Rhubarb Bars with Cream Cheese (Print Version)

Buttery oat crust topped with tangy rhubarb filling and smooth cream cheese frosting—a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.

# Ingredients:

→ Crust

01 - 1 cup butter, melted
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 cup rolled oats
04 - 1/2 cup brown sugar

→ Filling

05 - 2 cups chopped rhubarb
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Topping

09 - 8 ounces cream cheese
10 - 1 cup powdered sugar

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish. Mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture into the prepared dish and bake for 15 minutes.
02 - In a saucepan, cook the rhubarb, granulated sugar, and cornstarch over medium heat until the mixture thickens. Stir in the vanilla extract.
03 - Spread the rhubarb mixture evenly over the baked crust. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes.
04 - In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
05 - Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled rhubarb layer. Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
06 - Cut the chilled bars into 16 squares using a clean knife and serve.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Add strawberries for extra sweetness.
02 - Use lemon zest in the cream cheese layer for added brightness.
03 - Clean the knife between cuts for neat slices.