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Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars

Delicious and easy-to-make rhubarb cream cheese bars that are perfect for any celebration, featuring a creamy filling and tangy rhubarb.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour can substitute with gluten-free flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar can use stevia or a sugar substitute
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter can use margarine
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional nutmeg can be used for variation
  • 1 cup rolled oats can use quick oats
  • 1/2 cup melted butter can use coconut oil for dairy-free option
For the cream cheese layer and filling
  • 8 ounces cream cheese can use Greek yogurt as a lower-fat alternative
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar can use light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract can replace with almond extract
  • 1 large egg can use a flax egg for vegan option
  • 2 cups rhubarb can substitute with cranberries or raspberries

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour, granulated sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your lined pan.
  3. In a separate bowl, blend the cream cheese, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and the egg until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the crust.
  4. In another bowl, combine the rhubarb and rolled oats. Sprinkle this mixture over the cream cheese layer, pressing gently.
Baking
  1. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden. Let it cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Notes

Chill your bars for at least 2 hours before cutting; warm bars may fall apart. Always line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut for the best edges. Consider making these bars a day ahead for gatherings; they can develop more flavor overnight. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.