Thank you, thank you, thank you—for being here and sharing your time (and your sweet tooth!) with me. I’ve been so excited to bring this recipe to the blog, and I’m genuinely thrilled you’re about to experience these little clouds of joy. These Twice-Baked Rhubarb Cheesecake Bombs are next-level indulgence: soft, golden domes of cake cradling a creamy cheesecake center, crowned with tart rhubarb compote and a generous snowfall of powdered sugar. Trust me—they taste even better than they look. And yes, that’s saying a lot!
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Why You’ll Love These Rhubarb Cheesecake Bombs
These aren’t your everyday baked goods. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! These cheesecake bombs are made from a rich, buttery dough that’s baked, filled, then baked again for that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture. The tangy rhubarb compote balances the sweetness of the vanilla cheesecake, and the dusting of powdered sugar? It’s the final magical touch.
What Do They Taste Like?
Imagine biting into a soft sponge-like cake, then meeting a cloud of lightly sweetened cheesecake, followed by the juicy zing of rhubarb. It’s a little tart, a little sweet, and everything you didn’t know your dessert table needed. The smell when these are in the oven is incredible!!
Benefits of This Recipe
- Perfect for spring and summer – Rhubarb is in season and this recipe is the best way to showcase it.
- Great for gatherings – These are visually stunning and easy to serve individually.
- Make-ahead friendly – Bake and chill them the day before; they’re even better the next day.
- Versatile base – Once you master the dough, you can play with fillings all year round.
Ingredients
For the cake base:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup whole milk
For the cheesecake filling:
- 1 cup full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the rhubarb topping:
- 1 cup chopped rhubarb (fresh or thawed frozen)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp water
- ½ tsp lemon zest
To finish:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Tools You’ll Need
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Muffin tin or shallow baking mold
- Parchment paper
- Saucepan (for rhubarb compote)
- Small spoon or piping bag for filling
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
- No rhubarb? Use raspberries, strawberries, or even a spoonful of jam.
- Lactose-free? Use lactose-free cream cheese and plant-based milk.
- Want a crunch? Add a few chopped pistachios or almonds over the cheesecake layer before the rhubarb goes on.
How to Make Twice-Baked Rhubarb Cheesecake Bombs
Step 1: Make the cake base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment or lightly grease your muffin tin.
Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla. Mix flour and baking powder in a separate bowl, then fold into the wet mixture. Stir in milk to loosen to a scoopable batter.
Step 2: Bake the base layer
Scoop batter into small mounds (about 1 ½ tbsp each) onto the tray or into muffin molds. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are just set and slightly golden. Remove and let cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the filling
While your base is cooling, whip the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice until smooth and spreadable.
Step 4: Make the rhubarb topping
Simmer chopped rhubarb, sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until rhubarb softens and breaks down. Stir in lemon zest and let cool.
Step 5: Assemble and second bake
Slice off the tops of the cake mounds to create a flat surface. Dollop or pipe on the cream cheese filling. Spoon rhubarb compote on top. Place them back in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes—just enough to warm and set the layers.
Step 6: Dust and serve
Let them cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar. Gorgeous!
What to Serve With Rhubarb Cheesecake Bombs
- A pot of Earl Grey tea or a glass of cold milk
- A drizzle of white chocolate sauce (optional but divine)
- Fresh berries on the side for added color and freshness
Tips for Success
- Let the cake cool completely before filling to avoid melting the cheesecake layer.
- Don’t overbake the second time—you want them warm, not dry.
- Use a piping bag for neat cream cheese application (or a Ziploc with the corner snipped!).
Storage Instructions
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Best served slightly chilled or at room temperature. You can also freeze the unfilled cakes and thaw when ready to use.
General Information
These are inspired by classic European-style baked cheesecakes but made into an easy, handheld format. They’re perfect for parties, brunch tables, or just as a pick-me-up treat when you want something both beautiful and satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought rhubarb compote?
Yes! It’s a great shortcut if you’re pressed for time.
Can I skip the second bake?
Technically yes, but the second bake helps meld the layers and enhances the texture. Highly recommended.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and double-check your baking powder is gluten-free.
How far in advance can I make them?
They’re best within 48 hours but can be made a day ahead for convenience.
Conclusion
These Twice-Baked Rhubarb Cheesecake Bombs are anything but boring!! They’re the kind of treat that stops you mid-bite with a quiet “wow”. They look impressive, taste divine, and are surprisingly easy to pull off. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned dessert-lover, you’ll be proud to share (or sneakily keep) these gems.
If you love this recipe, you’ll definitely want to try these peachy faves next:
- Peach and Mascarpone Tartlets
- Honey-Roasted Peach Crumble
- Mini Peach Upside-Down Cakes
Share Your Bombs!
I’d LOVE to see your creations! Leave a review below, tag your rhubarb bombs on Pinterest, or share a photo and let me know how yours turned out.
Nutritional Information (Per Bomb – approx.)
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
Your fork (and your taste buds) are going to thank you.

Twice-Baked Rhubarb Cheesecake Bombs
Equipment
- Muffin tin or baking tray
- Mixer
- Saucepan
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 eggs large
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.25 cup whole milk
Cheesecake Filling
- 1 cup full-fat cream cheese softened
- 0.25 cup powdered sugar
- 0.5 tsp lemon juice
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
Rhubarb Topping
- 1 cup chopped rhubarb fresh or thawed frozen
- 0.25 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp water
- 0.5 tsp lemon zest
To Finish
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a tray or muffin tin with parchment.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk flour with baking powder. Combine with wet ingredients. Stir in milk to loosen batter.
- Scoop batter into mounds and bake for 10–12 minutes. Let cool completely.
- For filling, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth.
- Simmer rhubarb, sugar, and water until soft. Stir in zest and let cool.
- Slice tops off cakes. Fill with cheesecake mixture, top with rhubarb compote.
- Return to oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes. Cool and dust with powdered sugar.