Get the Recipe:
Apple Butter Cream Cheese Oat Bars
Apple Butter Cream Cheese Oat Bars feature layer upon layer of deliciousness, from the nutty oat crust to the spiced apple butter to the sweet cream cheese.
Ingredients
For the crust and topping:
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (160 g) quick-cooking oats
- 2 cups (about 120 g) chopped nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, or cashews
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
For the filling and assembly:
- 16 ounces (454 g) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups apple butter*
Recommended Products
Instructions
To make the crust and topping:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9″x 13″x 2″ baking pan.
- Combine the flour, oats, nuts, 1 cup sugar, and baking soda in a large bowl.
- Stir in the melted butter. Reserve 1 & 1/2 cups of mixture for the topping.
- Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Set the pan on a wire rack to cool.
To make the filling:
- Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar until creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the lemon juice and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Spread the apple butter over the cooled crust. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the apple butter. Top with the reserved oat mixture.
- Bake 35-40 minutes or until the cream cheese layer is set. Cool completely before cutting into bars. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- *Store-bought or homemade. If you don't already have a recipe you love, see my Apple-Pear Butter.
- Recipe slightly adapted from Taste of the South.
- For tips, step-by-step photos, and extra details, be sure to read the full post above before starting. It’s packed with helpful info to answer common questions!
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to a week.
Show off your baking masterpiece!Snap a pic, tag @bakeorbreak, and use #bakeorbreak on Instagram. Can't wait to see your creation!
