Merry Berry Cheese Bars(24 To 36 Bars)
Sweet and tangy Merry Berry Cheese Bars combine creamy cheese, berry cranberry sauce, and a crunchy oat crust, perfect for holiday gatherings or a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. In a mixer, beat flour, oats, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and softened butter until crumbly.
- Set aside 1 1/2 cups of the mixture. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
- While crust is baking, beat softened cream cheese until fluffy.
- Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Stir in lemon juice concentrate.
- Spread the cheese mixture over the baked crust.
- Spread the whole berry cranberry sauce over the cheese layer.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top.
- Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set and golden.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. If you prefer a less sweet option, reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk or use a sugar-free alternative. Make sure to mix the cream cheese thoroughly to avoid lumps, ensuring a smooth filling. Adding a splash of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor profile of the filling.
Serving Suggestions
These Merry Berry Cheese Bars are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a light salad like Pretty Pink Salad. They also make a great addition to dessert platters at gatherings or as a sweet treat for afternoon tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Merry Berry Cheese Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To enjoy them warm, simply reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. For longer storage, you can freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Merry Berry Cheese Bars(24 To 36 Bars) contains roughly 200 calories, with 1g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 12g fat.
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 instead of cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can substitute the cranberry sauce with other berry sauces like raspberry or blueberry for a different flavor. Just ensure the sauce is similarly sweetened so the balance of flavors remains intact.
What can I do if my cream cheese mixture is lumpy?
If your cream cheese mixture is lumpy, try beating it for a longer time until it becomes smooth. You can also use a hand mixer to blend it thoroughly. If lumps persist, consider using a fine sieve to strain the mixture before spreading it over the crust.
Is there a way to make these bars dairy-free?
To make dairy-free Merry Berry Cheese Bars, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or coconut cream. Use dairy-free margarine instead of butter and ensure that the sweetened condensed milk is also dairy-free or opt for a homemade version using coconut milk.
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).