The Flourishing Abode

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

Posted on

Published By:

Anjali Arora

Anjali Arora

rhubarb-bars-with-cream-cheese-served-on-white-marble

Desserts

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!

rhubarb-bars-cooling-and-serving-on-marble-before-serving-2
  • 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-served-on-white-marble

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.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
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

  • 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.
    glass-bowl-with-crust-ingredients-pressed-into-pan
  • Toss rhubarb, sugar, and flour. Spread over hot crust and bake for 15 minutes.
    fresh-rhubarb-mixture-spread-over-baked-crust
  • Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
    preparing-the-luscious-cream-cheese-topping-for-the-bars-2
  • Add eggs one at a time, beating after each.
    cream-cheese-mixture-in-glass-bowl-on-white-marble
  • Pour cream cheese mixture over rhubarb layer. Bake 25 minutes.
    cream-cheese-layer-spread-over-rhubarb-2
  • Mix glaze ingredients while bars bake.
    glaze-ingredients-being-mixed-in-glass-bowl-2
  • Spread glaze over bars immediately after baking.
  • Cool completely before cutting and serving.
    rhubarb-bars-cooling-and-serving-on-marble-before-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.
Calories222.5kcal
Carbohydrates1.3g
Fiber0.4g
Fat14.2g
Protein3.2g
Cholesterol56.5g

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.

Tags:

homemade cakes / rhubarb recipes

You might also like these recipes

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating