This recipe was originally submitted under the name "Cranberry Bliss Bars (Alternative Recipe)". It was supposed to be a homemade version of Starbucks' famous seasonal treat. It might be reminiscent of that, but it's quite different and - some will argue - even better than the pricey Starbucks' bars. Therefore, I've changed the name. This recipe could also be named Cranberry Cheesecake Bars. They have a crunchy cookie-like bottom crust with a soft, almost-fluffy center that tastes and feels like cheesecake. I loved these bars and so did everyone I shared them with. Bottom Line: Get ready to taste your new holiday tradition. A+ (This recipe was submitted in 2003. It was tested and photographed in December 2016.)





How To Make Cranberry Christmas Bars

Preheat oven 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 13 x 9 baking pan.

In large bowl combine flour, oats, 3/4 cup sugar and butter, mix until crumbly. Save 1 and a 1/2 cups crumb mixture for topping. Bake 15 minutes. Cool completely.

In large bowl beat cream cheese until fluffy, gradually mix in condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth. Pour evenly over crust.

In small bowl combine remaining sugar, cornstarch and cranberry sauce. Spoon over cream cheese mixture.

Sprinkle reserve crumb mixture over top. Bake 42 minutes, cool at room temperature, refrigerate before cutting. Store in refrigerator.





Cooking Note From Mr Breakfast

To cut these into bars, I found it easiest to pry the entire sheet from the pan. I used a knife to loosen the edges and then I was able to invert it onto a medium-sized cutting board. Next time I make these, I'll put parchment paper along the bottom and up two sides so I can lift the sheet of bars out of the pan.






I love the baked goods at Starbucks, but it's so much cheaper to make something similar (and maybe better) at home. These bars will remind you of cheesecake, but with a cookie crunch.

Mr Breakfast would like to thank susan for this recipe.

Overall Average Rating = 4 (out of 5)

Based on 2 votes.

From las

Rating (out of 5):

This is one of my favorites. I come back to it again and again. I would like to try raspberries or apricots sometime but these are so good I haven't experimented yet.

Comment submitted: 12/21/2010 (#11760)



From Margaret (Team Breakfast Member)

Rating (out of 5):

I have made this many times and am always asked for the recipe. Sweet tooths love it.

Comment submitted: 4/20/2009 (#7996)

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