Raspberry Cream Cheese Bars
Sweet raspberry cream cheese bars combine a buttery oat crust with a creamy filling and tart raspberry preserves, perfect for dessert gatherings or afternoon treats.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter, softened ⓘ
- 1 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 packages (8 oz. and 3 oz.) cream cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1 jar (18 oz.) red raspberry preserves ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped slivered almonds or walnuts ⓘ
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until well combined.
- Combine the quick-cooking oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt; add to the creamed mixture and mix well.
- Press three-fourths of the oat mixture into a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 11-13 minutes or until set and edges begin to brown.
- Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla; mix well until combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the baked crust.
- Drop the raspberry preserves by spoonfuls over the cream cheese layer and spread evenly.
- Mix the remaining oats, chopped nuts, and the remaining oat mixture to create a crumble topping.
- Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the preserves.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Neufchâtel cheese instead of regular cream cheese. You can also substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce for reduced fat. If you prefer a different fruit, try using strawberry preserves instead of raspberry. Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with the brown sugar.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are delightful served chilled or at room temperature. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving or accompany with a scoop of Chocolate Ice Cream(Tastes Like A Frosty). They make a perfect dessert for gatherings or a sweet treat with coffee for brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Raspberry Cream Cheese Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in individual portions, wrapped tightly, for up to three months. To reheat, simply place a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Raspberry Cream Cheese Bars contains roughly 611 calories, with 15g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 797mg per serving (35% 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 make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, Raspberry Cream Cheese Bars can be made ahead of time. Prepare the bars and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days before serving. If freezing, ensure they are well-wrapped to maintain freshness.
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of preserves?
While you can use fresh raspberries, the preserves provide a concentrated flavor and sweetness that complements the cream cheese. If using fresh raspberries, consider adding a little sugar to them to enhance sweetness and mimic the preserves' texture.
What can I serve with these bars?
These bars pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They are also delicious alongside a cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for brunch or dessert. For a fun twist, serve them with Lime Treat for an interesting flavor contrast.
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).