These Rhubarb Cheesecake Squares are the perfect way to celebrate rhubarb season. A rich, creamy cheesecake layer sits atop a buttery oat crust, all crowned with a sweet tart rhubarb compote and crumbly walnut topping. It’s a rustic dessert that delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.
Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a backyard picnic, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these squares are sure to impress. The recipe is easy to follow, quick to prepare, and versatile enough to swap in strawberries or blueberries if you’re short on rhubarb. Trust us one square won’t be enough!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
Rhubarb Layer
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5 cups chopped rhubarb
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3/4 cup sugar
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1 Tbsp water
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3 tsp cornstarch
Cheesecake Layer
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16 oz (2 bricks) cream cheese, room temperature
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1/2 cup icing sugar
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1 egg
Crust & Crumb Topping
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1 cup butter
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1 3/4 cups flour
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1 cup oats
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3/4 cup brown sugar
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Pinch of salt
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1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
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Make the rhubarb layer: In a saucepan, combine rhubarb, sugar, and water. Simmer over medium heat for about 8 minutes. Stir in cornstarch and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until thickened. Set aside to cool.
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Make the cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese, icing sugar, and egg together until smooth. Set aside.
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Make the crust/crumb mixture: Combine butter, flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl and crumble together with your hands or a fork. Press half of this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
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Stir walnuts into the remaining crumb mixture and set aside.
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Spoon cheesecake filling gently over the pressed crust, spreading evenly. Be careful not to disturb the bottom layer.
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Spread the rhubarb mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
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Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture with walnuts on top, pressing down lightly.
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Bake for about 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheesecake is set.
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Let cool completely before slicing. Store in the refrigerator.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 15 squares
Rhubarb Cheesecake Squares: A Sweet-Tart Classic That Welcomes Every Spring
As soon as spring begins to thaw winter’s chill, something wonderful starts to pop up in gardens and farmer’s markets across the Northern Hemisphere: rhubarb. This perennial vegetable yes, it’s technically a veggie! has earned a reputation as a fruit in the baking world thanks to its tart, fruity flavor that shines in pies, jams, and old-fashioned cakes. Among all its delicious uses, Rhubarb Cheesecake Squares have quietly claimed their place as one of the most nostalgic, crowd-pleasing ways to enjoy this ingredient.
This delightful dessert brings together several classic textures and flavors in one heavenly bite: a buttery oat crust and crumble, a smooth and creamy cheesecake middle, and a sweet-tart rhubarb topping that cuts through the richness with vibrant freshness. It’s a beautiful harmony of tang, creaminess, and crunch, making it a must-have during rhubarb season.
But beyond the flavors and the irresistible look of these bars, there’s something uniquely comforting about this dessert. It feels like something passed down from a grandmother’s handwritten recipe book, yet it’s as relevant today as it ever was. Whether you’re baking for a backyard picnic, a spring brunch, or simply to satisfy a craving for something both rustic and refined, Rhubarb Cheesecake Squares check all the boxes.
The Story of Rhubarb in Baking
Rhubarb has a long culinary history, especially in cooler climates like Canada, the UK, and the Northern U.S., where it thrives in spring and early summer. Its distinctive tartness made it a natural fit for sugary desserts, especially in the days before tropical fruits were widely available.
Often paired with strawberries to mellow its acidity, rhubarb has been a staple in farmhouse kitchens for generations. In fact, rhubarb desserts are often associated with warm family memories, community gatherings, and the first signs of spring’s bounty. There’s something inherently nostalgic about rhubarb desserts, and cheesecake squares like these celebrate that tradition in a modern and ultra-satisfying way.
Why Rhubarb Cheesecake Squares Work So Well
What makes these bars special is the layering of flavors and textures. You have the crisp oat-and-flour crust base that serves as a sturdy foundation. The cheesecake center is rich but not overpowering, offering a velvety contrast to the crunch below and the fruit layer above. And then there’s the rhubarb, cooked down with sugar until it’s soft and slightly jammy but still holding onto that tang that makes rhubarb so distinctive.
Unlike a traditional cheesecake that can be heavy and time-consuming, these bars offer all the creamy indulgence in a simplified, casual form. There’s no need for a water bath or a springform pan, and the bake time is short enough that you can make these in the afternoon and still serve them that evening.
Plus, the addition of oats and a nutty topping gives these bars a rustic, almost “healthier” appeal (though let’s be honest this is a treat through and through).
Seasonal Charm and Versatility
Rhubarb Cheesecake Squares are especially beloved because they celebrate the fleeting season of rhubarb. Fresh rhubarb is only available for a couple of months each year, which means this dessert feels special something you look forward to making annually.
However, the recipe is flexible enough that you can adapt it throughout the year. If you’re short on rhubarb, adding strawberries or even raspberries works beautifully and enhances the color. You can even use frozen rhubarb with just a few adjustments in cook time and thickness. It’s this flexibility that has helped the recipe stay relevant for decades, adapting easily to what’s in your pantry or what’s fresh at the market.
Tips for Perfect Rhubarb Cheesecake Squares
While the recipe itself is straightforward, a few tips can elevate your bake:
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Use fresh rhubarb when in season: While frozen works in a pinch, fresh rhubarb provides better texture and a brighter flavor.
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Cook the rhubarb well: It should be soft but not mushy. The goal is a consistency that spreads easily but still holds some structure.
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Cool completely before slicing: These bars are best once they’ve had time to firm up. This ensures clean cuts and that each layer holds its shape.
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Add citrus zest for brightness: A little lemon or orange zest in the rhubarb layer can add complexity and enhance the fruitiness.
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Chill overnight for best results: Like many desserts with cream cheese, the flavors deepen with a little rest in the fridge.
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
These cheesecake squares are endlessly customizable, which is part of their charm. While the original calls for walnuts in the crumble topping, pecans or almonds work just as well. For a nut-free version, you can omit the nuts entirely or replace them with extra oats for more crunch.
Not a fan of oats? Swap them for crushed graham crackers or even digestive biscuits in the crust and crumble layers.
For the cheesecake portion, you can experiment with flavor by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a swirl of jam for added depth.
Want to go dairy-free? There are plant-based cream cheese alternatives that will work with slight textural differences. Just be sure to keep an eye on bake time as it may vary slightly.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
Rhubarb Cheesecake Squares store wonderfully in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. In fact, many bakers agree these bars taste even better the next day, once the flavors have had a chance to meld.
They also freeze surprisingly well. You can slice them, wrap each bar individually in parchment, and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Perfect for unexpected guests or those late-night dessert cravings.
When serving, you can dust with a bit of powdered sugar, pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or drizzle with a thin cream or fruit coulis. But honestly, they’re delicious all on their own.
The Nostalgia of a Homemade Square
There’s something so satisfying about dessert bars. They’re unfussy, easy to share, and somehow evoke more comfort than a perfectly plated tart or cake slice. Rhubarb Cheesecake Squares remind many of us of potlucks, spring birthdays, church picnics, and the sound of a grandmother’s voice saying, “Just have one more.”
They’re a dessert that bridges the gap between generations familiar enough for older family members to recognize, yet trendy enough for younger bakers to appreciate. And in a world of ultra-decadent, over the top desserts, there’s a real joy in returning to something that’s simple, seasonal, and heartwarming.
Conclusion:
In a world filled with gourmet pastries and intricate desserts, the humble Rhubarb Cheesecake Square stands out for its simplicity, its balance, and its ability to bring people together. Whether you’re enjoying it with afternoon tea, serving it at a spring brunch, or sneaking a chilled square from the fridge after dinner, it’s a dessert that delivers every time.
It’s this versatility, combined with a unique flavor profile and a touch of old-fashioned charm, that makes Rhubarb Cheesecake Squares a seasonal favorite worth repeating year after year. So the next time you see those vibrant stalks of rhubarb at the market or in your garden, you know exactly what to do whip up a batch of these comforting bars and share the love.