Merry Berry Cheese Bars
Merry Berry Cheese Bars combine a crunchy oat crust with a creamy cheese filling and tart cranberry topping, perfect for festive occasions or a delightful dessert treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- With mixer, beat flour, oats, 3/4 cup sugar, and butter until crumbly.
- Set aside 1 1/2 cups of the mixture; press the remaining mixture onto the bottom of a greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsweetened applesauce for moisture without added fat. If you prefer, you can also use coconut oil instead of margarine. Ensure that the cream cheese is at room temperature to mix easily, and for a seasonal touch, try adding a bit of orange zest to the cranberry sauce for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are wonderful when served chilled or at room temperature. They pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top just before serving adds a lovely presentation. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Merry Berry Cheese Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or let them come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Merry Berry Cheese Bars contains roughly 740 calories, with 11g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium.
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 fruit sauce instead of cranberry?
Absolutely! You can substitute the whole berry cranberry sauce with raspberry or blueberry sauce for a different flavor profile. This will give a unique twist to your Merry Berry Cheese Bars while still keeping them delicious and moist.
What can I do if I don't have cornstarch?
If you don't have cornstarch on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour. However, keep in mind that cornstarch helps create a lighter texture, so using flour may make the filling slightly denser.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be sure not to overbake, as they will continue to set as they cool. Keep an eye on them around the 15-minute mark for the best results.
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).