Description
Creamy rhubarb cheesecake bars with a buttery shortbread base and almond crumble topping. A perfect spring dessert that’s rich, tangy, and easy to slice.
Ingredients
Scale
- Shortbread Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Cheesecake Layer
- 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Rhubarb Filling
- 4 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Splash of water if needed
- Almond Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mix flour, sugar, and salt for the crust. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Press crust into pan and pre-bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cook rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon in a saucepan for 5–7 minutes until thickened. Cool slightly.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time.
- Mix in vanilla extract and lemon juice.
- Prepare streusel by mixing flour, brown sugar, and butter until clumps form. Stir in almonds and oats.
- Spread cheesecake mixture over warm crust.
- Spoon rhubarb compote on top and gently swirl or layer.
- Sprinkle almond streusel evenly over the top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until set and golden brown.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate at least 4 hours before slicing.
Notes
Ensure rhubarb compote is thick to prevent soggy crust. Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling. Pre-baking the crust helps create a moisture barrier. Bars taste even better the next day after chilling. Use a hot knife for clean slices.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square