Cranberry Cheese Bars
Cranberry Cheese Bars offer a perfect blend of tart cranberries, creamy cheese, and a buttery oat crust. These bars are a delightful treat suitable for holidays or gatherings, combining sweet, tangy, and crumbly textures that appeal to all ages and make for an impressive dessert centerpiece.
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsifted flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats ⓘ
- 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon brown sugar, firmly packed ⓘ
- 1 cup margarine or butter, softened ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup lemon concentrate juice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, 3/4 cup sugar, and margarine; mix until crumbly.
- Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture, then press the remaining mixture into the bottom of a greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy; gradually beat in the sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Stir in lemon juice and spread evenly over the baked crust.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar and cornstarch; stir in the cranberry sauce.
- Spoon the cranberry mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the cranberry layer.
- Bake an additional 40 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Cool completely, then chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using a different fruit sauce like raspberry or blueberry instead of cranberry. If you prefer a touch of spice, add a pinch of cinnamon to the crumb mixture. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing. For a slightly healthier option, substitute half of the margarine with unsweetened applesauce, which can enhance moisture without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These cranberry cheese bars are delightful served chilled, making them perfect for summer gatherings. Pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They also complement a cup of herbal tea or coffee beautifully, making them a great addition to brunch or dessert tables alongside other sweets like Moist Brownies.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the cranberry cheese bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to five days. If you want to enjoy them warm, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until just warmed through, being careful not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Cheese Bars contains roughly 657 calories, with 11g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (60% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (42% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cream cheese?
Yes, you can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese as alternatives to cream cheese. However, keep in mind that these cheeses may alter the flavor and texture slightly. Make sure to whip them well to achieve a smooth consistency before mixing in the sweetened condensed milk.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free cranberry cheese bars, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as oats and baking supplies, are certified gluten-free. This will maintain the texture and taste while accommodating those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I freeze these cranberry cheese bars?
Absolutely! These bars freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving, or enjoy them straight from the freezer for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).