Rhubarb Cheesecake Dream Bars: A Slice of Spring in Every Bite

Spring is in the air, and with it comes the vibrant tartness of rhubarb! If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors, look no further than these Rhubarb Cheesecake Dream Bars. These bars are a triple threat of deliciousness: a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a sweet-tart rhubarb topping. They’re easy to make, beautiful to look at, and utterly irresistible. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this seasonal treat!

## Why You’ll Love These Rhubarb Cheesecake Dream Bars

* **The Perfect Balance of Flavors:** The tartness of the rhubarb is perfectly complemented by the sweetness of the cheesecake and the buttery graham cracker crust. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite!
* **Easy to Make:** While they look impressive, these bars are surprisingly simple to put together. No fancy techniques required!
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** These bars can be made a day or two in advance, making them perfect for entertaining.
* **A Celebration of Spring:** Rhubarb is a quintessential spring ingredient, and these bars are a delicious way to enjoy it.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adapt the recipe to your liking. Add other fruits to the rhubarb topping, or use a different type of crust.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

**For the Graham Cracker Crust:**

* 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 graham crackers)
* ⅓ cup granulated sugar
* 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted

**For the Cheesecake Filling:**

* 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
* ⅔ cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ¼ teaspoon salt

**For the Rhubarb Topping:**

* 4 cups chopped rhubarb (about 1 pound)
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* ¼ cup water
* 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, but recommended)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
* Saucepan
* Rubber spatula
* Aluminum foil (optional, for easier cleanup)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own Rhubarb Cheesecake Dream Bars:

### Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the bars out later. Alternatively, you can grease the pan well.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened. The mixture should resemble wet sand.
3. **Press into Pan:** Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to firmly pack the crust.
4. **Bake the Crust:** Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

### Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. **Cream the Cream Cheese:** In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps.
2. **Add Sugar:** Gradually add the sugar to the cream cheese and continue beating until well combined. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
3. **Incorporate Eggs:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be careful not to overmix, as this can incorporate too much air into the batter and cause the cheesecake to crack.
4. **Add Vanilla and Salt:** Stir in the vanilla extract and salt until just combined.

### Step 3: Prepare the Rhubarb Topping

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped rhubarb, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir well to coat the rhubarb with the cornstarch.
2. **Add Water:** Pour in the water and stir to combine.
3. **Cook the Rhubarb:** Cook the rhubarb mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the rhubarb is tender and the sauce has thickened. This will take about 5-7 minutes. The rhubarb should break down slightly but still retain some of its shape.
4. **Add Lemon Juice (Optional):** Stir in the lemon juice for added brightness and flavor. This will enhance the tartness of the rhubarb.
5. **Let Cool Slightly:** Remove the rhubarb topping from the heat and let it cool slightly while you assemble the bars.

### Step 4: Assemble the Rhubarb Cheesecake Dream Bars

1. **Pour Cheesecake Filling:** Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust.
2. **Spoon Rhubarb Topping:** Spoon the rhubarb topping evenly over the cheesecake filling. You can create a swirl pattern by using a knife or skewer to gently swirl the rhubarb into the cheesecake filling. Be careful not to overmix.

### Step 5: Bake the Bars

1. **Bake in Oven:** Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the edges are lightly golden brown. The center should still have a slight jiggle to it.
2. **Cool Completely:** Turn off the oven and let the bars cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about an hour. This will help prevent cracking. After an hour, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before cutting and serving. This allows the cheesecake to fully set and the flavors to meld together.

### Step 6: Cut and Serve

1. **Lift Bars from Pan:** Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Alternatively, carefully cut around the edges of the bars to loosen them.
2. **Cut into Squares:** Cut the bars into squares or rectangles. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut.
3. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the Rhubarb Cheesecake Dream Bars chilled. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, if desired.

## Tips for Success

* **Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese:** Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened before you start making the filling. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
* **Don’t Overmix the Cheesecake Filling:** Overmixing the filling can incorporate too much air, which can cause the cheesecake to crack during baking. Mix until just combined.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Your Liking:** If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar in the rhubarb topping or the cheesecake filling. Alternatively, if you like it sweeter, increase the amount of sugar.
* **Use Fresh Rhubarb:** Fresh rhubarb is best for this recipe, but you can also use frozen rhubarb. If using frozen rhubarb, thaw it completely and drain off any excess liquid before using.
* **Prevent Cracking:** To prevent the cheesecake from cracking, bake it in a water bath. To do this, wrap the bottom of the baking pan in aluminum foil and place it in a larger baking pan. Pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan. Bake as directed.
* **Cool Slowly:** Cooling the cheesecake slowly will also help prevent cracking. Let it cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar, then at room temperature, and finally in the refrigerator.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** While rhubarb is the star of the show, you can get creative with other toppings. Try adding a streusel topping, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
* **Make Individual Bars:** For a more elegant presentation, you can bake the cheesecake in individual ramekins or muffin tins. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
* **Storage:** Store leftover Rhubarb Cheesecake Dream Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

## Variations and Adaptations

* **Strawberry Rhubarb:** Combine rhubarb with strawberries for a sweeter, less tart topping.
* **Ginger Rhubarb:** Add a touch of ground ginger to the rhubarb topping for a warm and spicy flavor.
* **Almond Extract:** Substitute almond extract for vanilla extract in the cheesecake filling for a nutty flavor.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free graham crackers to make a gluten-free version of this recipe.
* **Vegan:** Use vegan cream cheese and butter substitutes to make a vegan version of this recipe. Look for vegan graham crackers or make your own crust using a combination of almond flour, oats, and coconut oil.

## Serving Suggestions

These Rhubarb Cheesecake Dream Bars are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dessert:

* **With Whipped Cream:** Top the bars with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a classic pairing.
* **With Ice Cream:** Serve the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or rhubarb sorbet for a refreshing treat.
* **With Fresh Berries:** Garnish the bars with fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
* **With a Drizzle of Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the bars for added sweetness and richness.
* **With a Sprinkle of Graham Cracker Crumbs:** Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the bars for added texture and flavor.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-400 per bar (depending on serving size and ingredients)
* Fat: 20-25g
* Saturated Fat: 12-15g
* Cholesterol: 80-100mg
* Sodium: 200-250mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-35g
* Sugar: 20-25g
* Protein: 5-7g

*Please note that this is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.*

## Conclusion

These Rhubarb Cheesecake Dream Bars are a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of spring. With their buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet-tart rhubarb topping, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these delicious bars! Enjoy!