Oatmeal Cranberry Cheesecake Bars

I have put this recipe on my holiday baking list for several years and for one reason or another, I have never made it, that is until this year. I was so excited that I was finally able to make it. The biggest issue I had was that I did not completely read the directions and did not realize it needed to be refrigerated for at least 3 hours before serving, so I could not serve it when I had company over. But that turned out not to be an issue, because my family and I loved it and had no problems finishing the entire pan.
Enjoy!!!

Oatmeal Cranberry Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups quick cook oats
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 16 ounces whole berry cranberry sauce
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350º F. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix together the flour, oats and brown sugar.
3. Add in the butter and mix on medium speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Remove 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture and set aside.
5. Pour the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and press down into an even layer.
6. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned.
7. Meanwhile, in the same stand mixer bowl, beat together the cream cheese and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy.
8. Add in the eggs, lemon juice and vanilla extract. Mix well.
9. In a medium bowl stir together the cranberry sauce and cornstarch until well combined.
10. When the crust is done baking, remove the baking dish from the oven and pour the cream cheese mixture over top.
11. Spoon the cranberry mixture evenly over cream cheese mixture.
12. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top of the cranberry mixture.
13. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the set and lightly golden brown on top.
14. Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow to cool completely.
15. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
16. Cut into bars and store any remaining bars in the refrigerator.

*Adapted from A Family Feast.