Delicious Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Craving a dessert that perfectly captures the essence of spring? Look no further than these delectable Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars! With a buttery pecan crust, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a vibrant homemade strawberry rhubarb jam topping, these bars are a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors that will leave your taste buds singing. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a special sweet indulgence, these bars are sure to impress with every single bite.

The magic of these Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars lies in the harmonious combination of fresh strawberries and tangy rhubarb, expertly paired with a creamy cheesecake layer and a nutty crust. Each element plays a crucial role in creating a dessert that not only tastes heavenly but also offers a satisfying mix of textures. The best part? This recipe is straightforward and uses simple ingredients, making it a perfect choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to whip up a batch of these irresistible bars that are bound to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Quick Benefits

• Perfect Combination of Flavors and Textures: Tangy sweetness of seasonal fruits with creamy cheesecake filling and buttery pecan crust
• Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy or hard-to-find items
• Make Ahead Dessert: Ideal for gatherings, needs to chill overnight
• Healthy and Indulgent: Provides a balance with vitamin C, antioxidants, heart-healthy fats, and protein

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars Recipe Recipe

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The blend of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb, paired with the creamy cheesecake filling and nutty pecan crust, offers a delightful balance of flavors in every bite.
• Simple Ingredients: With common ingredients like all-purpose flour, cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and rhubarb, this recipe is easy to make with items you likely already have in your pantry.
• Make-Ahead Dessert: Ideal for gatherings, these bars can be prepared in advance and need to chill overnight, saving you time and stress on the day of your event.
• Health Benefits: The combination of strawberry and rhubarb provides a healthy dose of vitamin C and antioxidants, while the pecan crust adds heart-healthy fats and protein to this indulgent dessert.
• Seasonal Adaptability: While strawberry and rhubarb are perfect for spring, you can adapt this recipe year-round with different fruit combinations to suit the season, from blueberry and lemon in summer to apple and cranberry in fall.
• Nostalgic Touch: This recipe may evoke memories of childhood and family gatherings, making it a sentimental and heartwarming dessert to share with loved ones.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these bars on their own or elevate them by serving with whipped cream, ice cream, or alongside a mimosa or coffee for brunch gatherings or as a dessert course.
• Impressive Presentation: The beautiful layers of these bars make them as visually appealing as they are delicious, ensuring they will be a hit at any event or gathering.
• Long Storage Potential: These bars can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months, offering flexibility and convenience for enjoying them whenever you crave a sweet treat.

Ingredients for Delicious Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Crust

• Dash kosher salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar

Filling

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• Dash kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons 2% milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, room temperature, lightly beaten

Jam

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1-1/3 cups sliced fresh or frozen rhubarb
• 1-1/3 cups chopped fresh strawberries
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 cup sugar

Pro Tips for Delicious Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars Recipe

For the perfect crust, keep the butter cubes cold until ready to use to achieve a crumbly texture. The finely chopped pecans add a delightful nutty flavor to the base, giving it a unique taste. When baking the crust, ensure it is fully baked and cooled before adding the cheesecake filling for the best texture.

When making the strawberry rhubarb jam topping, cook the mixture until it thickens to ensure a luscious and spreadable layer over the cheesecake. Remember to let the jam cool completely before spreading it over the cream cheese filling to prevent the layers from mixing. For a neat presentation, slice the bars with a hot, clean knife between cuts to achieve clean and precise portions.

To enhance the flavors of these bars, consider serving them with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream and a sprig of fresh mint. The addition of whipped cream adds a lightness that complements the rich dessert, while the mint provides a refreshing contrast. Pair these strawberry rhubarb cheesecake bars with a mimosa for brunch or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for dessert to create a delightful culinary experience that your guests will love.

How to Make Delicious Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides.
2. In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in cubed butter until crumbly, then mix in chopped pecans.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan and bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges start to brown.
4. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Step 2: Step 02

In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Stir in milk, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt. Add the beaten egg and mix on low speed until just combined. Pour over the cooled crust. Bake until filling is set, approximately 15-20 minutes. Allow to cool on a wire rack for 1 hour.

Step 3: Step 03

Combine sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Stir in strawberries, rhubarb, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered until thickened, about 6-8 minutes. Cool jam completely.

Step 4: Step 04

Spread the cooled jam over the filling, then refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours or overnight until it is set.

Step 5: Step 05

Using the parchment paper, lift the cheesecake out of the baking pan and cut it into bars before serving.

Storage Tips

Once you have made the Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars, it is essential to store them properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. After allowing the bars to cool completely, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you need to stack the bars, place sheets of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, these bars freeze well for up to 3 months. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. Thaw the bars overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.

While the original recipe highlights the delightful combination of strawberries and rhubarb, you can customize these bars year-round by swapping the fruit jam topping to match the seasons. For summer, consider blueberry and lemon or raspberry and peach. In the fall, apple and cranberry with a hint of cinnamon can be a cozy variation. Winter calls for citrusy flavors like blood orange or Meyer lemon curd. The cheesecake base and crust remain constant; simply change the fruit topping to suit the season. Serve these bars on their own or elevate them by adding a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream and a sprig of fresh mint. For brunch, pair them with a mimosa or coffee, and for a dessert course, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream creates a delightful contrast that enhances the fruity jam layer.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are looking to make a variation of these Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars, you can experiment with different fruit combinations based on the season. For summer, consider blueberry and lemon or raspberry and peach. In the fall, apple and cranberry with a hint of cinnamon would be delightful. Winter options could include citrus variations like blood orange or Meyer lemon curd. The cheesecake base and crust remain the same, allowing you to swap out the fruit jam topping to match what’s available and in season.

If you are looking to make these bars nut-free or prefer a different nut flavor, you can easily swap out the pecans in the crust. Consider using walnuts, almonds, or even omitting the nuts entirely for a plain crust. This substitution can meet dietary restrictions or personal preferences while still maintaining the delicious buttery and crumbly texture of the crust. Just ensure you adjust the quantities accordingly to maintain the right consistency in the base.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try cutting the strawberry rhubarb cheesecake bars into bite-sized pieces and skewering them on small dessert sticks for a portable and elegant dessert option at parties or picnics. This presentation allows guests to enjoy the layers of flavors and textures in a convenient and visually appealing way.

Another fun idea is to crumble the pecan crust and sprinkle it over the top of the cheesecake bars just before serving. This adds an extra crunch and nutty flavor to each bite, creating a delightful contrast to the creamy filling and fruity jam layer. It also adds a decorative touch that enhances the overall dessert experience.

FAQs for Delicious Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Can I use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh in this recipe?

Yes, frozen rhubarb works fine. Just ensure it is well-drained before using to avoid excess moisture in the jam topping.

How can I ensure a smooth cheesecake filling for the bars?

Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. Beat it with sugar until smooth before adding other filling ingredients.

How long should I chill the bars before serving?

The bars should chill for 8 hours or overnight to fully set and achieve the best texture and flavor.

Can I omit the pecans in the crust or substitute them with a different nut?

If you prefer or have an allergy, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or omit them entirely for a plain crust.

Conclusion

As you embark on making these delightful Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars, remember that the joy of baking isn’t just in the final product but in the memories created and shared while making and enjoying them. The harmonious blend of flavors and textures in these bars is sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones and guests. Embrace the process, savor each step, and relish in the sweet rewards of your culinary efforts.

May these Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars grace your table with elegance and charm, creating moments of joy and connection with those you share them with. Let the vibrant colors and delectable layers serve as a reminder of the beauty and sweetness that life has to offer. So go ahead, bake up a batch of these bars, and indulge in a slice of pure bliss. Happy baking, and enjoy every luscious bite of these Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars!