APPLE BUTTER CREAM CHEESE BARS

Ingredients:

Crust & Toppings:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups quick-cooking oats

  • 2 cups chopped nuts, I used cashews and macadamia nuts 

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

Filling:

Step by step:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a medium sized baking pan 

  2. Combine the flour, oats, nuts, 1 cup sugar, and baking soda in a large bowl.

  3. Stir in the melted butter. Reserve 1 & 1/2 cups of mixture for the topping.

  4. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.

  5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Once finished, let cool


Make the filling:

  1. With an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar until creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time. Add the lemon juice and vanilla extract, mix until combined. 

  2. Spread the apple butter over the cooled crust. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the apple butter. Top with the reserved oat mixture.

  3. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the cream cheese layer is set. Cool completely before cutting into bars. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

FULL RECIPE: HERE

Recipe Credit: Bake or Break