Strawberry Rhubarb Streusel Cheesecake Bars
As a busy mom, I know how precious time can be, especially when it comes to whipping up something delicious. That’s why I absolutely adore these Strawberry Rhubarb Streusel Cheesecake Bars! They’re the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberries, and tangy rhubarb, all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat your family, this recipe is a quick solution for a busy day. Plus, the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Rhubarb Streusel Cheesecake Bars
These Strawberry Rhubarb Streusel Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that combines ease and flavor in one delicious package. They come together quickly, making them perfect for busy days when you want something special without the fuss. The balance of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb creates a taste explosion that will leave your taste buds dancing. Plus, they’re a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring smiles all around!
Ingredients for Strawberry Rhubarb Streusel Cheesecake Bars
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Strawberry Rhubarb Streusel Cheesecake Bars. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Graham cracker crumbs: These form the base of your crust, providing a sweet and crunchy texture.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter binds the crumbs together, adding richness to the crust.
- Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness enhances the crust and the cheesecake filling.
- Cream cheese: The star of the show! It gives the cheesecake its creamy, luscious texture.
- Vanilla extract: This adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the cheesecake beautifully.
- Egg: Helps to set the cheesecake filling, giving it structure and creaminess.
- Fresh strawberries: Sweet and juicy, they bring a burst of flavor to the bars.
- Rhubarb: Tart and tangy, it balances the sweetness of the strawberries perfectly.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deeper sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor to the fruit layer.
- Cornstarch: This thickens the fruit mixture, ensuring it doesn’t make the bars soggy.
- Cinnamon: A sprinkle of this spice adds warmth and depth to the fruit topping.
- Rolled oats: These create a delightful streusel topping, adding texture and a wholesome touch.
- All-purpose flour: Helps to bind the streusel together, giving it that crumbly texture we love.
For those looking to mix things up, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a zesty kick. You can also swap out the strawberries and rhubarb for other fruits like blueberries or peaches, depending on what you have on hand. The exact quantities for each ingredient are listed at the bottom of the article, ready for you to print out and take to the kitchen!
How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Streusel Cheesecake Bars
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these Strawberry Rhubarb Streusel Cheesecake Bars! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert that’s sure to impress.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your bars bake evenly. While the oven warms up, grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and grease it lightly. I like to use a bit of butter or cooking spray to make sure the bars come out easily later on.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine your graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix everything together until it resembles wet sand. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s even and compact. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, then let it cool slightly. This step is crucial for a sturdy base!
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ½ cup of granulated sugar and the vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. I usually use an electric mixer for this, but a whisk works too if you’re feeling strong! Once it’s well combined, add in the egg and mix until just incorporated. Pour this luscious cream cheese mixture over your cooled crust, spreading it evenly. It’s already looking divine!
Step 4: Layer the Fruit Mixture
Now, let’s get fruity! In another bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, chopped rhubarb, brown sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Stir gently until the fruit is well coated. This mixture is where the magic happens, as the sweet and tart flavors meld together. Spoon this fruity goodness over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out evenly.
Step 5: Add the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, mix the rolled oats and all-purpose flour. This will be your streusel topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the fruit layer. The oats add a lovely crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheesecake and juicy fruit. Trust me, you’ll want that texture!
Step 6: Bake and Cool
It’s time to bake! Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set and the top is lightly golden. Once baked, allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least an hour. Then, pop them in the fridge for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars. This cooling time helps the flavors meld and makes cutting easier!
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling.
- Don’t skip the cooling time; it helps the bars set properly.
- For a fun twist, try adding nuts to the streusel topping.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary.
- Slice the bars with a hot knife for clean edges.
Equipment Needed
- 8×8-inch baking dish: A square dish is ideal, but a round one works too!
- Mixing bowls: Use any size you have; just make sure they’re sturdy.
- Electric mixer or whisk: An electric mixer makes it easier, but a whisk will do just fine.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accuracy in your ingredients.
- Spatula: Perfect for spreading the cream cheese and fruit layers evenly.
Variations
- Berry Medley: Swap strawberries and rhubarb for a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a vibrant twist.
- Peachy Keen: Use fresh peaches instead of rhubarb for a sweeter, summery flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookies or almond flour for a gluten-free crust.
- Vegan Version: Replace cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use flax eggs instead of a regular egg.
- Nutty Streusel: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Enjoy with a cup of herbal tea or coffee to balance the sweetness.
- For a beautiful presentation, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
FAQs about Strawberry Rhubarb Streusel Cheesecake Bars
Can I use frozen strawberries and rhubarb?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries and rhubarb work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using them to avoid a soggy filling.
How do I store leftover cheesecake bars?
Store any leftover Strawberry Rhubarb Streusel Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to five days, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars are perfect for making ahead. Just bake them, cool, and refrigerate. They taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using a vegan cream cheese alternative. It will give you a similar creamy texture without the dairy.
Can I add more fruit to the filling?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries or peaches for a delightful twist. Just keep the overall fruit quantity similar to maintain the right balance.
Final Thoughts
Making these Strawberry Rhubarb Streusel Cheesecake Bars is more than just baking; it’s about creating sweet memories in the kitchen. The joy of watching my family savor each bite is truly priceless. The combination of creamy cheesecake, fruity layers, and crunchy streusel is a delightful experience that brings smiles all around. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a Tuesday, these bars are a treat that brightens any day. I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing them as I do. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with love and laughter!
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Strawberry Rhubarb Streusel Cheesecake Bars to Delight!
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Strawberry Rhubarb Streusel Cheesecake Bars with a buttery graham cracker crust and a creamy cheesecake filling topped with a fruity layer and streusel.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 ½ cups rhubarb, chopped
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ½ cup of granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and mix until just combined. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
- In another bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, chopped rhubarb, brown sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Stir until the fruit is well coated. Spoon the fruit mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- In a small bowl, mix the rolled oats and flour. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the fruit layer.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden. Allow to cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
- You can substitute the strawberries and rhubarb with other fruits like blueberries and peaches for a different twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
