Description
Make easy, sliceable rhubarb bars without turning on your oven using a simple graham cracker crust and a creamy filling.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup rhubarb jam or preserves (for topping)
- 1/4 cup fresh rhubarb, finely diced and blanched (optional, for texture)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Place the crust in the freezer for 15 minutes to set.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. If using blanched rhubarb, gently fold it in now.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
- Spoon small dollops of the rhubarb jam over the top of the cream cheese layer. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the jam into the filling for a marbled effect.
- Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the bars are firm enough to slice.
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into 16 squares before serving.
Notes
- To quickly blanch the fresh rhubarb, place the finely diced pieces in boiling water for 1 minute, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath. Drain well before using.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with a firm cashew cream base or store-bought vegan cream cheese alternative.
- If you prefer a firmer bar, you can add 1 teaspoon of unflavored gelatin dissolved in 2 tablespoons of hot water to the cream cheese mixture before spreading.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Refrigeration
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 19
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 35