Berry Oatmeal Cheesecake Cookie Bars

If you love the combination of chewy cookies, creamy cheesecake, and fresh berries, then these Berry Oatmeal Cheesecake Cookie Bars are your new favorite dessert. With a soft oatmeal cookie base, a luscious white chocolate cheesecake layer, and a streusel-like oatmeal topping, these bars are an absolute flavor explosion.

Perfect for brunch, a picnic, or a sweet snack for the family, they combine textures and flavors that complement each other perfectly: the chewiness of oatmeal, the creaminess of cheesecake, the sweetness of white chocolate, and the freshness of berries. This is one dessert you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why these Berry Oatmeal Cheesecake Cookie Bars are a must-try:

• Chewy and Soft: The oatmeal cookie base provides a thick, chewy foundation.
• Creamy Cheesecake Layer: A rich white chocolate cheesecake layer adds indulgent creaminess.
• Fruity Freshness: Strawberries and blueberries give a burst of tart sweetness in every bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake ahead and refrigerate for an easy dessert option anytime.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make 15–20 bars:

Oatmeal Cookie Base

• 1 3/4 cups (228g) all-purpose flour (measured accurately)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup (168g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup (168g) packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (104g) sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups (175g) uncooked quick cook oats

Berry Cheesecake Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup (104g) sugar
• 1 large egg, divided
• 3/4 cup (127g) white chocolate chips
• 1 1/4 cups chopped strawberries
• 1 1/4 cups (163g) blueberries

Serving Size: 1 bar

Tools & Equipment Needed

Before starting, make sure you have:

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Baking spray
• Medium mixing bowl
• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Silicone spatula
• Cooling rack
• Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler for melting chocolate
• Knife for cutting bars

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper extending above the sides. Spray the short sides with baking spray to ensure easy lifting.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients for Cookie Base

In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 3/4 tsp cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream 3/4 cup butter, 3/4 cup light brown sugar, and 1/2 cup sugar on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides to ensure even mixing.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then add 2 tsp vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

6. Stir in Oats

Fold in 2 cups uncooked quick cook oats. The dough will be thick but sticky.

7. Press Half the Dough into the Pan

Take half of the cookie dough and press it evenly into the prepared pan. Set the remaining dough aside for the topping.

8. Make Cheesecake Layer

• In a large mixing bowl, beat 8 oz cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar until smooth and creamy.
• Add the egg yolk and mix until combined.
• Add the egg white separately and mix well to prevent lumps.

9. Melt White Chocolate

In a medium bowl, melt 3/4 cup white chocolate chips in 10–15 second increments in the microwave, stirring between each until fully melted.

10. Combine White Chocolate with Cheesecake

Stir the melted white chocolate into the cream cheese mixture until smooth.

11. Assemble Bars

• Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the oatmeal cookie base.
• Evenly sprinkle 1 1/4 cups chopped strawberries and 1 1/4 cups blueberries over the cheesecake layer.
• Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the top for a streusel-like finish.

12. Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Bars may jiggle slightly but should appear set.

13. Cool and Chill

Allow bars to cool on a cooling rack to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold and firm.

14. Cut and Serve

Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 15–20 bars and serve. Store in an airtight container in the fridge; best eaten within 4–5 days.

Tips & Variations

• Use Heat-Treated Flour: For extra safety, heat-treat flour when making no-bake components.
• Mix Berry Varieties: Substitute or add raspberries, blackberries, or chopped peaches.
• Chocolate Twist: Drizzle melted milk or dark chocolate on top for added decadence.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the cookie base.
• Oat Variation: Rolled oats can be used, but may affect texture slightly.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

These bars are a delightful combination of:

• Chewy and Crunchy: Oatmeal cookie base provides chewiness, while the topping adds a slight crunch.
• Creamy Sweetness: White chocolate cheesecake filling adds luxurious creaminess.
• Fresh Fruity Notes: Strawberries and blueberries balance the sweetness with subtle tartness.

Serving Suggestions: Perfect for brunch spreads, afternoon tea, or picnic desserts. Can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Nutritional Overview

Per serving (1 bar):

• Calories: 298
• Protein: 4.5 g
• Fat: 13.7 g
• Carbohydrates: 38.5 g
• Sugar: 22.8 g
• Sodium: 176.6 mg
• Cholesterol: 59 mg

Dietary Considerations: Contains dairy, eggs, and gluten; vegetarian-friendly.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prepare Dough Ahead: Cookie dough can be made and refrigerated overnight.
• Cheesecake Layer: Assemble bars a day ahead and bake fresh.
• Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen berries?
Yes, but thaw and drain excess liquid to prevent a soggy cheesecake layer.

2. Can I make mini bars?
Yes, adjust baking time slightly to avoid overbaking.

3. Can I use cream cheese alternatives?
Neufchâtel cheese or vegan cream cheese works, though texture may vary.

4. Do I have to use white chocolate?
No, cream cheese can be left plain or substituted with milk or dark chocolate for different flavor profiles.

5. How do I prevent bars from sticking?
Line pan with parchment paper overhanging the sides for easy removal.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep Dough & Base	15 minutes
Make Cheesecake Filling	10 minutes
Assemble Bars	10 minutes
Bake	25–30 minutes
Cool & Chill	30–45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 10 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled or slightly at room temperature.
• Cut into uniform bars for easier serving at gatherings.
• Top with a light dusting of powdered sugar for presentation.

Recipe Variations

1. Mixed Berry Bars: Add raspberries or blackberries.
2. Chocolate Chip Swirl: Mix mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake layer.
3. Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top before baking.
4. Citrus Infusion: Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the cheesecake layer for a zesty touch.

Ingredient Spotlight

Oats

• Provide chewy texture and hearty flavor.
• Quick cook oats are ideal for bars, but rolled oats can be used.
• Store in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.

White Chocolate

• Adds sweet, creamy richness to the cheesecake layer.
• Melt slowly to avoid burning; use in small increments.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother mixing.
• Don’t overmix cookie dough to maintain tender texture.
• Chill bars before cutting for clean edges.
• Use parchment paper overhang to easily lift bars from the pan.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerator: Airtight container up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Individually wrap bars and store in a freezer-safe container up to 2 months.
• Serving: Best served slightly chilled or at room temperature for the ideal texture.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	298
Protein	4.5 g
Carbs	38.5 g
Fat	13.7 g
Sugar	22.8 g
Sodium	176.6 mg
Cholesterol	59 mg

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian-friendly, contains dairy, eggs, and gluten.

Expanded Conclusion

These Berry Oatmeal Cheesecake Cookie Bars are the ultimate treat for dessert lovers who crave texture, flavor, and fruity freshness in every bite. The combination of chewy oatmeal cookie base, creamy white chocolate cheesecake, and bright berries is irresistible.

Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, dessert table, or just as a sweet indulgence, these bars are sure to impress. Bake, chill, slice, and enjoy—the perfect bar for berry and cheesecake lovers alike.

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