Strawberry-Rhubarb Cream Cheese Delight
This luscious Strawberry-Rhubarb Cream Cheese Delight is the perfect summer indulgence that your family will adore! With its perfectly sweet graham cracker crust acting as a sturdy base, a creamy and rich cream cheese filling that melts in your mouth, and a vibrant rhubarb-strawberry topping set with gelatin, this dessert is truly unforgettable. The combination of tart rhubarb and sweet strawberries come together beautifully, providing a delightful contrast to the smooth cream cheese. Each layer is crafted with love and just the right amount of sweetness, making this a dessert that will bring everyone to the table. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or a summer family gathering, this torte is one you’ll want to make over and over again. Prepare it in advance and let it chill for a few hours for maximum flavor and texture!
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Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Graham cracker crumbs
1 1/2 cups (Crushed)
Granulated sugar
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon (Measured)
Butter
9 tablespoons (Melted)
Eggs
2 (Beaten well)
Cream cheese
8 ounces (Softened)
Vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (Measured)
Rhubarb
1 1/2 lbs (Thinly sliced (about 5 cups))
Sugar for rhubarb mixture
1/2 cup (Measured)
Water
1/4 cup (Measured)
Strawberry gelatin
1 package (3 ounces) (Opened)
Instructions
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1. Start by preparing the graham cracker crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and melted butter. Use a fork or your fingers to mix the ingredients until they resemble wet sand. Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 11x7-inch glass baking dish, ensuring an even layer. Set the dish aside.
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2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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3. Next, make the cream cheese filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the beaten eggs, mixing until well combined. Then, incorporate the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
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4. Pour the cream cheese filling over the prepared graham cracker crust in the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
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5. After baking, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature for 2 hours. After cooling for 30 minutes, start preparing the rhubarb topping.
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6. For the rhubarb topping: In a 3-quart saucepan, combine the thinly sliced rhubarb, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/4 cup of water. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously for 10 minutes until the rhubarb breaks down. Lower the heat to a simmer, and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
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7. Remove the saucepan from the heat and sprinkle the strawberry gelatin over the warm rhubarb mixture. Stir well for about 1 minute until the gelatin is fully dissolved.
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8. Let the mixture cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for about 20 minutes.
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9. Once the rhubarb mixture has chilled, carefully pour it over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish. Spread it out evenly to cover the entire surface.
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10. Return the dessert to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 3 hours, or until the topping is completely set before slicing and serving.
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11. Enjoy your Strawberry-Rhubarb Cream Cheese Delight! Note: This dessert does not require covering when stored in the refrigerator. Leftovers can be enjoyed for several days.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Strawberry-Rhubarb Cream Cheese Delight?
It is a layered summer dessert featuring a graham cracker crust, a rich cream cheese filling, and a vibrant rhubarb-strawberry gelatin topping.
What type of crust is used for this recipe?
The recipe uses a homemade graham cracker crust made from crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
How do I prepare the graham cracker crust?
Mix 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs with 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon of sugar and 9 tablespoons of melted butter until it resembles wet sand, then press firmly into a glass baking dish.
What size baking dish is recommended?
An 11x7-inch glass baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What ingredients are in the cream cheese filling?
The filling consists of 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 2 beaten eggs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
How long does the cream cheese layer need to bake?
It should be baked for approximately 20 minutes until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
How long should the base cool after baking?
The baked crust and cream cheese layer should cool at room temperature for a total of 2 hours.
How much rhubarb is needed for the topping?
You will need 1 1/2 lbs of thinly sliced rhubarb, which is approximately 5 cups.
How do I cook the rhubarb topping?
Combine sliced rhubarb, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/4 cup of water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, then simmer for another 5 minutes while stirring.
When is the strawberry gelatin added?
The strawberry gelatin is sprinkled over the rhubarb mixture after it has been removed from the heat while it is still warm.
What size package of gelatin is required?
The recipe calls for one 3-ounce package of strawberry gelatin.
How long should the rhubarb mixture cool before pouring it onto the cream cheese?
Let the mixture cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then chill it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.
How long must the final dessert chill before serving?
The completed dessert should chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours to allow the topping to set completely.
Does this dessert need to be covered in the fridge?
According to the recipe notes, this dessert does not require covering when stored in the refrigerator.
What is the texture of the cream cheese filling?
The filling is creamy, rich, and designed to melt in your mouth.
Is this a good dessert for potlucks?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dessert for BBQs, potlucks, or summer family gatherings.
How many eggs are used in this recipe?
Two eggs, well-beaten, are used in the cream cheese filling layer.
Can I use granulated sugar for both layers?
Yes, granulated sugar is used in the crust, the cream cheese filling, and the rhubarb mixture.
How should I prepare the rhubarb?
The rhubarb should be thinly sliced before being measured and cooked.
What flavor of gelatin is used?
Strawberry gelatin is used to complement the tartness of the rhubarb.
How do I ensure the gelatin is dissolved?
Stir the gelatin into the warm rhubarb mixture for about 1 minute until it is fully incorporated.
What is the primary flavor profile of this delight?
It features a contrast between tart rhubarb and sweet strawberries balanced by smooth, rich cream cheese.
Can I store leftovers of this dessert?
Yes, leftovers can be enjoyed for several days when kept in the refrigerator.
Is the cream cheese beaten before adding other ingredients?
Yes, the softened cream cheese should be beaten until smooth before gradually adding the eggs.
How much butter is needed for the crust?
The recipe calls for 9 tablespoons of melted butter.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include dessert, cake, summer, rhubarb, strawberry, cream cheese, torte, chilled dessert, family favorite, and easy recipe.
Does the recipe require vanilla extract?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to the cream cheese filling.
Is the rhubarb cooked with water?
Yes, 1/4 cup of water is added to the rhubarb and sugar while cooking the topping.
Should the cream cheese be cold when mixing?
No, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.