubarb deserves way more than just a side dish.

Perfect For Spring Brunches!

• I started making these when my garden exploded with rhubarb—it was the easiest way to use up the harvest and still impress at the table.
• They’ve become my signature potluck dessert because they hold up well when traveling and always spark conversation (especially that cream cheese swirl).
• When I was watching my weight, I discovered that swapping in low-fat cream cheese still kept them creamy and satisfying—no guilt necessary.
• Honestly, they’re as addictive as any bakery treat—rich, tangy, smooth, and just sweet enough to keep you coming back for seconds.

Rhubarb Bars With Cream Cheese Recipe

These creamy, tangy rhubarb bars feature a buttery crust, a juicy rhubarb layer, and a smooth cream cheese topping, finished with a sweet glaze. Baked in layers, they’re perfect for spring gatherings, offering a delightful balance of tart fruit and rich, velvety filling.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24 people

Calories 222.5 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (3)
• Hand or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Whisk
• Oven mitts

Ingredients

  

Ctust

• 1½ cups flour
• ½ cup sugar
• ¾ cup butter

Rhubarb Layer

• 2 Tbsp flour
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 cups chopped rhubarb

Cream Cheese Filling

• ½ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 8 oz cream cheese blocks

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Mix crust ingredients and press into a 9×13-inch pan and bake for 10 minutes.
  
• Toss rhubarb, sugar, and flour. Spread over hot crust and bake for 15 minutes.
  
• Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  
• Add eggs one at a time, beating after each.
  
• Pour cream cheese mixture over rhubarb layer. Bake 25 minutes.
  
• Mix glaze ingredients while bars bake.
  
• Spread glaze over bars immediately after baking.
• Cool completely before cutting and serving.
  

Notes

• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smoother filling.
• Use fresh or frozen rhubarb, but if using frozen, thaw and drain well to avoid sogginess.
• Tap the pan gently on the counter after pouring the cream cheese layer to release air bubbles.

Variations To Help You Customise This Dish!

1. Add Berries: Mix in ½ cup of chopped strawberries or raspberries with the rhubarb for extra color and sweetness.
2. Make It Nutty: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter or streusel for crunch and warmth.
3. Citrus Twist: Stir in 1 tablespoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter to brighten up the flavor.
4. Swap the Topping: Replace the streusel with a simple powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese drizzle for a different finish.
5. Make It Whole Wheat: Use half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour for a slightly heartier texture.