Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars

Strawberry Rhubarb is such a wonderful summer combination. I loved this treatment of the tangy and sweet fruit, layered between cream cheese and streusel.

It was a big hit at a summer picnic, with even kids requesting seconds!

Because of the several layers, this does take a little time to come together, and it's really best if you can let it sit overnight in the fridge before serving. It will be worth the wait!

Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars

Crust and filling:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla, divided
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup, divided
1 egg
1 1/2 cups diced fresh rhubarb
1 cup fresh strawberries (about 10-11 strawberries), hulled and diced
1 tsp. cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 Tbsp. lemon juice

Topping:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup oats
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 cup butter, cold and diced

For the crust, combine butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until creamy. Mix in 1/2 tsp. vanilla. In a small mixing bowl, whisk the flour and salt together. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until combined. Press the dough evenly into a greased 8 or 9" baking pan. Bake at 350 for 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Set aside to cool.

For the filling, combine cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar and beat together until smooth. Add the egg and 1/2 tsp. vanilla, and mix until combined. Pour over the partially-baked crust and spread evenly. In a medium bowl, stir together rhubarb, strawberries, 1/4 cup sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Sprinkle evenly over cream cheese filling.

For the topping, combine flour, brown sugar, oats, and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender until you have a pea-sized crumb-like mixture. Sprinkle topping over the fruit mixture. Bake again for 40-45 minutes or until filling is set. Cool completely on a wire rack. For best results, refrigerate for several hours or overnight before cutting into squares and serving. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Recipe Source: Adapted from Smorgaseats