Enjoy a refreshing and tangy no-bake rhubarb dessert that combines a crisp graham cracker crust with a creamy cream cheese layer and a sweet, thickened rhubarb topping. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for warm days and makes a delightful treat with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Rhubarb Dessert
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No baking required: Quick prep with chilling instead of oven time.
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Fresh rhubarb flavor: Tangy, slightly tart topping perfectly balances the creamy base.
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Creamy texture: Smooth cream cheese and whipped topping create a light, airy layer.
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Crunchy crust: Classic graham cracker crust adds a buttery, crisp foundation.
Ingredients Breakdown
Crust:
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Graham cracker crumbs (2 cups) – Forms a crunchy, buttery base.
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Unsalted butter, melted (½ cup) – Binds crumbs together for a firm crust.
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Sugar (2 tbsp) – Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
Cream Cheese Layer:
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Cream cheese (8 oz, softened) – Creates a rich and creamy filling.
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Powdered sugar (1 cup) – Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese.
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Vanilla extract (1 tsp) – Adds aromatic flavor.
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Whipped topping (8 oz, thawed) – Lightens the cream cheese for a fluffy texture.
Rhubarb Topping:
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Chopped rhubarb (2 cups) – The tangy star ingredient.
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Sugar (½ cup) – Sweetens the rhubarb.
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Cornstarch (1 tbsp) – Thickens the rhubarb sauce.
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Water (¼ cup) – Helps dissolve the cornstarch and cook the rhubarb.
Tips and Tricks
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Use fresh or frozen rhubarb (thawed) depending on seasonality.
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Adjust sugar in the rhubarb topping to taste if you prefer it less sweet.
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For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before serving.
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To speed chilling, place dessert in the freezer for 1 hour then transfer to fridge.
Variations and Customizations
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Berry Rhubarb Mix: Add fresh strawberries or raspberries to the rhubarb topping for a colorful twist.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-friendly version.
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Vegan Option: Substitute cream cheese and whipped topping with plant-based alternatives.
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Add Citrus Zest: Mix lemon or orange zest into the cream cheese layer for a bright flavor boost.
Pairing Suggestions
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Serve with a dollop of extra whipped topping or vanilla ice cream.
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Pair with a light or sparkling lemonade for summer entertaining.
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Garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for an elegant presentation.
Storage Instructions
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Keep the dessert refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Best enjoyed chilled for freshness and texture.
Popular Questions
Q: Can I prepare this dessert a day in advance?
A: Yes! Preparing it the night before allows the flavors to meld perfectly.
Q: Can I substitute the whipped topping?
A: Yes, you can use homemade whipped cream or any whipped dairy/non-dairy alternative.
Q: What if I don’t have cornstarch?
A: You can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a thickening substitute.