Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars

Perfect coffee time accompaniment. Not too sweet and a bit of healthy. Actually, this was my breakfast. Hope you enjoy this recipe and if you’re into another berry instead, substitute.

Another of many oatmeal recipes. Try my latest here. A great way to start your day!

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffins

Recipe

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Prepare a 9 inch square baking dish by greasing with butter and adding a dust of flour.

Crust

1 1/2 Cup oatmeal-not cooked either old fashioned or five minute
1 1/2 Cup all purpose flour
1/2 Cup packed brown sugar
1/2 Teaspoon salt
1/2 Teaspoon baking soda
1/2 Cup cold butter

Cream Cheese Filling

8 Ounces cream cheese-room temperature makes for easier mixing
1/2 Cup sugar
1 Egg
1/2 Teaspoon vanilla
1 Teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Blueberry Filling

2 1/2 Cups blueberries-frozen or fresh
1/2 Cup sugar
1 1/2 Teaspoons corn starch
Pinch of salt
Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
1 Tablespoon lemon juice + 1 Tablespoon water
2 Teaspoons butter

Begin with the blueberry filling to allow time for it to cool before layering. In a sauce pan over medium heat add 2 cups of the berries, the sugar, cornstarch and salt that have been whisked together, plus the liquid ingredients. Cook until ingredients meld and thicken slightly. Remove from heat to cool. Add butter. When cool add the remaining 1/2 cup of berries. Adding the remaining berries gives the filling more whole fruit. Set aside.

For the crust whisk together all ingredients, except butter, until fully mixed. Cut in butter until the mixture is crumbly. Pour half the mixture into your prepared baking dish and pat lightly with your hand to level across the bottom of the dish. Save the remainder for the topping.

Beat the cream cheese filling together until smooth.

Layer the cream cheese mixture over the crust layer. Next add the cooled fruit layer. Top the layers with the remaining crust mixture. Pat the top of the crumbles to level the top crust.

Place baking dish into the oven and bake for about 45 minutes.

Remove and cool before slicing.

ENJOY!