Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Rhubarb Strawberry Streusel Cheesecake Bars are the epitome of spring and summer desserts. They combine the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of strawberries, layered over a buttery graham cracker crust and topped with a cinnamon oat streusel. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

Crust & Streusel:

1 pouch Betty Crocker Oatmeal Cookie Mix
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed

Cheesecake Layer:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 tbsp flour
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla

Strawberry Rhubarb Filling:

2 cups strawberries, hulled and quartered
2 cups rhubarb, chopped
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup white sugar
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/4 cup cornstarch

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine strawberries, rhubarb, brown sugar, white sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, combine the oatmeal cookie mix with cubed cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining crumbs into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
In a separate bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust.
Spoon the cooled strawberry rhubarb filling evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is no longer jiggly.
Allow to cool for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 9 bars
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free oatmeal cookie mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based butter substitute.
Nut-Free: Ensure the oatmeal cookie mix does not contain nuts or use a nut-free alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: These bars freeze well. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

FAQs

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Ensure the crust is baked until golden and firm before adding the cheesecake layer. This will create a barrier that helps prevent sogginess.

Can I use frozen rhubarb and strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen fruits. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in the filling.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Can I use a different fruit combination?

Yes, you can substitute the rhubarb and strawberries with other fruits like blueberries and peaches, keeping the proportions similar.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the center is set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken.

Can I use a different type of cookie mix for the crust?

Yes, you can experiment with other cookie mixes like sugar or gingerbread for a different flavor profile.

How thick should the fruit filling be?

The fruit filling should be thick and jam-like to prevent it from running and making the bars soggy.

Can I add nuts to the streusel topping?

Yes, adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping can add extra crunch and flavor.

Can I make these bars in a different size pan?

Yes, you can adjust the recipe for a larger or smaller pan. Just keep in mind that baking times may vary.

Can I serve these bars warm?

While these bars are typically served chilled, you can serve them slightly warm if preferred. Just be aware that the texture may change.

Conclusion

These Rhubarb Strawberry Streusel Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the best of spring and summer flavors. With their creamy cheesecake layer, sweet-tart fruit filling, and buttery streusel topping, they are sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these bars are a treat everyone will enjoy.

Rhubarb Strawberry Streusel Cheesecake Bars