Blackberry Jam Oat Bars

By charlotteh371

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour, plus more for shaping
• 1 cup quick cook rolled oats
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 12 tbsp. (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 tbsp. cream cheese softened
• 1/2 cup (packed) light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp. finely grated orange zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup seedless blackberry jam
• 1 tbsp. orange juice

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350. Spray a 9inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line the pan with 2 strips of parchment paper, arranging one lengthwise and the other crosswise so that the flaps extend on all four sides. In a small bowl, stir together the flour, oats and salt.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the butter, cream cheese and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, 2 mins. Add the zest and vanilla. Add the flour mixture, and mix on low until just combined. Set aside 1/2 cup of the dough and with lightly floured hands, press the rest evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake until golden brown, about 15 mins.

In a small bowl, stir together the jam and orange juice. Spread the jam mixture evenly over the baked oat base. Use 2 small spoons to drop bits of the reserved dough evenly over the top. Bake until the top is golden, about 25 mins longer. Let cool completely about 3 hours, before cutting into 16 pieces. Store leftover bars in an airtight container for up to 2 days.