Merry Berry Bars (Cranberry)
Merry Berry Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery oat crust layered with creamy cranberry and lemon flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings or sweet tooth cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine oatmeal, flour, sugar, and margarine. Mix until crumbly, reserving 1 1/2 cups of the mixture.
- Press the remaining mixture into a 9 x 13 inch pan to form the crust.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add Eagle Brand milk and lemon juice, mixing well.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the baked crust.
- Spoon the whole cranberry sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the cranberry layer.
- Bake at 350°F for an additional 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the brown sugar to 1/2 cup. For added flavor, consider folding in some chopped nuts or orange zest into the cream cheese mixture. This dessert pairs beautifully with No Cook Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies for a delightful treat spread.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are delightful served warm or chilled and can be dusted with powdered sugar for a festive touch. They make a great dessert for gatherings and pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a complete meal, serve alongside Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes for a comforting dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Merry Berry Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place individual bars in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Merry Berry Bars (Cranberry) contains roughly 623 calories, with 4g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value).
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 fresh cranberries instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but you will need to cook them first to soften and sweeten them. Simmer fresh cranberries with a bit of sugar and water until they burst and create a sauce-like consistency before spreading them over the cream cheese layer.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the crust and cream cheese mixture a day in advance. Assemble the bars and bake them on the day you plan to serve for the best texture. Alternatively, you can bake them and then store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
Is there a substitute for margarine?
Yes, you can substitute margarine with unsalted butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Just ensure that the substitute is softened to mix well with the dry ingredients.
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).