Cream Cheese, Apple Butter Oat Bars

very good and better the next day.

If you cant find unsalted cashews, almonds work well with this recipe

The cream-cheese filling used here is also available as a standalone recipe: Apple Butter Bars Cream-Cheese Filling.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480 ml) quick-cooking oats
• 2 cups (480 ml) chopped unsalted cashews chopped
• 1 & 3/4 cup (180 ml) granulated sugar, divided into 1 cup (240 ml) and 3/4 cup (180 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) baking soda
• 1 cup (240 ml) butter, melted
• 16 ounces (450 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract
• 2 cups (480 ml) prepared apple butter

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350° (175°C). Spray a 9″x 13″x 2″ baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Combine the flour, oats, cashews, 1 cup (240 ml) sugar, and baking soda in a large bowl. Stir in the melted butter.
3. Reserve 1 & 1/2 cups (120 ml) of the mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly browned. Set the pan on a wire rack to cool.
5. To make the filling, beat the cream cheese and 3/4 cup (180 ml) sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer. When the mixture is creamy, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. Add the lemon juice and vanilla extract. Beat until combined.
7. Spread the apple butter over the cooled crust. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the apple butter. Top with the reserved oat mixture.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cream cheese layer is set. Cool completely before cutting into bars.