Berry Oatmeal Cheesecake Cookie Bars
A delightful blend of creamy cheesecake and chewy oatmeal, these Berry Oatmeal Cheesecake Cookie Bars are a healthy yet indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Oatmeal Base
- 1 cup All-purpose flour Forms the base for our cookie bar.
- 1 tsp Baking soda Helps the cookie bars rise and stay fluffy.
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon Adds flavor that enhances the berries.
- 1/4 tsp Salt Balances sweetness.
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter Provides richness and moisture.
- 1/2 cup Packed light brown sugar Adds depth of flavor to the base.
- 1/4 cup Sugar Sweetens the bars.
- 1 large Egg Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract Enhances overall flavor.
- 2 cups Uncooked quick cook oats Forms the hearty base.
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz Cream cheese Creates a luscious filling.
- 1/4 cup Sugar Adds sweetness to the filling.
- 1 large Egg Units the filling.
- 1/2 cup White chocolate chips Adds sweetness and richness.
Fruits
- 1 cup Chopped strawberries Adds freshness.
- 1 cup Blueberries Provides juicy bursts of flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, blend the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until combined.
- In another large bowl, cream the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add in the eggs, one at a time, along with the vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated.
- Gradually blend the flour mixture into the creamed mixture, followed by the quick cook oats.
Cooking
- Divide the oatmeal mixture in half and press the first half evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan (about 1/2-inch thick).
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar and a single egg until combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the oatmeal base.
- Sprinkle the chopped strawberries and blueberries over the cream cheese layer, followed by the remaining oatmeal mixture; gently press down.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Serving
- Let the cookie bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Once cooled, slice into squares and serve warm or chilled.
Notes
Ensure butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming. Store leftovers in an airtight container for freshness. You can freeze these for up to three months.