Description
A unique dessert combining sweet rhubarb and savory ground beef in creamy cheesecake bars, perfect for a surprising treat at gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups fresh or thawed rhubarb, chopped into ½-inch pieces
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for rhubarb compote)
- 2 tablespoons water (for rhubarb compote)
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85-90% lean)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon non-alcoholic liquid smoke alternative or smoked salt
- 2 cups finely crushed savory crackers (such as butter crackers, whole wheat crackers, or lightly salted water crackers)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (for cheesecake batter)
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon non-alcoholic vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- Pulse the savory crackers in a food processor until they form fine crumbs. Transfer to a bowl, mix in melted unsalted butter, and press into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden. Let cool slightly.
- Combine rhubarb, granulated sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 10-15 minutes. Let cool.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, drain excess fat, and stir in smoked paprika and other spices. Set aside to cool.
- Beat cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually add sugar, beat until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Spoon half of the rhubarb compote over it and sprinkle half of the beef mixture. Carefully pour the remaining cheesecake batter over these layers, topping with remaining rhubarb and beef mixture.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, until edges are set and center jiggles slightly. Let cool completely.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Slice into bars and serve.
Notes
Serve chilled or at room temperature, pairs well with ice cream or caramel sauce. Keep stored in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 75mg